Mammals of Nova Scotia with Ms. Reginald

Day 2: March 26, 2013

Hi Kids,

Today, I want to tell you about the people who are here with me at the Earthwatch expedition. The main scientists are Dr. Chris Newman and Dr. Christina Buesching, both from University of Oxford in England. There are 9 other people in the group, out of which 7 of us are teachers from all over the U.S. We are helping the scientists gather information as they study the Acadian forest ecosystem. We are studying how climate change and other human activities are affecting the mammal populations in these forests. These scientists are interested in learning ways to preserve biodiversity (the variety of different living things that live in an area) through sustainable forest management. These forests are also important to preserve because trees absorb carbon dioxide and produce oxygen. The scientists want to find real-life solutions by testing and establishing methods of sustainable compromise and good forest management.

Can you think of what kinds of human activities threaten these forests?

The Acadian forest is a mixed forest with both coniferous and deciduous trees. Deciduous trees are the kind of trees that we are used to near Boston, like maple trees and oak trees. These are trees which shed their leaves in the Fall and become dormant. Coniferous trees look like Christmas trees and their leaves do not fall out all at once.

Every living thing has adaptations that help them survive in the areas they live. Decididous trees live where we have good long summers and so these trees can make a lot of food to store during these months. Coniferous trees need to make food all year long because they live in areas where the sunlight is not very direct at any time. This is why they don't shed their leaves.

Coniferous trees in winter

Deciduous tree in winter

Challenge question for today: deciduous trees have flat broad leaves. Why is this a good adaptation for these trees?

Coniferous trees have leaves that are needle shaped and have a waxy covering. Why is this a good adaptation for these trees?