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Biomes and Ecosystems
Introduction to Counseling Theories (PCN-107)
Grand Canyon University
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June 24, 2020 BIO – 220 Professor V. Hobbins Biomes and Ecosystems Temperate rainforest biomes, to explain what it is, is simply to define the biome and ecosystem itself. A temperate rainforest biome is a type of rainforest that happens to be within a temperate climate, in this climate we will see a copious amount of rainfall, but the temperature it falls in is cooler compared to other rainforest biomes (Madann, 2017). This climate is also different in many ways compared to other rainforest biomes; one such way is that of how it has milder temperatures compared to that of its counterparts. The temperate rainforest biome does not experience extreme heat during the summer, or extreme cold during the summer, although their seasons are contingent on being wet to dry. Within this biome we see different types of ecosystems such as the pacific northwest temperate rainforest, Alaskan temperate rainforest and the Oregon temperate rainforest.
One such ecosystem that appeared to be unique is that of the Oregon temperate rainforest ecosystem. It appears to be a form of ocean born forests, within which we see different varieties of trees expanding into different areas such as, “Quinault, Queets, Hoh, and Bogachiel valleys” (U. National Park Services, 2018). Although there is far more than just trees within this ecosystem, there are many keystones within this particular ecosystem and these creatures have a lop-sided impact on their surroundings. These creatures we know as the condor, the beaver, wolverine, sea otters, wolves, bears, as well as the lynx (Oregon wild, 2019). Sea otters though are the winners of this particular bit, while the other populations are slowly being restored, we also see that these species are slowly growing back in size the sea otters are vital in many aspects for the state of Oregon.
Sea otters. Cute, cuddly looking, and adorable in many ways but ultimately are endangered as well as a keystone for this state. Before getting into why they are vital, a keystone species can be interpreted as the missing puzzle piece that has been found as well as the very glue that bonds everything together in place without rhyme or reason. Sea otters are the regulators in this sense. With this species, they are known as the “Northern Sea Otter”(NOAA, 2016) also they help “.. the Purple Sea Urchin population from destroying the kelp forests” (NOAA, 2016). These creatures are also known for keeping fish populations as well as other shellfish within order, not to mention the kelp forests that are off the coast-line. The sea
June 24, 2020 BIO – 220 Professor V. Hobbins otters were hunted down, not only because they were lean, but their coats were soft, and water resistant. This meant they were good during the rain, and good to keep on hand if one was needing to be dry. A few hundred years later the population dwindled to almost nothing and that was when the state began to realize how vital they were as a species, creating the defining point of their value beyond their furs.
Invasive species are rampant in many parts of the united states. Within Oregon, there are many species that pose a harm to the ecosystems and biome therein. Some aquatic species that are invasive range from the American bullfrog, Asian carp, silver carp, Chinese mitten crabs, the snapping turtle, crayfish, and even the well known red eared slider (ODFW, 2020). The red eared slider, an aquatic turtle that is often times used as an example with students in education, is also found within the wild, and not just a tank. These creatures are invasive because they eat the food that turtles within the area happen to eat as well. They are a competitive species, competing for food, native habitats, as well as nesting sites, regrettably they are also known to spread diseases to other turtles to which those turtles have no defense against and cannot build an immunity to (ODFW, 2020). The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife has made it to where people can report a species if they either have it within their yard, or if they see it while on a hike. They can call a number listed on their website which is 1 (866) – INVADER also taking a picture of it if they have see it within the location that they are in. The state is also being strict on measure as to how they are preventing people from smuggling them in or otherwise.
Endangered species, they are growing in numbers so much so that there will be few left in the future except their history within textbooks. One such species within the state of Oregon is that of the gray wolf, also known as canis lupus, they are marked as endangered on the list for Oregon, and are having a difficult time coming back in numbers (ODFW, 2020). These beautiful creatures can live up to 13 years with the male species weighing up to 180 pounds and their female counterparts weighing up to 120 pounds (Oregon Wild, 2020). These species are declining at such a rate due to people intentionally killing them or simply by accident while hunting. The state is doing the best they can to document and tag these wolves to give a better chance for them to survive, and live for further generations to see.
June 24, 2020 BIO – 220 Professor V. Hobbins References NOAA. (2016, July 12). The Northern Sea Otter and the Oregon Coast. Castor Magazine. castormagazine.wordpress/2016/07/08/the-northern-sea-otter-and-the-oregon-coast/
Oregon Wild. (2019). Return of the Keystones | Oregon Wild. oregonwild/wildlife/keystone-species
Oregon Wild. (2020, July 2). Oregon Wild. Oregon Wild. oregonwild/sites/default/files/pdf-files/Gray_Wolf_Fact_Sheet_USFWS.pdf
Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. (n.). ODFW Oregon Invasive Species. Retrieved June 26, 2020, from dfw.state.or/conservationstrategy/invasive_species.asp
Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. (n.-b). ODFW Threatened, Endangered, and Candidate Fish and Wildlife Species. Retrieved June 26, 2020, from dfw.state.or/ wildlife/diversity/species/threatened_endangered_candidate_list
Sonia Madaan. (2017, June 30). Temperate Rainforest Biome: Climate, Precipitation, Location, Seasons, Plants and Animals. Earth Eclipse. eartheclipse/ecosystem/temperate-rainforest-biome.html#:%7E:text=A %20Temperate%20rainforest%20biome%20is,temperature%20compared%20to%20tropical %20rainforests
U. National Park Service. (2018, March 19). Temperate Rain Forests - Olympic National Park (U. National Park Service). nps/olym/learn/nature/temperate- rain-forests
Biomes and Ecosystems
Course: Introduction to Counseling Theories (PCN-107)
University: Grand Canyon University
