25. Pollinator

Aah! Don't sting me! 

Definition: A pollinator is a biotic vector that transports pollen from the anther of a flower to the stigma and combines the male and female gametes. Pollinators complete the process of fertilization in the flowers.

What the specimen is: This specimen is a common garden variety bee. They are more formally called western honey bees or european honey bees. The scientific name for bees is Apis mellifera. 

Where we found it: This bee was found in Sarah's front yard, pollinating one of her flowers.

How it relates to pollinator: Most flowering plants require pollination from bees. These insects make excellent pollinators since most of their lives are spent collecting the pollen for the production of honey. Cross pollination is a valuable thing for not only decorative flowers, but critical in the production of edible crops.

24. Parenchyma cells

So many colors!

Definition: Parenchyma cells make up several structures in plants such as the stems, roots, and leaves. These cells have thin cell walls and large central vacuoles that can store water and other materials.

What the specimen is: These plants are a variation of bromeliad known as guzmania magnifica. There are many different types of bromeliads that range from houseplants like these to pineapples.

Where we found it: These bromeliads were found in the greenhouse at a nursery.

How it relates to parenchyma cells: Like all plants, these bromeliads have leaves and roots that are made up of parenchyma cells.

23. Dicot plant with flower and leaf

I see Sarah's shadow!

Definition: Dicot plants are flowering plants that have two cotyledons, or embryos inside the seed. These plants usually flower in parts of four or five.

What the specimen is: This is a hibiscus flower, but it is also known as rose mallow. It's scientific name is Hibiscus rosa sinensis.

Where we found it: This was found in a nursery. Sarah actually has one of these in her backyard but it isn't in bloom at the moment.

How it relates to dicot plant with a flower and leaf: Hibiscus is a dicotyledon because it's seeds have two embryos The hibiscus flowers also have five petals, a common characteristic of dicot plants.

22. Cellulose

It's like a flower made up of little flowers!

Definition: Cellulose is a carbohydrate inside the cell walls of plants. This compound is what makes the cell wall strong and rigid. It is also found in paper, wood and cotton fibers.

What the specimen is: This plant is a hydrangea. The scientific name for this plant is hydrangea macrophylla. 

Where we found it: This flower was found in a nursery, since it is a common decorative plant in gardens.

How it relates to cellulose: Like all plants, hydrangeas have thick cell walls that are made up of several organic compounds including cellulose.

21. Seed Dispersal

It looks like a big neko ear!

 Definition: Seed dispersal is the transport of seeds away from the parent plant. Since plants can't move the way animals do, they rely on other ways to spread their seeds.

What the specimen is: This plant is commonly known as "butterfly weed" since it attracts butterflies. The scientific name is asclepias tuberosa.

Where we found it: This was found in a local Japanese nursery. Sarah walked there this morning after yoga class.

How it relates to seed dispersal: When butterfly weed has reached maturity, it has seed pods that split open and reveal the seeds. Butterfly weed is unique because the ends of the seeds have white silky parts that allow their seeds float. This means during windy days the seeds can be dispersed through the air.

20. Lepidoptera

There's nothing like a pretty butterfly on
a cloudy day. 

Definition: Lepidoptera is an order, or category of classification, that includes organisms that have wings that are covered in scales in its adult form. This includes butterflies, skippers, and moths.

What the specimen is: This is a Western tiger swallowtail butterfly. The scientific name for this butterfly is papilio rutulus.

Where we found it: Sarah and I were looking at another exhibit at the LA Zoo, when a butterfly landed right in front of us. We thought this would be a good opportunity for a picture.

How it relates to lepidoptera: Butterflies, like most lepidoptera have two sets of wings. They are also covered in small scales that are different colors, allowing for lots of color combinations in butterflies. This is important because this enables them to use camouflage.

19. Population

So. Much. Pink!

Definition: A population is a group of all the organisms of the same species that live in a certain area, and have the capability of breeding with each other.

What the Specimen is: This is a flamingo. There are six types of flamingo, and these are called "Greater Flamingo". Greater flamingo are the most widespread out of the six groups, they live in parts of Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle east. The scientific name for these birds is Phoenicopterus roseus. 

Where we found them: These flamingos are from the LA Zoo.

How it relates to population: This group of flamingos are kept in a large habitat at the LA Zoo. They are all the same species, and have the biological capability to mate with each other.

18. Endoterm

Geez. I feel so short next to these guys.

Definition: Endothermic animals are the opposite of ectotherms. These animals, such as mammals, are able to maintain their body temperature and homeostasis on their own.

What the specimen is: These are three of several giraffes in the exhibit. Giraffes are native to Chad, South Africa, Niger, and Somalia. The scientific name for this species is Giraffa camelopardalis. 

