Fungi and Plants and Skeletons, Oh My!

Grey Tooth Fungi

Grey tooth fungi belong to the stipitate hydroid fungi group, in which these fungi share morphological characters. They release their spores from tooth-like structures and their bodies have a short stalk or known as a ‘stipe.’ The grey tooth fungi’s teeth are placed on the underside of the body, and the flesh has somewhat of a leathery texture. However, when the flesh dries, it develops a spicy smell. The outside of the fungi’s body appears paler than the rest of the body because it signifies growth. When comparing, the younger specimen has the widest growth area. 

http://www.arkive.org/grey-tooth/phellodon-melaleucus/

The Fanged Pitcher Plant

The fanged pitcher plant is the largest plant in all of Asia, and not to mention they are carnivorous. They are well equipped with large pitcher-shaped leaves that are capable of trapping small organisms. Within these pitched traps there are acidic digestive juices that help the plant consume its afternoon grub. The leaves are covered with small lids that prevent rainwater from diluting the digestive liquids. 

http://www.arkive.org/fanged-pitcher-plant/nepenthes-bicalcarata/image-G19679.html

The American Bullfrog

The American bullfrog is North America’s largest frog species, and the bullfrog is known for its deep croak. The coloration of the American bullfrog actually varies depending on the location. The animal ranges from bright green to olive and brownish green. They also have a pattern of brown or grey on their back to keep camouflage. Unlike the grey tooth fungi, the American bullfrog’s underside is much paler because it does not receive any sunlight. Female American bullfrogs are also larger than the male, whoop whoop go females!  

http://www.arkive.org/american-bullfrog/lithobates-catesbeianus/image-G138019.html

The skeletal system represents the internal framework of the body. The system is composed of 270 bones in all, and as the human continues to grow, the bone total decreases to around 206. In some cases, bones have the ability to fuse together. By the age of 30, the skeleton’s bone mass reaches maximum density. The human skeleton can be also divided into two portions: the axial skeleton and the appendicular skeleton. The vertebral column, rib cage and the human skull make up the axial skeleton. The pectoral girdle, pelvic bone and upper and lower limbs make up the appendicular skeleton.  

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_skeleton

Symbiotic Relationships

Symbiotic Relationships

The Bee and the Orchid

            As human beings, we often mistake the big things surrounding our world as the little things. Take flowers as an example, without flourishing plants everything we’ve ever known would be replaced by abundances of green monotone. Not only do they supply a food source to aeronautical pollinators, such as bees, but also allow essential life.

            Bees and orchids share a mutualistic symbiotic relationship, in which complementation occurs without harm. In fact, each organism depends on the other for individual life support. Theoretically, if there were no orchids to pollinate – there certainly wouldn’t be any bees to survive. Initially, orchids are not capable of living on their own nor can the bee attract its mate astray from the significant scent.

            When you happen to dissect the orchid itself, its found to be precisely constructed for the flying insect. The flower lends the bee a “landing platform” and later fills their stomachs when collecting perfumes. Orchids stick packets of pollen onto the bees that soon become honey when water within it diminishes.

            A few orchids depend entirely on pollination of male bees for reproduction and substance. Additionally, these flowers are known for, believe it or not, mimicking other botanical organisms. When pollinated by hummingbirds and butterflies, orchids are perceived to be much warmer colors. Whereas when nectar lovers decide to feed, they tend to mimic antlers of other plant types by coloring blotchy yellow.      

            With that in mind, the symbiotic relationship between the orchid and the bee entails a certain partnership, in which not all organisms merely exist through one single species. We can justify that multiple relationships adequately display how interconnected the natural world really may be. After all, to what extent is the orchid benefiting without the bee or in other case, what good is the bee without the orchid. As we all rightly wonder, what came first the chicken or the egg?

References:

Kate, Ihle. "Bee Jeweled." Orchid Bees. ASU - Ask A Biologist, 4 Dec. 2012. Web. 07 Sept. 2014.

MORETHINKING. "The Orchid and the Bee (An Introduction to Symbiosis in Nature)." More Thinking. More Thinking, n.d. Web. 07 Sept. 2014.

Company, Houghton Miffin. "Symbiotic+Relationships." The Free Dictionary. Farlex, n.d. Web. 07 Sept. 2014.

Horak, David. "Orchids and Their Pollinators." Brooklyn Botanic Garden. BBG, 1 Apr. 2004. Web. 07 Sept. 2014.

Orkin. "What Do Honey Bees Collect: Bee Pollen Collection." Orkin. Orkin, n.d. Web. 07 Sept. 2014.