Diversity of Life Blog

I am a student at Rosemont's College of Continuing Education. This fall (2011) I had the pleasure of taking a sustainability course that included observing life. Students in this course were tasked with creating a blog based on their observations of plants, animals and other organism.

DIVERSITY OF LIFE INDEX PAGE

BACTERIA
   Bacteria
          Actinobacteria
                   Actinomycetales
                       *Morbier Cheese (Brevibacterium linens)
          Firmicutes
                   Cocci
                       *Yogurt (Streptococcus thermophilus)
                   Babilli
                       *Sauerkraut made with (Leuconostoc mesenteroides)
                       *Bacteria (Lactobacillus reuteri)                       
ARCHAEA

EUKARYOTA
   Fungi
            Ascomycota
                    Sordariomycetes
                        *Shower Mold (Stachybotrys chartarum)
                     Eurotiomycetes
                        *Blue Cheese (Penicillium roqueforti)
                        *Bread Mold (Penicillium)
                    Saccharomycetes
                        *Baker's Yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae)           
            
            Basidiomycota
                    Agaricomycetes
                         *Turkeytail (Trametes versicolor)
                         *White Mushroom (Agaricus bisporus)
   Animalia
            Antropoda
                    Insecta
                         *Carpenter Bee ( Xylocopa violacea)
                    Arachnida
                         *Harvestmen (Phalangium opilio)
            Cordata
                    Aves
                          *Green Wing Macaw (Ara chloropterus)
                          *Bluffons Macaw (Hybrid Cross of Ara Araruna and Ara Ambigua)
                          *White Bellied Caique (Pionites leucogaster) 
                          *Barred Owl (Strix varia)
                          *Harris's Hawk (Parabuteo unicinctus)
                          *Moluccan Cockatoo (Cacatua moluccensis)
                          *African Grey Parrot (Psittacus erithacus)
                          *Lanner Falcon (Falco biarmicus)
                          *Eurasian Eagle Owl (Bubo bubo)
                    Mammalia 
                          *Eastern Gray Squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis)
                          *Newfoundland (Canis lupus familiaris)
                          *Giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis)
                          *Zebra (Equus burchellii)
                          *Red Kangaroo (Macropus rufus)

   Plantae
            Angiosperms
                    Eudicots 
                          *Autumn Olive (Elaeagnus umbellata)
                          *Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)
                          *Thundercloud (Prunus cerasifera)
                          *Black Walnut Tree (Juglans nigra)
                          *African Marigold (Tagetes erecta)
                          *Redshank (  Persicaria maculosa formerly Polygonum persicaria)
                          *Poison Ivy (Toxicodendron radicans)
                          *White Snake Root (Ageratina altissima)
                          *Mile A Minute (Persicaria perfoliata)
                          *Pink Petunia (Petunia x hybrida)
                          *Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum)
                  
                    Monocots
                          *Pickerelweed  (Pontederia cordata)
                          *Lilyturf (Liriope muscari)
                          * Purpletop (Tridens Flavus)
                    Asterid
                          *Sunflower (Helianthus annuus)
                    Araceae
                           *Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)                        
            Pinophyta
                     Pinopsida
                           *Eastern Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis)
                           *Blue Star (Juniperus squamata)     
                    Dicot     
                          *Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)      
                         

RED KANGAROO

Red Kangaroo (Macropus rufus)

Observation

I observed these kangaroos at the Philadelphia Zoo in Philadelphia, PA. I noticed at least three other kangaroos in the habitat. The males have a red coat and stand as tall as 8 feet. Their hind legs are larger than the front legs and their fur is thick but soft. As I observed, it appeared that one of the kangaroos was eating something from the ground. The habitat included some grass and other weed-like plants. After a few minutes of watching I had the pleasure of seeing them hop around the habitat. These animals can be found near the small mammal house in the zoo.