Where we found it: These giraffes were found in the African exhibit in the LA Zoo.

How it relates to endotherm: Giraffes are mammals, who are mostly able to regulate their body temperature without any external resources. Giraffes are able to maintain an internal body temperature of around 105 degrees fahrenheit.

17. Ectotherm

Nice feet little guy!

Definition: Ectotherms are organisms such as reptiles who rely on external sources to maintain their body heat.

What the specimen is: This is a Mossy leaf tailed gecko. The scientific name for this species is Uroplatus sikorae.

Where we found it: This little guy was in the reptile exhibit at the LA Zoo, It's a good thing he was up against the glass! Sarah says these guys are masters of camouflage and almost impossible to see anywhere else.

How it relates to ectotherm: Geckos in general all need external resources to maintain their heat; it is common to see them sunning themselves on rocks. Mossy leaf tailed geckos must be kept in environments that are 78 to 85 degrees fahrenheit during the day and between 72 and 80 degrees at night.

16. Scale from an animal with a 2 chambered heart

Whoa! That is a big fish dinner.

Definition: An animal with a two chambered heart is a creature such as a fish, that uses gills for breathing. These animals have unique hearts that are not as complex as the hearts of mammals.

What the specimen is: This is an Australian Lungfish. They are native to the fresh waters near Queensland Australia. The scientific name for this species is Neoceratodus forsteri. 

Where we found it: This fish was found in the aquatic and reptile area of the LA Zoo. 

How it relates to scale from an animal with a two chambered heart: 
Like all fish, the Australian lungfish uses gills to breathe, and has a two chambered heart made up of the atria, which receive blood, and the ventricles, which pump blood. Unlike other creatures, fish use their gills to replenish the oxygen in their blood. The scales of the fish are also shown.

15. K strategist

Victory at last! We waited 15 minutes in the
rain for a picture with this guy.

Definition: A K strategist is a population of a species that stays at or near the carrying capacity of the environment. These species give birth to fewer offspring and tend to have longer life spans than R strategists.

What the specimen is: This is an Asian elephant. The scientific name for this species is Elephas maximus. 

Where we found it: This guy is from the Indian exhibit of the LA Zoo. 

How it relates to K strategist: Like K strategists, elephants give birth to few offspring and have long life spans. The gestation period for elephants is usually around 2 years. Specifically, it takes 18 to 22 months from conception to the birth of a single calf. The mother does not mate again until the calf is fully weaned. This takes about 5 years. Elephants also have a life span of around 60 years in the wild. 

14. Heterotroph

Wakey wakey big neko!

Definition: A heterotroph is an animal that needs to get it's energy from consuming organic material from other organisms.

What the organism is: This is the back end of a lion. The scientific name for these animals is Panthera leo. They are found in Africa. There are an estimated 15,000 to 30,000 lions left in the wild.

Where we found it: These two lions were found in the Africa exhibit of the LA Zoo. 

How it relates to heterotroph: All animals are considered heterotrophs since they all consume other organisms whether they be plants or other animals. Lions are carnivorous and eat mainly zebras, antelope, birds, lizards, and the occasional elephant. 

13. Adaptation in an animal

A day at the zoo! 

Definition: An adaptation in an animal is a special physical or behavioral trait that allows better survival. These traits evolve over time through natural selection.

What the specimen is: This is a Grevy's Zebra. The scientific name for this species is Equus grevyi. They are found in Kenya and Ethiopia, but it is estimated there are less than 2,500 of them still living in the wild. 

Where we found it: These three Zebras currently live in the LA Zoo. Sarah and her family took me with them on their trip there this weekend. 

How they relate to adaptation in an animal: Zebras have a physical adaptation of black and white stripes along their bodies. These stripes act as camouflage, since the lion, (the Zebra's main predator) is colorblind. The wavy stripes along the Zebra's body blend in with tall grass and make them harder to see. These stripes are also unique to every individual Zebra, much like human fingerprints. They serve as identification markers for young Zebra that need to recognize their mothers. 

12. Hermaphrodite

Goodness! I sure could use a tan.

Definition: A hermaphrodite is any organism that has both male and female reproductive organs.

What the specimen is: These are two cut Geranium flowers. The scientific name for these flowers is Geranium dissectum, and they are native to Europe.

Where we found it: These flowers were growing outside in Sarah's garden.

How it relates to hermaphrodite: Like most plants, Geraniums have both male and female reproductive organs. The male parts contain the anther, stamen, and pollen and the female parts are the stigma, ovary, and style.

11. C3 Plant

Hey look! Sarah's nails match the flower!

Definition: C3 Plants are the most common in the plant kingdom. These plants use only the Calvin cycle and survive the best in colder and wet climates.

