tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72794017339434463932024-02-19T01:14:47.514-08:00EcofriendlyLets try to become more ecologically friendlyKelly Amaretahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14081828748046737950noreply@blogger.comBlogger276125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279401733943446393.post-19026401934984038612011-04-26T21:58:00.000-07:002018-08-09T16:26:49.748-07:00Reforestation
Reforestation
Reforestation is the growth of new trees in an area that has been cleared for human activities. It can occur naturally or be initiated by people.
Many areas of the eastern United States, such as the New England region, reforested naturally in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries after farmland that had been abandoned was allowed to lie fallow for decades.
After an Kelly Amaretahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14081828748046737950noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279401733943446393.post-32134771608221345642011-04-20T08:17:00.000-07:002019-05-08T15:43:50.584-07:00Slash and Burn Agriculture
Slash and Burn Agriculture
Slash-and-burn agriculture, also called swidden agriculture, is a practice in which forestland is cleared and burned for use in crop and livestock production. While yields are high during the first few years, they rapidly decline in subsequent years, leading to further clearing of nearby forestland.
Slash-and-burn agriculture has been practiced for many centuries Kelly Amaretahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14081828748046737950noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279401733943446393.post-92063621989391238912011-04-09T01:55:00.000-07:002019-04-13T18:20:07.868-07:00Soil Contamination
Acid mine drainage causing contamination of water and soils
Soils contaminated with high concentrations of hazardous substances pose potential risks to human health and the earth’s thin layer of productive soil.
Productive soil depends on bacteria, fungi, and other soil microbes to break down wastes and release and cycle nutrients that are essential to plants. Healthy soil is essential for Kelly Amaretahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14081828748046737950noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279401733943446393.post-4788117989476909422011-04-05T09:52:00.000-07:002017-06-19T02:47:09.526-07:00Addax
Addax
The addax is a large antelope whose coat is gray-brown in winter and almost white in summer. Black hair sprouts from its forehead and from the end of its 10- to 14-inch (25- to 36-centimeter) tail. Two long, thin, spiral horns (each twisting two or three times) extend up and back from the front of the animal’s head.
An average addax measures about 5 feet (1.5 meters) in length and Kelly Amaretahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14081828748046737950noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279401733943446393.post-609910787446156432011-04-05T03:13:00.000-07:002017-06-19T03:09:10.013-07:00Giant Armadillo
Giant Armadillo
The giant armadillo is the largest member of the armadillo family, which is composed of twenty–one species. Eleven to thirteen moveable bony plates cover a giant armadillo’s back, and three to four flexible bands cover its neck.
Its body is dark brown, while its head, tail, and a stripe around the bottom of its shell are whitish. A giant armadillo measures 30 to 39 inches (Kelly Amaretahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14081828748046737950noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279401733943446393.post-85530296301139721172011-04-04T10:01:00.000-07:002017-06-19T04:38:03.673-07:00African Wild Ass
African Wild Ass
The African wild ass is one of only seven surviving species of equids (horse family). Of these seven species, five are threatened or endangered. The smallest member of the horse family, the African wild ass stands about 4.5 feet (1.5 meters) tall at the shoulders and weighs about 550 to 600 pounds (250 to 275 kilograms).
It has a gray coat with a white belly and a dark Kelly Amaretahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14081828748046737950noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279401733943446393.post-25462971032378444022011-04-04T08:58:00.000-07:002017-06-19T06:40:54.457-07:00Aye-aye
Aye-aye
The unusual-looking aye-aye is covered with a coat of coarse blackish-brown hair, which overlays a denser coat of short white hair. The animal has very large, sensitive ears that stick out from its small, rounded head. It has sharp, rodent-like incisor (front) teeth and long, claw-like fingers and toes.
An average aye-aye is 15 to 18 inches (38 to 46 centimeters) long from the top Kelly Amaretahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14081828748046737950noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279401733943446393.post-17464199262257353002011-04-04T08:46:00.000-07:002017-06-19T06:55:17.103-07:00Golden Bandicoot
Golden Bandicoot
The golden bandicoot belongs to the order of mammals known as marsupials, whose young continue to develop after birth in a pouch on the outside of the mother’s body. The animal’s coarse fur is a mixture of yellow-orange and dark brown hairs, giving it a golden appearance.
It has a long, tapering snout and short, rounded ears. An average golden bandicoot measures 9 to 19 Kelly Amaretahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14081828748046737950noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279401733943446393.post-25527276645339950432011-04-04T08:40:00.000-07:002017-06-19T07:21:51.864-07:00Gray Bat
Gray Bat
Contrary to its name, the gray bat is reddish-brown in color. Its forearm measures 1.6 inches (4 centimeters) long, and it weighs 0.35 ounce (10 grams). The gray bat differs from other species of the Myotis genus (a group with similar characteristics) in that its wing membrane (a double membrane of skin) attaches to its ankle instead of the side of its foot.