This photo courtesy of Wikipedia

TURKEYTAIL

Turkeytail (Trametes versicolor)

Observation

I observed this mushroom on 17 September 2011 while attending the Wildlife Conservation Festival at the John Heinz National Refuge Center in Philadelphia, PA. This mushroom was found away from the trail and was surrounded by some other dead trees that were growing moss and mushrooms. The mushrooms were on the right side of the bark and had several tiers. The mushroom is similar to a turkey's tail hence its name.

Abbreviated

Extra credit

PICKEREL WEED

Pickerelweed  (Pontederia cordata)

Observation

I observed this plant on 17 September 2011 while attending the Wildlife Conservation Festival at the John Heinz National Refuge Center in Philadelphia, PA. This plant was found away from the edge of the trail at the refuge. There were many other weed-like plants surrounding it. The flowers appeared to be lilac in color, the stem was erect and tall and the large leaves were green.

Abbreviated

Extra credit

REDSHANK

Redshank (  Persicaria maculosa formerly Polygonum persicaria)

Observation

I observed this plant on 17 September 2011 while attending the Wildlife Conservation Festival at the John Heinz National Refuge Center in Philadelphia, PA. The plant was found along the edge of the trail at the refuge. This particular stem of the plant seemed to reach out beyond the rest which made it very easy to notice.The flowers are pink and the tip of the green leaves are pointed. There were many other weed-like plants surrounding it.

Abbreviated

Extra credit

WHITE MUSHROOM

White Mushroom (Agaricus bisporus)

Observation

I observed the white mushrooms at Shoprite in Wyncote, PA. The mushrooms are small and white from top to bottom  

Questions
What medical properties does the white mushroom possess? What kind of activity does the mushroom hinder? Why is the white mushroom consumed the most when compared to others?

Scientific Research
Grube, Baiba J., et al. White Button Mushroom Phytochemicals Inhibit Aromatase Activity and Breast Cancer Cell Proliferation, Journal of Nutrition, Vol. 131 (2001), pp 3288-3293.

For centuries mushroom have been recognized for being an edible food source and for their medicinal properties. Mushrooms have a favorable effect on health and aid in the treatment of diseases through their immunomodulatoy, antineoplastic and lipid reducing properties. A water soluble extract taken from the white mushroom has been proven to dramatically hinder aromatase activity. Aromatase expression occurs in breast cancer tumors and is responsible for tumor growth. 

The white mushroom is a good source of antioxidants, they are available throughout the year and are  inexpensive when compared to other edible mushrooms.

The White Mushroom, when mature, is known as the Portabella Mushroom.

Further Information
Natural News
Science Daily
Wikipedia

BLUE STAR

Blue Star (Juniperus squamata)

Observation

The picture of this shrub was taken on my brother's property. This shrub resembles an evergreen tree. The leaves are needle like and are blue-green in color and the bark is brown. I don't believe that this shrub grows very tall as it appears to have remained the same height as the previous year. There are only a few others scrubs that line the window of the house so this one has plenty of space.

Abbreviated

Extra credit

LILYTURF

Lilyturf (Liriope muscari)

Observation

The picture of this plant was taken on my brother's lawn. As I observed this plant I assume that there were two. The lilyturf produces purple flowers on a stem and it also has long grass like blades. Several of these plants border one side of the house. The plants are surround by rocks.

Abbreviated

Extra credit

POISON IVY

Poison Ivy (Toxicodendron radicans)

Observation

I observed this plant from my brother's yard. I noticed that the top of the leaf is green and the under side of the leaf is grey. The vine was growing down and over the back wall of the property. There were many weeds and trees growing behind the property. Poison Ivy can causes an itchy rash on the skin.  

Abbreviated

WHITE SNAKE ROOT

White Snake Root (Ageratina altissima)

Observation
I observed this plant on 17 September 2011 while attending the Wildlife Conservation Festival at the John I Heinz National Refuge Center in Philadelphia, PA. This plant was found along the edge of the trail at the refuge. Its stem is tall with small white flowers and green leaves. The plant was not crowded by many other plants.