What the specimen is: This is a red rose, it's scientific name is rosa macdub.

Where we found it: This rose was found growing in Sarah's front yard.

How it relates to a C3 plant: Roses, like all the other C3 groups keep their stomata open during the day. Roses are originally from a cooler part of China that had an abundant amount of rain. Therefore Roses did not need to develop a way to adapt to heat the way that CAM plants did.

10. Amniotic Egg

Yum! Tasty.

Definition: Amniotic eggs are produced by birds, reptiles, and certain mammals. In amniotic eggs the embryo develops inside a amnion. These organisms develop inside a calcium based or leathery shell instead of it's mother.

What the specimen is: These are brown chicken eggs.

Where we found them: These are regular store bought eggs that were found in Sarah's kitchen.

How they relate to amniotic eggs: Female chickens produce their young inside amniotic eggs. Instead of completing development inside of their mother, the embryos must complete a 3 week incubation period before hatching.

9. Territorial Behavior

*gasp* Do they see me?

Definition: Territorial behavior is the action of an animal or animals that are protecting their territory from members of the same species. Territory markers can be established through bird calls or pheromones in the case of mammals.

What the Specimen is: These are two of Sarah's rabbits (she has twelve). The black and white one is a girl named Pirate and the gray one behind her is a boy named Harry.

Where we found them: These guys have been living in Sarah's backyard for the past five years.

How they relates to territorial behavior: Rabbits can be very territorial animals. The twelve rabbits are split into two groups of six who stay on opposite ends of the yard. There were several fights between these two groups so we needed to divide the yard into two separate halves to prevent injuries.

8. Anther and Filament of Stamen

Hey look! Sarah's foot!

Definition: The anther and filament of the stamen are flower parts where the pollen is produced. The anther and filament are both the male reproductive parts of the flower. The stamen is a small stalk that sticks out of the center of the flower. The anther is attached to the end of the filament.

What the specimen is: The scientific name for this plant is Rotheca myricoides, but is called "blue butterfly bush" because the blue flowers resemble butterflies.

Where we found it: This plant was found in Sarah's front yard.

How it relates to anther and filament of stamen: If you look closely at the small blue flowers, you can see the the thread-like stalk in the center, this is the filament of the  flower. The small round piece at the end of the filament can be seen, this is the anther.

7. CAM Plant

What a lovely day!  ^-^

Definition: A CAM plant is a type of plant that uses crassulacean acid metabolism instead of just the Calvin cycle. These plants have adapted this skill for certain climates. These plants close their stomata during the day and open it at night in order to take in more water.

What the specimen is: This is an Agapanthus. It's scientific name is Agapanthus Africanus and is also known as an "African Lilly"

Where we found it: This plant was found at West LA college. This little guy was hiding near a stairwell.

How it relates to CAM plant: Agapanthus are native to the climate of South Africa. These plants use crassulacean acid metabolism because they require lots of water in the summer months. These plants were brought to Europe in the 17th century but some died due to the colder winters. Agapantus live better in warmer areas such as southern California.

6. Pollen

 Fun fact: Sarah won a blue ribbon
in a garden show for her pretty Cosmos
back in 2011. They're her favorite
flower!

Definition: Pollen is a powdery substance found in flowers. It is discharged from the male part of the flower. The pollen contains male gametes which fertilize the female ovary and is spread by wind, insects, and other animals.

What the specimen is: This is Sarah's favorite variation of the 35 main types of Cosmos. These are known as "bright lights" and are orange, yellow, or red as opposed to normal cosmos which are purple, light pink, and hot pink. The scientific name is Cosmos bipinnatus.

Where we found it: These were in Sarah's garden.

How it relates to pollen: The center of this flower is clearly visible, exposing the yellow pollen. Cosmos, like most flowers need this powder in order to reproduce.

5. Introduced Species

(Sarah couldn't get me into focus)

 Definition: An introduced species is a species that is not native to a particular environment. These plants live in an area outside it's original range due to intentional or accidental human activity. 

What the specimen is: This is called a Jacaranda Tree. It's scientific name is  Jacaranda mimosifolia. 

Where we found it: Similar to the pine cone, we found this on the campus of West LA college. Several of the students thought it was pretty weird that Sarah was taking pictures that weren't selfies. 

How it relates to Introduced Species: Jacaranda trees are native to South America. However, in the late 1800s, the trees were imported into South Africa as decorations from north-western Argentina. So many trees were introduced to South Africa that the city of Pretoria is now nicknamed "Jacaranda City". These trees are considered an invasive problem since they use up resources like soil nutrients instead of native plants. 

4. Gymnosperm

This pinecone is bigger than me!

