tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9142881600412914072.post3401298178280631674..comments2023-10-08T03:34:45.278-07:00Comments on Botany Without Borders: Rainforest EcologySamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02853318053618422097noreply@blogger.comBlogger50125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9142881600412914072.post-35838698819158344582012-04-27T09:57:50.477-07:002012-04-27T09:57:50.477-07:00I think its so interesting how the soil in the rai...I think its so interesting how the soil in the rainforest has so much poor soil. I found it interesting how the leaves can stay on the trees for so long and the animals living there use it to there advantage like the ants and termites. I like that video of the ants moving through the rainforest I thought that was really cool how they move so fast.MichelleAS275https://www.blogger.com/profile/13584489518883424504noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9142881600412914072.post-72977289728084136722012-03-05T20:34:14.680-08:002012-03-05T20:34:14.680-08:00Sorry for the late reply. It is hard to believe th...Sorry for the late reply. It is hard to believe that the soil in rainforest is so nutrient poor. You would think it would be lush and full of life, but considering that the trees are evergreen and do not shed there leaves, it makes a lot of sense. <br /><br />Thanks <br />Kristen Henlinkristenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01037421028499791171noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9142881600412914072.post-33096416510281043802012-02-29T13:55:29.735-08:002012-02-29T13:55:29.735-08:00Sorry for such a late reply. I completely forgot t...Sorry for such a late reply. I completely forgot to write here, but this blog helped me to study for the test. I would never guess that rainforest has such a poor soil. Moreover, I always thought it has the richest soil. Good thing you taught us about it. It's interesting how anything that falls down is basically utilized immediately. It is also strange in a way that leaves can stay on trees for so long! I guess I just always have a chance to observe the changes in the season, but there are just so many places on Earth that don't have it.<br /><br />Thanks,<br />Diana FreymanAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9142881600412914072.post-60281966989313469562012-02-15T13:37:34.641-08:002012-02-15T13:37:34.641-08:00I find it interesting that the soil could have a c...I find it interesting that the soil could have a chance to soak up nutrients from objects that fall to the rain forest floor. Yet, the termites and ants stop that from happening. I also really liked the video of the ants. I've always wanted to see ants close up as they are carrying something much larger than themselves.<br />-Jessica Cordero-Wilsonjescaxohhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04313394442819140563noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9142881600412914072.post-92233230436048178342012-02-11T11:46:21.627-08:002012-02-11T11:46:21.627-08:00While I understand why rain forests have such nutr...While I understand why rain forests have such nutrient-poor soil, it is still hard to believe. When I think of a rainforest, I think of luscious greenery and many different animal species. I would think that the living things in the forest need plenty of nutrients to survive, but some plants, such as the evergreens, really are more self-sufficient then many people would think. <br /><br />-Ashley WatersAshley Watershttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05946972925929681031noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9142881600412914072.post-67052738058939648982012-02-09T20:39:56.768-08:002012-02-09T20:39:56.768-08:00It is amazing to see that even when the soil is so...It is amazing to see that even when the soil is so poor organisms like the insects can adapt and work together to survive. On another note, I have a tree by my house that resembles the one in the first photo, do you think there is any way to help increase the nutrients in the soil or is it impossible?<br /><br />-Christina FleuryChristina Fleuryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11087522242394001979noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9142881600412914072.post-31491853057095146222012-02-09T11:59:08.128-08:002012-02-09T11:59:08.128-08:00I would have never thought that under all of that ...I would have never thought that under all of that lush vegetation was poor/ dry soil. I also was unaware that organic matter that falls onto the ground of a tropical rainforest is utilized by microorganisms that somehow make use of the materials. Just out of curiosity, do other soils like those in tropical rain forests make use of organic matter that falls to the ground? Overall, this was really interesting to learn about!<br /><br />-Mary RassiasMary Rassiashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07162924472873253507noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9142881600412914072.post-8530263859166457792012-02-06T14:38:32.963-08:002012-02-06T14:38:32.963-08:00The ants really are fascinating! I also never rea...The ants really are fascinating! I also never realized how nutrient-deficient the soil in rain forests are.