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LAND ECOLOGY - by ecologist KIMBERLY |
| We learned in WATER ECOLOGY how the weather of OSIRIS is a major contributor to the ecosystems found
there. The weather is also a major player in the ecosystems found on land. Winds can be as
strong as 100 mph. Both the plants and animals of OSIRIS appear to have adapted well to
the extreme weather conditions that exist on the planet. |
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| Unusual and unique plants like the Saxberry and animals such as the Thoras have been found in such hostile areas such as the NORTHERN POLE where temperatures can be as low as –67
to –76 degrees. Exotic and spectacular plant and animal communities thrive
even in the high mountains located on the East Shore of
Osiris Continent, where atmosphere is thinner than at the top of Mt.
Everest. |
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| The soil of OSIRIS is rich with minerals and
nutrients. The weathering effects of temperature, wind and water break down the
rocks of the planet’s surface to produce minerals that are the basis of soil. Tiny
plants like the Lasage grow on these rock
particles, die and decompose which provide nutrients and a source of food to not only the
soil, but other plants and animals as well. |
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Plants constitute the majority of individual
species on OSIRIS, with each species adapting to the climate and other environmental
stressors around it. In the tropical rain forest where lighting conditions may be
poor, plants like the Eudioisis have moved
upward and therefore have adapted to the "elements of the environment". It can
be found clamped on to trees thereby protecting itself from the winds, predators and other
stressors of that region. The most visible sign of adaptation to the
environment are the trees of OSIRIS. The trees are shorter than those on Earth in
order to withstand the high wind forces. Some of the trees' wood have a strength that far
exceeds any wood found on Earth, while others contain soft, flexible cores that allow them
to bend without breaking in the high winds such as the infamous TUM TUM trees of OSIRIS.
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| The animals on OSIRIS
appear to be less evolved than those on Earth. Flying animals that resemble birds account
for the largest community of warm-blooded animals on OSIRIS. |
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| A majority of these birds are pollinators,
pollinating the flowers that grow on the land. This coadaptive nature of the pollinators
and the flowers has enabled the flowers to grow sometimes up to 40 feet tall. In addition,
these flowers have a complex photosynthesis structure that allows them to absorb other
spectra of light other than green, resulting into very, bright and colorful species. |
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In the area of Greater OSIRIS Crater Lake and lower levels of elevations, large
"predatory" birds like the Zephyr fill the ecological niches. Their enormous size definitely gives
them an advantage in the competitive ecosystem on land; however, their size is also a
disadvantage. The Zephyr often becomes a victim to the high gales and rainstorms. |
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The animals that live in those areas, which
include the planets' reptiles, amphibians and insects appear to protect themselves through
several genetic and biological adaptations. For example, for some reason yet to be
analyzed further, the neon colors of the pinifrogisis
seems to repel the predatory birds from attacking them at least during the daytime.
However at night, it is a different story where most animals fall prey to these large
communities of predatory birds. |
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| This is a picture of the rainforest biome. In the
bottom corner is the Zephyr, stalking its
prey. In the bottom left corner is the Litibulb
plant. Along the ground are the Red backed turtles,
and flying through the air are two Scarlet Gumps. |
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| Like Earth many of OSIRIS’s processes
of nature work in cycles. There is a constant exchange of elements between the air, earth,
water, plants and animals and these recycling processes ensure that all living things are
able to live and grow. Below is a graph that illustrates this point. |
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