Definition: A gymnosperm is a plant that does not have it's seeds enclosed in an ovary, instead it has a conifer or cycad. The word "gymnosperm" comes from a greek term that means "naked seed".

What the specimen is: This is the cone of a Pine Tree or 'Pinus'. Since the cone scales are not spread far apart, we suspect this is a female cone.

Where we found it: This pine cone came from a pine tree on the campus of West LA college. Sarah decided to take a class there this summer and may or may not have had to climb down a slope to retrieve this little lady for a photo op.

How it relates to gymnosperm: Pine cones protect the seeds of the tree and allow the seeds to disperse farther away from the parent tree. The pine seeds are inside the conifer instead of an ovary, and are therefore classified as gymnosperm.

3. Eukaryote

Sarah's awesome puppy, Lilly

Definition: A eukaryote is any organism made up of cells with a nucleus that contains genetic material and organelles with specific functions.

What the specimen is: This specimen is Sarah's chihuahua terrier mix. Her name is Lilly, and Sarah adopted her from an animal shelter as a 10 week old puppy.  Lilly is now a two year old who loves long walks on the beach anywhere and playing fetch.


Where we found this organism: We found this wild beast on the couch actually. Since we think she is a Chihuahua/ Russell Terrier mix, her ancestry can be traced to Mexico and England.

How she relates to Eukaryote:  All multi-cellular organisms are classified as eukaryotic. Animals, plants, and fungi are all eukaryotes. All dogs, like Lilly are Eukaryotes.

2. Unicellular Organism

Sarah shows off her art skills!

Definition: A unicellular organism is an organism that is made up of only one cell, and has all of it's function carried out within the one cell.

What the specimen is: This little guy is a plankton, named Plankton. Plankton are single celled creatures that float with the ocean currents. These creatures can be either tiny animals called zooplankton, or tiny plants called phytoplankton.

Where we found it: Sarah drew this picture of Plankton herself, he is a character from the Tv show Spongebob Squarepants. (Yes. She still watches it) In season six, he calls himself a "a grown single celled organism" so she thought this would be appropriate.

How it relates to unicellular organism: Plankton is a zooplankton and self admitted single celled organism. However he is said to be two inches tall, much larger than what a single celled organism should be. Then again, the show is about a talking sponge who lives in a pineapple. Scientific accuracy wasn't exactly the main focus of what they were going for.

1. Adaptation in a plant

I'm just chillin' with a cactus

Definition: Adaptations in plants are special features that allow the plant to live in certain environments and habitats. These adaptations eventually spread through populations in order to ensure the survival of the species.

What the specimen is: "Chin Cactus"
or Gymnocalycium mihanovichii

Where we found it: This little guy is a common house plant, and currently resides in Sarah's bedroom. His species is originally from South America.

How it relates to adaption in a plant: Cacti in general need to be able to withstand hot climates with little rainfall. They developed needles instead of leaves because these spines don't lose water as quickly as leaves do. The needles also protect the plant from predators looking to eat the cactus as a source of water or food. Cacti adapted with these traits over the years in order to ensure survival.

Meet Neko!

#NekoSelfie

      Konichiwa! My name is Neko! This is the Japanese word for cat. Yes, I know. My human, Sarah is very creative with names. I am what is called a Maneki Neko (招き猫) In English, this means "beckoning cat"
      
         Several stories have been told as to where my species comes from. The traditional story is this: There once was a kind monk living in a beaten down temple. He was very poor and had almost no money, but when he encountered a stray little neko he adopted her and took care of her. He once said to this neko, "If you appreciate what I have done for you, then you will do something for me in return." 
     
       This neko wanted to show the monk how much she appreciated his help. One night, a big storm came, and his neko saw several samurai coming up the road. The neko raised her right paw, and beckoned the samurai to come stay with the man in his temple. 
       
          These samurai stayed the night with the monk, and listened to him preach all about Buddha. The samurai loved his words so much, that they decided to dedicate their lives to serving Buddha. Before long, the word of this special monk (and his neko) spread all around the village. Eventually the temple became very prosperous, all thanks to the Maneki Neko!

       Maneki Neko originated in Japan, but are also used in China.We spend our lives bringing good luck to our humans. We come in several colors, the traditional ones are red, gold, black, and white. I am considered to be "green" because of my collar. What can I say? I'm a modern girl! Green Maneki Neko represent good luck in school studies. Sarah knows it too! She carries me in her backpack every day, and keeps me in her pocket on days she takes a test. I even helped her through all of her freshman year finals!Sarah and I also went on an adventure this Summer, collecting pictures for her AP Biology project. I will be proving that Sarah took all of these pictures herself.  Well! I'll see all of you later. I have a cat nap to take. 
                                                                  Sayonara! - Neko