Abbreviated

Extra credit

MILE A MINUTE

Mile A Minute (Persicaria perfoliata)

Observation

I observed this plant on 17 September 2011 while attending the Wildlife Conservation Festival at the John Heinz National Refuge Center in Philadelphia, PA. The vine was found along the edge of the trail at the refuge. The Mile A Minute has blue fruit, barbed green stems and triangular leaves. There were many other weed like plants surrounding it but it shared space with a purpletop.

Abbreviated

Extra credit

PURPLETOP

Purpletop (Tridens Flavus)

Observation

I observed this flower on 17 September 2011 while attending the Wildlife Conservation Festival at the John Heinz National Refuge Center in Philadelphia, PA. This plant was found along the trail at the refuge and has purple seeds and thin green stems. 

Wikipedia

PINK PETUNIA

Pink Petunia (Petunia x hybrida)

Observation

I observed this flower in my mother's garden. The flower is pink with a green steam and leaves. As I watched this flower, I noticed that the bees in the garden did not pollinate the flowers. This petunia was surrounding by marigolds, chrysanthemums and a few others. 

Wikipedia

Abbreviated

JAPANESE MAPLE

Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum)

Observation

I observed this Japanese Maple in my mother's garden. The tree was planted 6 years ago and only stands a little more than 5 feet tall. Some of the leaves are green while others are a deep purple color. The tree is surrounded by marigolds and a few shrubs. As I observed the tree a while longer, I noticed that a few birds landed in the tree but they did not remain there very long.

Abbreviated

Further Information

Wikipedia

GREEN FOX TAIL

Green Fox Tail (Setaria viridis)

Observation

I observed this plant on 17 September 2011 while attending the Wildlife Conservation Festival at the John Heinz National Refuge Center in Philadelphia, PA. This plant is a kind of grass with a thin tall stem and blade like leaves. The head of the plant is similar to an animals tail. The plant was found along the trail at the refuge. Grass and weeds surrounded this plant.

Abbreviated

Duck Weed

Duck Weed (Lemna minor)

Observation

I observed this plant on 17 September 2011 while attending the Wildlife Conservation Festival at the John Heinz National Refuge Center in Philadelphia, PA. The duck weed could be found in several places along the water side at the refuge. This picture shows the duckweed amongst the spadder dock. The duckweed grows in the water, has tiny leaves and tiny stems. I was amazed that this aquatic plant wasn't water logged as it lives in the water. I also observed Dr. Rob eating one of the small plants. 

MOSS

Moss (Polytrichastrum formosum)

Observation

I observed this moss on 17 September 2011 while attending the Wildlife Conservation Festival at the John Heinz National Refuge Center in Philadelphia, PA. The moss was found on a dead tree bark lying along the side of the trail. The moss is green and looks similar to green turf. It appeared to have grown over the entire tree bark.

Abbreviated

Wikimedia

JERUSALEM ARTICHOKE

Jerusalem Artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus)

Observation

I observed this flower on 17 September 2011 while attending the Wildlife Conservation Festival at the John Heinz National Refuge Center in Philadelphia, PA. The plant was spotted along the trail that leads to the lake. There was other vegetation around the plant so I had to hold the flower to get a picture. The plant has a tall stem and opposite leaves with a hairy texture. The flower was yellow and has a center that is similar to the sunflower.

Abbreviated

SPADDER DOCK

Spadder Dock (Nuphar advena)

Observation

I observed this plant on 17 September 2011 while attending the Wildlife Conservation Festival at the John Heinz National Refuge Center in Philadelphia, PA. The plant was found living in the water near the bridge. Its leaves were green with some red undertones. Amazingly, none of the leaves appeared to be water logged. As I observed a little longer, I noticed that there was some duck weed floating in very close proximity.

Abbreviated 

ORIENTAL BITTER SWEET

Oriental Bitter Sweet (Celastrus orbiculatus)

Observation

I observed this plant on 17 September 2011 while attending the Wildlife Conservation Festival at the John Heinz National Refuge Center in Philadelphia, PA. The plant was on the trail with other plant life. The vine  has light green leaves and yellow fruit. There were other weed like plants surrounding this one. It stood out because of its fruit.

