Thomas' Botany Blog

Picture from: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moringa_oleifera This interesting plant spotlight is dedicated to the Moringa Oleifera plant. This plant is very interesting because it is fast-growing, drought-resistant, and has many well known purposes. This plant is also known as the drumstick tree, or the horseradish tree. (The taste of the roots resemble horseradish) One of this plants most interesting uses is for traditional herbal medicine. It has enzymes that can be used in the healing process. This plant can also be used in water purification. What is it? This plant can reach heights of 10-12 cm with a trunk of 45 cm. It has a whitish grey color and is surrounded by cork. Flowering on this plant usually begins within 6 months, but in colder regions (by season) flowering only occurs from April to June. In areas with constant rainfall flowering can happen twice or all year round. I found this plant to be interesting because of all of its practical purposes. This plant is def

As stated in my previous blog post, parasitism is the practice of living as a parasite in or on another organism or species. This symbiotic relationships between two species of plants or animals is where one organism benefits completely, at the expense of the other organism which often will lead the "host" organism to death. The first example that I would like to discuss as part of the symbiotic relationship of parasitism is a tape worm. Below I have included a picture of a tapeworm. This tapeworm lives inside of a animal in the small intestine. Picture from: https://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Ecology/Parasitism An example that has to do with botany would have to include the Emerald Ash Borer. This beetle was discovered in southeastern Michigan near Detroit in 2002. This beetle is attacking the Ash Trees, therefore killing them off across the entire United States. Below, I have included a picture of the Emerald Ash Borer bug, that is included as a parasite to the Ash Tr

What is parasitism? Parasitism is the practice of living as a parasite in or on another organism or species. This symbiotic relationships between two species of plants or animals is where one organism benefits completely, at the expense of the other organism which often will lead the "host" organism to death. Scientists classify parasites as ectoparasites which include ticks, lice, etc. These types of parasites attach to a host, and drain the host of its nutrients/resources while not providing anything in return to the host but often times killing off the host. Below, I have included the lift cycle of a tick and how it is a parasite on organisms. Picture from: https://www.britannica.com/science/parasitism

As stated in the previous blog post, predation is is a biological interaction/symbiotic relationship that incorporates the preying of one species or organism preying on another species or organism. The first example of predation in plants and animals that I would like to discuss is the Venus flytrap and the fly. (Look at the picture below) Picture from: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-3581432/How-prey-predator-Venus-flytraps-evolved-switch-defence-tactics-attack-catching-flies-ching-flies.html The Venus Flytrap, instead of creating its own food, it waits in search of flies to land on itself, and then it closes up and eats the flies that land on the plant. This is an example of predation primarily due to the fact that the Venus Flytrap eats the flies. The second example of predation in plants and animals that I would like to discuss is the Japanese Beetles and the tree leaves. (look at the picture below) Picture from: https://www.taddikentree.com/japanese-bee

What is predation: predation is is a biological interaction/symbiotic relationship that incorporates the preying of one species or organism preying on another species or organism. Predators actively search for prey or sit and wait for it. When prey is detected, the predator then attacks the prey. This symbiotic relationship has led to many plants and other organisms/species to develop adaptations such as warning signs, alarm calls, or other signals/camouflage, etc. that protect or hide itself from its predator to avoid being attacked. Depending on the circumstances, this symbiotic relationship of predation is included in the foraging cycle for predators. (look below) Picture from: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Predation Herbivory is a type of predation in which animals/organisms consume plants. This is used to describe the consuming of plants by animals.

As stated in the previous blog post, commensalism is a symbiotic relationship in which one organism or species benefits and the other organism or species isn't harmed significantly. There are many relationships that fit into the symbiotic relationship category of commensalism. The first example of Commensalism that I would like to discuss is... Picture from: https://sciencestruck.com/examples-of-commensalism Orchids Growing on Trees This relationship is commensalistic due to the fact that the trees aren't harmed by the Orchids growing on the trees, but the Orchids are provided a host in which to live. Orchids do not grow to be a large size therefore the tree isn't harmed significantly. The second example of Commensalism that I would like to discuss is... Picture from: https://sciencestruck.com/examples-of-commensalism The Monarch Butterfly and Milkweed This relationship is commensalistic due to the fact that Milkweeds contain a poisonus chem