The gray bat feeds at Kelly Amaretahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14081828748046737950noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279401733943446393.post-91602063024561013812011-04-03T09:04:00.000-07:002017-06-20T03:49:48.900-07:00Townsend’s Big-eared Bat
Townsend’s Big-eared Bat
The Townsend’s big-eared bat is named for its large ears, which are from 1 to 1.6 inches (2.5 to 4 centimeters) long. In contrast, the bat’s body length is 1.8 to 2.7 inches (4.5 to 7 centimeters), its tail length is 1.4 to 2.1 inches (3.5 to 5.3 centimeters), and its forearm length is 1.4 to 2 inches (3.5 to 5 centimeters). The average Townsend’s big-eared bat weighsKelly Amaretahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14081828748046737950noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279401733943446393.post-71286348730472491572011-04-02T07:36:00.000-07:002017-07-19T07:10:18.606-07:00Grizzly Bear
Grizzly Bear
The grizzly bear, a subspecies of the brown bear (Ursus arctos), is one of the largest land mammals in North America. An average male grizzly has a head and body length of 6 to 8 feet (1.8 to 2.4 meters), stands 3.5 to 4 feet (1 to 1.2 meters) at its shoulder, and may weigh up to 800 pounds (360 kilograms).
The smaller female grizzly weighs between 200 and 400 pounds (90 and 180Kelly Amaretahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14081828748046737950noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279401733943446393.post-207916088061329092011-04-02T07:27:00.000-07:002017-06-20T06:18:37.887-07:00Sun Bear
Sun Bear
The smallest member of the bear family, the sun bear has an average head and body length of 3.5 to 4.5 feet (1 to 1.4 meters). Its shoulder height is 26.6 inches (67.5 centimeters) and its weight is between 60 and 140 pounds (27 and 64 kilograms).
The animal’s short tail extends only 1 to 3 inches (3 to 7 centimeters). The fur on the sun bear’s body is very short and black; the furKelly Amaretahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14081828748046737950noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279401733943446393.post-34505280115310796802011-04-02T07:16:00.000-07:002017-06-20T08:15:02.609-07:00American Bison
The American bison (commonly known as the buffalo) has a massive body, humped shoulders, and pointed horns that curve up and in. In winter, its coat is dark brown and shaggy.
In the spring, this coat is shed and replaced by one that is short and light-brown. Hair on the head, neck, shoulders, and forelegs remains long and shaggy throughout the year. A beard also hangs from the chin of the Kelly Amaretahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14081828748046737950noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279401733943446393.post-71916531412406339152011-04-02T07:03:00.000-07:002017-06-20T08:31:54.193-07:00European Bison
European Bison
European bison (often called wisent, from the German word for “bison”) are the largest land mammals in Europe but are slightly smaller than their close relative, the American bison.
The adult male European bison weighs in the range of 800 to 2,000 pounds (400 to 920 kilograms); the female weighs from 650 to 1,200 pounds (300 to 540 kilograms). A good-sized male has a Kelly Amaretahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14081828748046737950noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279401733943446393.post-35698283223407012312011-04-01T09:30:00.000-07:002017-06-20T09:19:43.062-07:00Wild Water Buffalo
Wild Water Buffalo
The wild water buffalo, also known as the Asian or Indian buffalo, is a very large animal, averaging 7.75 to 10 feet (2.4 to 3 meters) long. It stands 5 to 6.25 feet (1.5 to 2 meters) tall at its shoulder and weighs between 1,550 and 2,650 pounds (700 and 1,200 kilograms). Long, coarse hair covers the buffalo’s ash gray to black body.
Both male and female water buffalo Kelly Amaretahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14081828748046737950noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279401733943446393.post-62936748325113106022011-04-01T09:22:00.000-07:002017-06-21T03:42:54.548-07:00Bactrian Camel
Bactrian Camel
The bactrian camel and the better–known Arabian camel (Camelus dromedarius) are the only two living species of true camel. Whereas the Arabian camel has only one hump, the bactrian camel has two.