Abbreviated

BLUFFONS MACAW

Bluffons Macaw (Hybrid Cross of Ara Araruna and Ara Ambigua)

Observation

I observed this macaw on 17 September 2011 while attending the Wildlife Conservation Festival at the John Heinz National Refuge Center in Philadelphia, PA. The macaw has blue, green and yellow feathers and the feathers on the bottom of the wings are yellow. When I asked if I could take a picture of the macaw the handler raised the bird in the air as it was perched on her hand. The bird fully extended its wings as the handler raised it up.

Abbreviated

GREEN WING MACAW

Green Wing Macaw (Ara chloropterus)

I observed the macaw on 17 September 2011 while attending the Wildlife Conservation Festival at the John Heinz National Refuge Center in Philadelphia, PA. The macaw has mostly red feathers with some blue, green and yellow feathers on the wings. When I approached this macaw it was with its handler. When I took the picture, the bird was perched on the arm of my classmate. The bird appeared to be very active as it turned its head often and paced from side to side.

Abbreviated  

.

WHITE BELLIED CAIQUE

White Bellied Caique (Pionites leucogaster)

Observation

I observed this bird on 17 September 2011 while attending the Wildlife Conservation Festival at the John Heinz National Refuge Center in Philadelphia, PA. The bird has brilliant green feathers on the wings, a white chest and orange and yellow around the head. As I approached the display, I could hear the bird making a loud noise with its mouth.The caique, on display with several other parrots, stood on a perch and moved its head often. After a few minutes the caique became quiet again.

Abbreviated

BARRED OWL

Barred Owl (Strix varia)



Observation

I observed this owl on 17 September 2011 while attending the Wildlife Conservation Festival at the John Heinz National Refuge Center in Philadelphia, PA. When I saw this owl, it reminded me of the movie Legend of the Guardians. The animated movie featured Barred Owls. The small owl has brown and white feathers with wide circles around the eyes. This owl, like the others, was calm while standing on the perch until a dog appeared. The owl immediately became flustered and began to spread his wings as if he wanted to escape. Once the dog was removed the owl became calm again.

Abbreviated

HARRIS'S HAWK

Harris's Hawk (Parabuteo unicinctus)

Observation

I observed this hawk on 17 September 2011 while attending the Wildlife Conservation Festival at the John Heinz National Refuge Center in Philadelphia, PA. The hawk has deep brown feathers with a yellow and blue beak. The eyes of the hawk are outlined in yellow as well. This was my first experience getting so close to a hawk. The hawk stood very calmly on the perch until a dog walked to the bird exhibit. The hawk, as well as the other birds in the exhibit, became flustered and began to spread its wings as if it were going to fly, away. Once the dog was removed from the exhibit the hawk became calm again.

Abbreviated 

MOLUCCAN COCKATOO

Moluccan Cockatoo (Cacatua moluccensis)

Observations

The picture of this cockatoo was taken on 17 September 2011 while attending the Wildlife Conservation Festival at the John Heinz National Refuge Center in Philadelphia, PA. When I initially encountered the bird it had just arrived at the festival with its owners. The bird was perched on the shoulder of the gentleman in the picture and was calm. After a minute or so the bird became uncomfortable. It began to ruffle its feathers. In response, the owner spoke softly, gently placed his hand around the bird and cradled it until it became calm again.

Abbreviated

GIRAFFE

Giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis)

Observation

I observed these giraffes at our nation's first zoo, The Philadelphia Zoo, in Philadelphia, PA. The zoo has 3 giraffes. These giraffes have a rich caramel colored coat with geometric like shapes outlined in white. As I watched the giraffes I couldn't hep but notice their very long necks as they pulled leaves from a tree to eat with their tongues. Their habitat included trees, very large rocks or boulders and a dirt ground. They walked back and forth and appeared to enjoy the attention from the visitors.

Abbreviated

PLAINS ZEBRA

Plain Zebra (Equus burchellii)

Observation

I observed this zebra at our nation's first zoo, The Philadelphia Zoo. This zebra has a light brown and white coat with bold black stripes. The zebra shares its habitat with a few others. There was not much activity at the zebra exhibit. This zebra appeared to be eating something off the ground. It would look up on occasion and eventually walked to another area of the habitat.

