Module 9: Stability and Change

Change in a Year

This is young tree is outside of my house in South Fork Missouri. The picture was taken  by my house about 1:30 in the afternoon. If ecological succession run it's course at this time next year the tree will have grown and it will change. Obviously there are a number of factors that can hinder growth or even kill the tree.

Module 9: Stability and Change

Change of the Season 

This photo was taken in my back yard in South Fork Missouri about 1:40 on April 26, 2014. This is a picture of a Red Bud tree. If you will look closely you will see the red buds on the tree and you will also see that the tree has leaves. In the winter the tree has no leaves at all. In the spring the tree develops red or purple buds and the as summer approaches the buds fall off and the tree grows leaves. The tree changes with the season.

Module 9: Stability and Change

Daily Change

The picture of this ant hill is an example of an ecosystem that can change on a daily basis. Ant workers may build this hill up tomorrow or days at a time. This community may experience some type of primary succession through a number of external forces. Climate, people, and animals can all affect the longevity of the ant and its community. This picture was taken in South Fork Missouri about 1:35 in the afternoon on April 26, 2014.

 

Module 9 - Stability and Change

20 Year Change

Ecosystems can change dramatically within a 20 year period. This is a piece of land in South Fork is located in a corner, next to our property line. This  hay field  has been here for several years. The electrical box tells me that property development may change this ecosystem. This photo was taken about 1:40 in the afternoon on April 26, 2014. I really think that in 20 years there will be a house and a yard instead of hay. Houses are  being built behind this property.

Ecosystem Interactions

Turkey

Missouri's turkey season opened today April 21, 2014. The day was mostly cloudy with scattered showers. My photo was taken in South Fork, Missouri about 5:00 in the afternoon.

Ecosystems Interaction

Brush Pile

The brush pile is very valuable to the turkey. The brush pile primarily serves as cover so the turkey can hide from its predators. The turkey also has a very large variety of foods. The decomposed logs in a forest will supply the turkey with insects, spiders, snails, and millipedes. This photo was taken in South Fork, Missouri about 4:45 on April 24, 2014.

Ecosystem Interactions

Pastures and Woods in South Fork

The turkey will be found hiding in the woods for cover during the day and night. In the woods they have cover and eat on berries, acorns, worms, buds, vines, salamanders and small snakes. The turkey will also roost in the trees and sleep at night.

 

The turkey enjoys the pasture too. They enjoy the sun and eat whatever they can find in the grass. They like grasses, clover, insects, tics, buds, and grasshoppers. They enter the fields in the morning after the sun rises and in the late afternoon before they roost. 

 

This photo was taken about 4:30 on April 21, 2014 on a dirt road in South Fork, Missouri. I was driving the roads looking for turkeys in a field. The conditions were cloudy and it was getting ready to rain.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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