Geo-171-2014 Homework #4

On the field trip to the Berkeley marina area there is a mixture of niches including dump. In the intertidal niche we saw a number of interesting species form different branches of the tree of life. Birds were particularly obvious and are adapted in many ways: long legs for wading, long bills for probing or sharp for fishing. Under the rocks the crabs exploit the fact that not much can get to them.

The small periwinkle is adapted to hold tight to the rocks while being battered by wave action.

Further inland there is grassland habitat. Bur clover has adapted its seed to hitch a ride on passing animals as well as exploit disturbed ground. Willows are adapted to wet areas at the edge of the grassland. Himalaya blackberry has defensive thorns to protect its niche. Salt grass and pickleweed exploit a niche between the intertidal and the grassland where salinity in the soil is high. They both are adapted to deal with salt. Pickleweed concentrates it and then drops that portion of the plant.

Posted on March 4, 2014 03:50 AM by lugefool