Abbreviated

Extra credit

AFRICA GREY PARROT



African Grey Parrot (Psittacus erithacus)

Observation

This picture of an African Grey Parrot was taken on 17 September 2011 while attending the Wildlife Conservation Festival at the John Heinz National Refuge Center in Philadelphia, PA. Unfortunately, the parrot had just arrived at the center so it had not yet been released from its cage. I observed the parrot as it remained calm in the cage. It appeared as if the parrot's dark eyes were staring at me intensely. The parrot had beautiful grey feathers and a black beak.     

Abbreviated

SHOWER MOLD

Shower Mold (Stachybotrys chartarum)

Observation

I observed this mold from a shower stall. The mold was black in color. It appears that the mold forms on the white caulk first then it spreads onto the tiles.The shower is constantly wet and warm. The shower stall doesn't get any air because its enclosed by a glass door.

Abbreviated

YOGURT

Yogurt (Streptococcus thermophilus)

Observation

This picture was taken at the Whole Foods Market in Jenkintown, PA. The yogurt is off white in color and has a creamy consistency. The yogurt was kept in a cold case in the market to keep it fresh.

Abbreviated

SAUERKRAUT

Sauerkraut made with (Leuconostoc mesenteroides)

Observation

My observation of this sauerkraut product took place at the Whole Foods Market in Jenkintown, PA. Whole Foods is a great place to find uncommon food products. There were several other brands of sauerkraut on the shelf as well. Sauerkraut has a very sour taste, hence the name.

Probiotics
Wikipedia

Abbreviated

LICHEN

Lichen (Lepraria incana)

Observation
This picture of a walnut tree with lichen was taken from my neighbor's backyard. The fungus on this tree is green in color, basically flat and has an almost paint like appearance. The tree is not entirely covered with the lichen but it is present from the bottom to the top of the tree.

As I was observing this tree for lichen, I noticed a squirrel climbing the tree searching for walnuts.

Wikiespecies
Wikipedia

Abbreviated

BLUE CHEESE

Blue Cheese (Penicillium roqueforti)

Observation

My observation took place at the Shoprite Supermarket in Wyncote, PA. This product was in a display case with other specialty cheeses. Blue Cheese is pale white in color with streaks of blue-green mold throughout. 

Questions

What is submerged fermentation? How long does the submerged fermentation process take? Does freshly made blue cheese obtain its flavor immediately?

Scientific Research

Nelson, John, H. Production of Blue Cheese Flavor via Submerged Fermentation by Penicillium roqueforti, Journal of Agricultural Food and Chemistry, Vol. 8, No. 4 (1970), pp. 567-569.

Blue cheese is typically made with pasteurized whole cow's milk and cultured Penicillium roqueforti.

Submerged fermentation is the process that creates the flavor substance of blue cheese. The substance contains fermenting free fatty acids or salts that are constantly mixed in a cultured medium that is injected with Penicillium roquerti under submerged aerobic conditions. Once complete, the product is treated with heat to deactivate the mold. It is the methyl ketones, metabolized by the fatty acids, that produce the powerfully unique flavor of blue cheese. The flavor process takes 24 to 72 hours.

Freshly made blue cheese does not initially have much flavor. It takes an additional 60 to 90 days for the flavor to be present in the cheese. The product is not only used in blue cheese but its also used to flavor salad dressing, snacks and appetizers.

Further Information

Patent Storm

Wikianswers

Wikipedia

MORBIER CHEESE

Morbier Cheese (Brevibacterium linens)

Observation

My observation of Morbier Cheese took place at the Whole Foods Market in Jenkintown, PA. This cheese has a very pale yellow color and has a vein of vegetable ash through the middle. The cheese was firm and had a rind on the outside. When I approached the cheese display area, the air was very pungent as there were many other kinds of cheeses on display.

