Each Species in its Own Place

Each species in our quadrat has its own place. The Eastern Gray squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis) live mostly the in the trees so they can be closer to their food source. We assume that there were acorn trees in our quadrat because of there were squirrels present. The squirrels can live comfortably in the trees because of the easily accessed food source and the protection that comes from the leaves’ cover. In the trees, they make homes for themselves called dreys in the forks of trees. Since squirrels are omnivores, they can also eat the bugs and fungi that live on the ground level. The squirrels cannot live on the ground because they would not find shelter easily.

The Rusty Blackbird (Euphagus carolinus) lives comfortably in our quadrat because of the creek and temperate climate. They make their homes in shrubs and trees over water. They eat the insects on the surface of the water. They also eat nuts, which are present in this quadrat. They cannot live in our areas because they would not be close to water, and they would lose one of their main food sources.

The black ants (Camponotus pennsylvanicus) we observed we hiding beneath a large rock. They are omnivorous, so they get their sustenance from leaves and dead insects. Thus, our incredibly grassy quadrat is a very good place for them.

The plant life (White Ash [Fraxinus americana], American Elm [Ulmus americana], Norway Maple [Acer platanoides], American White Birch [Betula papyrifera] and American Tulip Trees [Liriodendron tulipifera]) we encountered was on the ground. Here they can easily obtain nutrients and energy from the soil and sun. Also, rain can reach the plants easily. The plant life is in a very well lit area of the park, so they can get energy from the sun more easily.

The termite alates we encountered were living under a large rock. This is the perfect home for them because they are close to deadwood and dead leaves, two of their main food sources. The termites are less likely to be eaten by squirrels or birds if they are hiding under a rock. Also, termites die when exposed to sunlight and air, so they are safest under rocks and logs. They cannot live in the trees because they would not get dead leaves or deadwood and would be exposed to sunlight and die.