<br /><br />-Silviasilviazengggghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15744859541197227173noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9142881600412914072.post-16869035109609742212012-02-06T14:15:59.533-08:002012-02-06T14:15:59.533-08:00This was really fascinating, because I never had t...This was really fascinating, because I never had thought about how harsh conditions in rain forests were. I did not think about how the constant rain was actually in a way hurting the plants, and how there is very little solar insolation.<br /><br /> -Julian TantzenJulian Tantzenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07367074498192894256noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9142881600412914072.post-32513218154061557342012-02-05T14:12:51.346-08:002012-02-05T14:12:51.346-08:00Thanks Professor Hammer for this post. This is ver...Thanks Professor Hammer for this post. This is very interesting and fascinating. It's incredible how poor soil can create so much biodiversity and how so much biodiversity can survive in such conditions. The world is really a unique place!<br /><br />- Stephen WongStephen Wonghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07232752965232849558noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9142881600412914072.post-48392697003719160922012-02-04T15:52:18.076-08:002012-02-04T15:52:18.076-08:00I also find it fascinating that out of such poor s...I also find it fascinating that out of such poor soil there can grow such a diverse array of plants. Though in class we attributed this biodiversity to the tall growing evergreen trees which get their nutrients from photosynthesis rather than from the soil, it left me wondering how ALL the plants are able to sustain life there. Do they ALL preform photosynthesis? (In class we discussed how some species of plants grow on/through others by mutualism or parasitism. Or how plants simply grow in the canopies.) However, I have trouble understanding how this accounts for the high level of biodiversity seen in the rainforest. Have certain plants that do not grow tall enough for photosynthesis adapted so they do not need nutrients from the soil? I hope we get a chance to discuss and answer this in class!<br /><br />Thank you for sharing your travels with us. Though the termite high-way does give me the creeps, it is fascinating how even the smallest organisms can play such vital roles in the food chain/ecosystem they inhabit. <br /><br />- Alex Shadrowashadrowhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06987100252829420143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9142881600412914072.post-42705074617164499632012-02-04T13:05:51.513-08:002012-02-04T13:05:51.513-08:00I am also very shocked to see that the rainforest ...I am also very shocked to see that the rainforest has such poor soil, yet there is still so much life in the rainforest. I also think it is so interesting how microorganisms use plants for their nutrition. Like many other people, the way that the ants help each other carry food supply and work together to protect themselves fascinates me. Thank you so much for sharing this with us! <br /><br />-Emily Shalevemily shalevhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18109777433266970068noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9142881600412914072.post-23767774966294481642012-02-03T17:38:10.986-08:002012-02-03T17:38:10.986-08:00Just as everyone mentioned, I was very surprised t...Just as everyone mentioned, I was very surprised to learn that rainforest soil is low in nutrients. After thinking about water’s properties it does make sense. The rainforest is so diverse, yet they must adapt to similar conditions, such as low nutrients in the soil. <br /><br />-Matt AuerbachMatthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00609504541425179190noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9142881600412914072.post-2707573027933578062012-02-03T09:35:54.365-08:002012-02-03T09:35:54.365-08:00It is very fascinating to see the animals working ...It is very fascinating to see the animals working together, as well as working with the vegetation in the rainforest. It is also interesting to see an environment that is so abundant with trees, plants, animals etc., while if you describe the soil conditions apart form everything else, it seems as though nothing would be able to thrive there. <br /><br />-Meredith MillerMeredithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07151130963007958391noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9142881600412914072.post-81394061242763300252012-02-03T09:16:14.207-08:002012-02-03T09:16:14.207-08:00I am still so surprised that the tropical rainfore...I am still so surprised that the tropical rainforest has such poor soil. However, this blog and our last lecture made me understand why the soil is so poor. I think it is very interesting that any organic matter that falls to the ground is utilized so quickly! It is interesting to see something as little as ants work so quickly to make use of the plant material. <br /><br />-Nicole MarinoNicole Marinohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06814039981465728482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9142881600412914072.post-69028232448428761482012-02-02T14:47:11.331-08:002012-02-02T14:47:11.331-08:00It fascinates me the way such small ants work toge...It fascinates me the way such small ants work together to protect themselves as such a large community! I also really loved the Bittersweet Double Helix. The fact that a vine can grow upwards towards the sun with such design is beautiful to see.