Courier Press

Abbreviated

LEMON BALM

Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)

Observation

I observed this plant in my mother's garden. It appears to be very similar to peppermint as it has a minty scent. The leaves and stem are green. The plant grows in clumps and seems to spread very quickly.  It grows flowers in the summer. Unfortunately, this picture was taken in the month of September when the plant is flowerless. 

Abbreviated

EASTERN ARBORVITAE

Eastern Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis)

Observation

I observed these trees in my brother's driveway. The trees are green with fan like branches, scaly leaves and dark brown bark. The trees can grow very tall but currently only stand about 10 feet tall. There are no other plants around the trees with the exception of a few weeds.

Abbreviated

Extra credit

THUNDERCLOUD FLOWERING PLUM

Thundercloud (Prunus cerasifera)

Observation

I observed this tree on my brother's front lawn. The tree is small and stands about 20 feet tall. The tree is fruitless, has deep purple alternating leaves and brown bark. There are three trees of this kind on the lawn with shrubs inbetween.

WSU

Abbreviated

Extra credit

CARPENTER BEE

Carpenter Bee (Xylocopa violacea)

Observation
I observed this bee from my mother's flower garden. This bee was just one of several bees that were in the garden. This bee is mostly black and has some yellow coloring. I watched the bee move from flower to flower for several minutes. I also noticed that the bee did not land on every flower. There were a few that the bee considered  but quickly move on to the next. After some additional time passed the bees seemed to have all disappeared without a trace.

Abbreviated

YEAST

Baker's Yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae)

Observation

I took a picture of this yeast product at the Whole Foods Market in Jenkintown, PA. Red Star is just one of several brands that sell active yeast for baking. My mother has used yeast to make bread or rolls. Once the dough was formed, she would place it in a warm dark place. After several hours, the bread would rise and would be ready to bake in the oven. The dry yeast has a grainy consistency and a very unique odor.

 

Questions

In what food processes are strains of  Saccharomyces Cerevisiae used? Is Crohn's Disease caused by of S. Cerevisiae? Is S. Cerevisiae a  pathogen?

  

Scientific Research

Main, J., McKenzie, H., Yeaman, G R., Kerr, M A., Antibody to Saccharomyces Cerevisiae (Bakers Yeast) in Crohn's Disease , British Medical, Vol. 297 (Oct., 1998), pp. 1105-1106.

Strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae are used when baking and brewing food. It is also present in many other food products. Studies show that Crohn's Disease is not caused by Saccharomyces Cerevisiae. Instead, Crohn's Disease may be the result of a hypersensitivity to the Saccharomyces Cerevisiae antigen. It does not cause the disease because Saccharomyces Cerevisiae is not a pathogen.

Though Saccharomyces Cerevisiae is not responsible for Crohn's Disease, studies suggest that it may helpful when trying to differentiate Crohn's Disease from Ulcerative Colitis.

Further Information

Associated Content

Probiotics

Wikipedia

BIO KEFIR

Bacteria (Lactobacillus reuteri) 

Observation

I was introduced to this product that contains the bacteria, Lactobacillus reuteri, in the Whole Foods Market in Jenkintown, PA. The product caught my attention because the packaging noted that it contained probiotics. There were other yogurt products but this one stood out the most.  

Questions

What is Lactobacillus reuteri? Where can it be found in the human body? What kinds of health benefits does L. reuteri provide?

Scientific Research

Stan, Vlaicus., Tubelius, Py., Zachrisson, Anders. Increasing Work-place Healthiness with Lactobacillus reuteri, Environmental Health, Vol. 4, No.25 (Nov. 2005) pp. 1-5.

Lactobacillus reuteri is a gram-positive, rod shaped lactic acid bacteria that is naturally occurring in the human intestine and breast milk. Lactobacillus reuteri, a probiotic, has health benefits for the gut and immune system.

In a study, it was demonstrated that L. reuteri has the ability to reduce incidences of gastrointestinal sickness and fevers in children that spend time in daycare settings. L. reuteri was also proven to improve health by stimulating the immune system of adults who suffer from respiratory or gastrointestinal diseases in the workplace.  

  

Further Information

Lifeway
Pediatrics
Wikipedia