Sunday, April 27, 2014

Stability and Change: Ecological Succession


A change in....One day


My son, William picked up the infamous dandelion. As he blew on the spores it changed right before our eyes.  The change is not good for the neighbors who wish to rid their yard of weeds.  The change is great for the dandelion as its desire to reproduce is flying through the air. 


A Change in...a season


The Golden Ragwort (packera aurea) will change in one season as it loses its blooms.

A change in...one year


This picture was taken on Saturday, April 26 around noon at the Missouri
Botanical Garden in St. Louis. This area was a Missouri native plant area.  This bed was under renovation. In one year it will be full with plants and shrubs native to Missouri. 

A change in...20 years

This area of the Botanical Garden contained all plants and trees native to Missouri.  This is a picture of a young dogwood tree.  In twenty years this tree will be mature tree.  The dogwood will contribute to the ecosystem in 20 years by providing food to various animals and pollinators.  The dogwood will also contribute to the calcium cycle.  Dogwoods are not only enjoyable to look at they also have an important role in our ecosystem. 

1 comment:

  1. My favorite is the photo of your son and the dandelion seeds. I remember doing this as a kid. And the growth of dandelions in a yard can dramatically change overnight. I am amazed at how the seed heads spout up really tall after you mow the lawn...almost as if they "know" they must get those seeds out before the next mowing!

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