The ecosystem we researched was the Bog. A Bog is a standing body of water with no under ground spring or fresh water to feed it. It is a wet spongy ground of decomposing plants. The Biome is a lot like a swamp. Bogs are located in low moist ground. Climate and temperature can vary, but average to above average precipitation is required to maintain a healthy bog.
The bog we researched is the Volo Bog. It is located in Illinois, USA. This bog is the only “quaking” bog in Illinois with an open center. The bog is about 50 acres in size surrounded by 1,100 acres of forest and prairie land. Habitats within the bog are trees, water, and decomposing plants.
There are several abiotic factors within the bog. For example, rock, water, mud and dirt. Biotic factors are: birds, fish, insects, mammals, plant, and reptiles. There are many populations within a bog. They include sparrows, snips, lynx, snowshoe rabbits, foxes, Bog lemming, Medo Voles, Short Ear Rabbits and the Red Winged Black Birds.
The specific species that we researched is the Red Winged Blackbird. The red wing black bird is found in the U.S.A. and Southern Canada. The bog is a perfect habitat for this species because they are omnivores, and their diet of insects and the meat of aquatic life. The Red Winged Blackbird gets about 10 inches tall. Their beaks are sharp and coned shaped. They are in the middles of the food-chain, as they are both hunters and hunted. These birds migrate in the winter and will hibernate.
There are no real natural disasters known about bogs. However, the preservation of bogs is an issue. The need for more developed land is a threat to bogs. The habitats within a bog are dependent upon their preservation.
Works Cited:
http://www.gma.org/katahdin/bog.html
http://www.richard-seaman.com/USA/States/Illinois/VoloBog/
http://dnr.state.il.us/lands/Landmgt/PARKS/R2/region2.htm
http://www.twingroves.district96.k12.il.us/Wetlands/Bog/Bog.html
