Danika Comey
Ms. Overly
Science Pd. 2
May 22, 2008
Flora
The Populus tremuloides is a sturdy tree that is the most widely distributed tree in North America, including Jackson Hole. Another name for this strong tree is the Aspen tree, or the Quaking aspen. Aspen trees are the most common trees in North America because they are very well adapted to heat and cold. They can withstand temperatures varied from negative 70 degrees Fahrenheit to positive 105 degrees Fahrenheit. Aspen Trees tower a mighty 66 to 82 feet high or 20 to 25 meters high. They have beautiful heart shaped leaves with rounded, pointy edges and whitish greenish bark. Aspen trees reproduce with catkins, the small buds that grow on the trees before the leaves grow, or with their fervent root system. Inside the catkins there are fruit with cotton, which helps it move through the wind, and one capsule. Inside the capsule are the ten mini seeds for the reproduction. There are both male and female catkins and they both grow on separate trees and are different colored. The other way of reproduction of the Populus tremuloides is through their root system, a process called root suckers. New aspen trees shoot up through the growing roots of another. This is a great way of reproduction because if a fire happens, or anther form of secondary succession, the roots can create more trees where they have plenty of room to grow again. Fires are a key to the success of aspen trees. Because of the suppression of wildfires throughout the country, the aspen trees cannot develop as thoroughly as they want. This is not the only threat to aspens. In 1996, scientists noticed a dieback in trees as entire groves began to disappear. They thought it was because of the grazing of wildlife and domestic animals. Elk take a huge part in this, especially in Yellowstone. Organisms that can help keep aspen tree numbers up are bears and wolves because they the natural predators to elk. Others thought because there were no natural fires. People also effect the groves by using the bark of the aspen trees for lumber and matches. The bark is turned into pulp and then flaked and made into boards used for building. A conference was held in Utah in 2006 to discuss the options of the trees and to discuss tactics to save this organism. Without it, a whole ecosystem would crumble. There are many different types of caterpillars that eat the leaves and if there was no food for them, they would die. So would the predators of the caterpillars, like many types of birds. Also, the trees take in carbon dioxide and create oxygen for us to breath! When autumn comes around, the stunning fall colors provide 200 species of birds and mammals shelter, food and other resources needed for survival. We need aspen trees in our ecosystems not only for our survival, but for the survival of many other organisms.
Ms. Overly
Science Pd. 2
May 22, 2008
Flora
The Populus tremuloides is a sturdy tree that is the most widely distributed tree in North America, including Jackson Hole. Another name for this strong tree is the Aspen tree, or the Quaking aspen. Aspen trees are the most common trees in North America because they are very well adapted to heat and cold. They can withstand temperatures varied from negative 70 degrees Fahrenheit to positive 105 degrees Fahrenheit. Aspen Trees tower a mighty 66 to 82 feet high or 20 to 25 meters high. They have beautiful heart shaped leaves with rounded, pointy edges and whitish greenish bark. Aspen trees reproduce with catkins, the small buds that grow on the trees before the leaves grow, or with their fervent root system. Inside the catkins there are fruit with cotton, which helps it move through the wind, and one capsule. Inside the capsule are the ten mini seeds for the reproduction. There are both male and female catkins and they both grow on separate trees and are different colored. The other way of reproduction of the Populus tremuloides is through their root system, a process called root suckers. New aspen trees shoot up through the growing roots of another. This is a great way of reproduction because if a fire happens, or anther form of secondary succession, the roots can create more trees where they have plenty of room to grow again. Fires are a key to the success of aspen trees. Because of the suppression of wildfires throughout the country, the aspen trees cannot develop as thoroughly as they want. This is not the only threat to aspens. In 1996, scientists noticed a dieback in trees as entire groves began to disappear. They thought it was because of the grazing of wildlife and domestic animals. Elk take a huge part in this, especially in Yellowstone. Organisms that can help keep aspen tree numbers up are bears and wolves because they the natural predators to elk. Others thought because there were no natural fires. People also effect the groves by using the bark of the aspen trees for lumber and matches. The bark is turned into pulp and then flaked and made into boards used for building. A conference was held in Utah in 2006 to discuss the options of the trees and to discuss tactics to save this organism. Without it, a whole ecosystem would crumble. There are many different types of caterpillars that eat the leaves and if there was no food for them, they would die. So would the predators of the caterpillars, like many types of birds. Also, the trees take in carbon dioxide and create oxygen for us to breath! When autumn comes around, the stunning fall colors provide 200 species of birds and mammals shelter, food and other resources needed for survival. We need aspen trees in our ecosystems not only for our survival, but for the survival of many other organisms.
1 comment:
Great job describing not only the physical characteristics of the aspen tree, but also the adaptations they have allowing them to be successful. Also, your ties to succession and the reproductive traits of the aspen add another level of depth and comprehension! Good job!
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