<br /><br />Thank you for showing us this blog!<br />Cibelle Levicibellelevihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06778981324929558037noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9142881600412914072.post-12801120432397196512012-02-02T14:28:40.415-08:002012-02-02T14:28:40.415-08:00I was also quite fascinated by the fact that the r...I was also quite fascinated by the fact that the rainforest has such poor soil. I just always assumed that because it supports such a diverse and lush range of species that the soil would be fertile, but it is not.Alex Huberthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15134092710321544967noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9142881600412914072.post-66836700783009266712012-02-02T12:09:52.966-08:002012-02-02T12:09:52.966-08:00I always pictured the grounds of the rainforest to...I always pictured the grounds of the rainforest to be drenched, but it is interesting to see how these plants have adapted and been able to access water so far down. Also, the way ants can communicate and work together so well is really amazing. The amount of leaves they can carry compared to their body weight is incredible!Joshuaghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02009106946844420940noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9142881600412914072.post-26866337271843405332012-02-02T12:02:53.256-08:002012-02-02T12:02:53.256-08:00The photograph of the ants is very eye catching an...The photograph of the ants is very eye catching and captivating; great photo! It is spectacular that there are living organisms perpetuating natural cycles in every type of environment.Adrija Vaiciulionishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01909927968698717869noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9142881600412914072.post-80644526468952357402012-02-02T08:47:34.557-08:002012-02-02T08:47:34.557-08:00When i went zip lining in Ecuador a few years ago ...When i went zip lining in Ecuador a few years ago across a Tropical Rainforest i was unaware about all the diversity of plants beneath me. Reading your blog now is interesting because i did not know of the poor soil that the plants were growing in and everything that was happening in the ecosystem.Maggie Raemerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06944203641494745638noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9142881600412914072.post-88994921595850961722012-02-02T08:35:22.988-08:002012-02-02T08:35:22.988-08:00It's amazing how plants fend for themselves an...It's amazing how plants fend for themselves and hold on to their leaves in order to obtain nutrients they know are hard to obtain. It seems like plants find ways to adapt to a wider range of environments than I had originally assumed. For example, the cactus that you showed us in class adapted to a tropical rainforest.Megan Andrewshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08886858322624736141noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9142881600412914072.post-38169334149159866372012-02-01T23:17:15.793-08:002012-02-01T23:17:15.793-08:00It's so hard to believe that the leaves can st...It's so hard to believe that the leaves can stay on a plant for years. It just seems natural that in due time, they fall off for new leaves to grow, but clearly not in this case. Very interesting to say the least!Arielle Pierre-Louishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09770753702772011141noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9142881600412914072.post-3678791806786633252012-02-01T21:20:53.150-08:002012-02-01T21:20:53.150-08:00I never thought the rainforest's soil would be...I never thought the rainforest's soil would be so nutrient deficient, but after reading this article and lecture today, it makes a lot of sense. I find the video of the leaf ants extremely amusing because I have never seen anything like that. <br /><br />-Johnmichael FaustiniJohnmichael Faustinihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18380587237120382061noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9142881600412914072.post-82583273743501190722012-02-01T20:54:07.805-08:002012-02-01T20:54:07.805-08:00When I think of a rainforest, I automatically assu...When I think of a rainforest, I automatically assume that it would have rich soil. This information was very interesting to me considering it proves the exact opposite of what I thought! Also, the video on the ants is really interesting to me because I find it fascinating how efficient ants work to complete a common task. I also don't understand how such a small ant can carry a leaf that is so much bigger than itself!<br /><br />- Molly MunroeMolly Munroehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09979686628409722639noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9142881600412914072.post-14014846598101898052012-02-01T20:47:23.250-08:002012-02-01T20:47:23.250-08:00I've never been to a rainforest, and when I se...I've never been to a rainforest, and when I see rainforest in pictures or movies, I always though there must be a lot of nutrients in the soil to keep plants tall and green. It is quite stunning that the relationship between soil and plant is very different from most of other plants. Soil's inability to gain nutrients sounds intereting, since it is a natural result without human interferance.SeokMin Leehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07876092351548787297noreply@blogger.com