Organisms in Georgia - Assignment Example

Organisms in your biome Describe Your Own Environment A moist forest biome with warm temperate characterizes the natural environment for Georgia. The land in Atlanta consists of rivers, lakes and rolling hills. Atlanta, Georgia in the US is elevated at 315 m (1033 ft) high at 33°38 N and 84°25W. Atlanta is located in the Piedmont Region. Therefore, the temperature in Atlanta is much warmer than that in the mountain regions. This is the reason behind Atlanta having the largest population in Georgia. Atlanta Georgia is quite humid with a subtropical climate that is a bit mild but lacks a dry season. It is moist all year round (rains throughout the year). The total annual precipitation in Atlanta, Georgia averages 50.8 inches (1289.7 mm). The precipitation is approximately 31.63 Gallons/ft² (1289.7 Liters/m²). In a year, the average hour of sunshine is 2663 hours (Climatemps, 2014). In Atlanta Georgia, the summers are muggy and hot but with thunderstorms. The winters are mild but and characterized by precipitation from the mid-latitude cyclones. Generally, seasonality is moderate. The average temperature in Atlanta is 61.3 degrees Fahrenheit (16.3 degrees Celsius). The average monthly temperatures are not constant and vary by 37.8°F (21 °C). This is an indication that that Atlanta is continental, which is a subtype of sub-continental. During winter, records show that the temperatures in a day can reach 53.1°F (11.7°C). On average, the temperatures can fall to33.7°F (0.9°C) overnight. During spring, the temperatures rise up to 72.1°F (22.3°C) generally during the afternoons with the overnight going as low as 50.4°F (10.2°C). During the summers, the temperatures rise to an average of 87°F (30.5°C) and drops to an average of 68.2°F (20.1°C). During fall/ autumn, the temperatures decrease to average highs of 72.6°F (22.6°C) during the day and average lows of 52.8°F (11.5°C) after sunrise (Climatemps, 2014). Atlanta has a diverse geographical topography, which include the Piedmont Plateau, the Appalachian Ridge and Valley Region and the Blue Ridge Region. The Piedmont is hilly in the northern region where it joins the Appalachian regions. The Piedmont is located at approximately 1, 500 feet above the sea level. Towards the southeast, the land drops its elevation. This is because the hills become gentler in their rolling. Moreover, the land decreases to around 400 feet above sea level. The mountain peaks, which increase from 2,000 feet to around 5,000 feet, characterize the Blue Ridge Region. Georgia’s highest point is at 4,784 feet. The regions in which the Appalachian Ridge and Valley and the Piedmont meet make up the city of Atlanta (Mccrary, 2014). Identify Ten Organisms   Squirrels Squirrels are pests found in Atlanta. They live in peoples attics and chew on electrical wires or wood (Professional Wildlife Removal, 2014).   Opossum These animals can be spotted in most parts of Atlanta mostly during the night. They normally go though the garbage. The opossum is an opportunistic animal that eats pets’ food and can be found living under people’s porches (Professional Wildlife Removal, 2014).   Snakes: Atlanta has several snake species (Professional Wildlife Removal, 2014).   Rats Atlanta is inhibited by different rat species. They contaminate food and live in walls or a home’s attic (Professional Wildlife Removal, 2014).   Bats Bats are found throughout Atlanta. They eat insects (Professional Wildlife Removal, 2014). Plants in Atlanta (Professional Care with a Personal Touch, 2014). Abbotswood Potentilla attracts hummingbirds and butterflies. Abelia Abyssinian Acacia (AKA Fern Acacia) Abyssinian Banana Adams Needle Rats, squirrels and opossums have a competitive relationship (a symbiotic one) whereby the snake can harm all of them. Describe Each Organism and its Environmental Needs The Abbotswood Potentilla works great in regions with mixed temperatures whereby the temperatures are not hot or cool throughout the year. The Abelia can survive in any environment because it is evergreen in warm climates and deciduous in cooler climates. The Abyssinian Acacia (Fern Acacia) is a poolside tree and the Abyssinian Banana is a tropical ornamental plant. The Adams Needle tolerates all types of environments. The Squirrels, opossum, rats, snakes and bats are all found in warm areas. Hypothesis of a New Environment How would these organisms survive if the temperature warmed up this much? The Squirrel is a well-adapted animal and will adapt to the increase in temperatures. The opossum is committed to warmth and thus will adapt. Rats will also adapt to the new temperatures. Snakes are reptiles and thus can survive in any region especially the hot areas. The bats will also adapt. The Abbotswood Potentilla and the Abyssinian Banana would survive without any problem, as it is a drought resistant plant. The Abelia can survive in any environment so it will adapt to the temperature increase. The Abyssinian Acacia (Fern Acacia) will dry up as it will shed all its leaves for a long period. The Adams Needle tolerates all types of environments so it will adapt to the temperature increase (Professional Care with a Personal Touch, 2014). Would they stay or move to a more suitable environment? The organisms able to adapt will stay but those that cannot will then move. Would a new species move in? Yes. New species that thrive in hot conditions will move in. How would migratory species be impacted? The migratory species would be distributed all over and some will not survive the migration. What would happen to your biome? Most trees in Atlanta Georgia will dry up due to the high temperatures. Now, consider if your biome changes with the temperature shift. Address the following: What types of plants and animals do you think would live there? The plants and animals that can survive in hot areas that have few trees can live in the Atlanta biome. What will happen to the rarer species? Will they cease to exist? Yes. The rare species that will be unable to adapt to the environmental changes or migrate to different areas will eventually become extinct. Identify five plants and five animals that you feel would inhabit this warmer area Snakes Bat Rats Birds Insects Creosote bush Bur sage White thorn Cat claw Mesquite Brittle bushes Describe this new ecosystem and the new interactions that will most likely exist Interspecific competition as the bats and bird will be competing for the insects. Additional Topics to Include How would environmental management practices change in your area? The environmental management practices would shift to urban heat management. This would provide effective climate change strategies to help people and organisms adapt to the climate. Would this drastic shift in temperature impact culture and society in your area? Yes. Some people might move to a different state or city that is cooler as they are not able to enjoy their outdoor activities that include music, arts and theatre temperatures. Moreover, the flora and fauna is one Atlanta’s tourist attractions and if they cease to exist, people will stop touring Atlanta. Would you still choose to live in this area after a drastic shift in temperature? Give reasons to support your answer. Yes. I love Atlanta, regardless of the climate and I would not think of living anywhere else. References Climatemps. (2014). Atlanta, Georgia Climate & Temperature. Retrieved from http://www.atlanta.climatemps.com/ Mccrary, M. (2014). Effects of Topography on North Georgia (Atlanta, GA). Severe Weather and Tornadoes. Retrieved from http://www.theweatherprediction.com/weatherpapers/122/index.html Professional Wildlife Removal. (2014). Atlanta Wildlife Control Info. Retrieved from http://www.aaanimalcontrol.com/professional-trapper/wildlife/GA-Atlanta-Wildlife.htm Professional Care with a Personal Touch. (2014). Plant Guide. Retrieved from http://www.procareenvironmental.com/plants.aspx Read More