An average bactrian camel stands 6 to 7.5 feet (1.8 to 2.3 meters) in height and weighs between 1,000 and 1,575 pounds (455 and 715 kilograms). The coat of a wild bactrian camel is Kelly Amaretahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14081828748046737950noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279401733943446393.post-60403371844080237692011-04-01T09:15:00.000-07:002017-06-21T04:08:08.598-07:00Cheetah
Cheetah
“Cheetah” comes from the Hindu word chita, meaning “spotted one.” Round black spots cover the cheetah’s tawny fur and a black streak runs down each cheek. An average cheetah measures 4.5 to 5 feet (1.4 to 1.5 meters) long and stands between 27 and 34 inches (69 and 86 centimeters) high at its shoulder. Its tail extends 24 to 32 inches (61 to 81 centimeters). It weighs between 80 and Kelly Amaretahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14081828748046737950noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279401733943446393.post-17562434641393549322011-03-30T22:08:00.000-07:002017-06-21T04:32:57.554-07:00Chimpanzee
Chimpanzee
Chimpanzees, gorillas, and orangutans are all considered great apes. Of the three, chimpanzees are the most closely related to humans. Chimpanzees and humans share 98 percent of the same genetic makeup.
In addition, the two groups share many social and psychological traits. Researchers have documented chimpanzees making and using tools, expressing complex emotions, forming bonds Kelly Amaretahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14081828748046737950noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279401733943446393.post-30276999395096055302011-03-30T21:58:00.000-07:002017-06-21T05:25:53.530-07:00Short-tailed Chinchilla
Short-tailed Chinchilla
The short-tailed chinchilla is a nocturnal (active at night) rodent with soft fur, large ears, and a bushy tail. It is one of two species of chinchilla—the other is the long-tailed chinchilla (Chinchilla langiera).
An average chinchilla has a head and body length between 9 and 15 inches (23 and 38 centimeters) and a tail length between 3 and 6 inches (7.5 and 15 Kelly Amaretahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14081828748046737950noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279401733943446393.post-85314131738210433212011-03-30T21:49:00.000-07:002017-06-21T05:42:51.964-07:00Malabar Large Spotted Civet
Malabar Large Spotted Civet
The Malabar large spotted civet is nearly identical to, or is in fact the same species as, the large spotted civet (Viverra megaspila). Adults of this species usually weigh about 18 to 20 pounds (8 to 9 kilograms).
Their long gray coats are mottled with large black spots. They have long tails banded in black and a black crest of long fur down their backs. Kelly Amaretahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14081828748046737950noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279401733943446393.post-29760336965693304822011-03-30T21:29:00.000-07:002017-06-21T07:10:46.881-07:00Musk Deer
Musk Deer
Musk deer are so-named because the males of the species have a gland, called the pod, that develops in the skin of their abdomen. This gland produces a waxy substance called musk, which may be used by males to attract females.
An average musk deer has a head and body length of 28 to 39 inches (71 to 99 centimeters), stands 20 to 24 inches (51 to 91 centimeters) at its shoulder, Kelly Amaretahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14081828748046737950noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279401733943446393.post-39764294824214296872011-03-30T21:14:00.000-07:002017-06-21T14:43:34.854-07:00Swamp Deer
Swamp Deer
The swamp deer is a large member of the deer family. The animal has an average head and body length of 4 to 6 feet (1.2 to 1.8 meters), measures about 4 feet (1.2 meters) in height at its shoulder, and weighs between 375 and 620 pounds (170 and 280 kilograms).
In winter, the swamp deer’s coat is brown on the top part of its body and paler on its underside. In summer, the entire Kelly Amaretahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14081828748046737950noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279401733943446393.post-6858721154254088582011-03-30T20:49:00.000-07:002017-06-22T00:52:37.398-07:00African Wild Dog
African Wild Dog
The African wild dog, also called the African painted wolf, has a streaked, multicolored coat. The tan, black, and white pattern varies between individual dogs, but each animal’s head is usually dark. An African wild dog has large rounded ears, which it uses to signal other dogs and to control body temperature by radiating (giving off) heat. Its 12- to 16-inch (30- to Kelly Amaretahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14081828748046737950noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279401733943446393.post-60455709481177305952011-03-30T20:17:00.000-07:002017-06-22T01:11:46.001-07:00Chinese River Dolphin
Chinese River Dolphin
The Chinese river dolphin, also known as baiji, is one of the most rare and endangered cetaceans (pronounced si–TAY–shuns; the order of aquatic mammals that includes whales, dolphins, and porpoises). It has an average overall length of 6.75 to 8.25 feet (2 to 2.5 meters) and weighs between 220 and 500 pounds (100 and 230 kilograms). Its body color is blue-gray on top andKelly Amaretahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14081828748046737950noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279401733943446393.post-79155638351330597652011-03-30T20:06:00.000-07:002017-06-22T02:29:39.102-07:00Dugong
Dugong
Dugongs are very large sea mammals, sometimes called “sea cows.” They have been familiar to humans for centuries, particularly because, for some reason, these ungainly creatures gave rise to the mermaid myths of the past.
Adult dugongs, both male and female, range in size from 8 to 13 feet (2.4 to 4 meters). They weigh between 500 and 1,100 pounds (230 to 500 kilograms) and have a Kelly Amaretahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14081828748046737950noreply@blogger.com