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- The Amazon – Overview Also read ‘The Amazon’ AquaFacts at www.vanaqua.org/education/aquafacts The Amazon Basin accounts for 1/3 of the tropical rainforest belt and contains the oldest forest on Earth. It forms the world’s largest rainforest and river basin and spans the borders of eight countries and one territory; located in Brazil for the most part, it also spreads into Venezuela, Columbia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana. It is fed and drained by the Amazon River. It is believed that, for millions of years, a smaller Amazon River flowed westward toward the Pacific Ocean. Then, South America (SA) broke off from Africa and moved westward where it collided with the eastward moving Pacific Ocean floor; thus, creating the Andes, flooding much of the western part of SA, and reversing the flow of the Amazon River to its current eastbound direction. Today, the Amazon River begins in Peru’s Andes (fed by glaciers) and continues eastward, with its roughly 1,100 tributaries feeding into it, and growing until it reaches the east coast of SA, more than 6,400 km from its origins, pouring 20 billion litres of freshwater per day into the Atlantic Ocean. This basin contains 20% of the Earth’s fresh water. It can rain for up to 8 months of the year, with up to three metres of rainfall – that’s roughly twice as much rain that falls on Vancouver, on average! It’s so wet there that trees release a lot of moisture and create 50% of the rain that falls in the rainforest. The Amazon River floods every year, sometimes for up to 10 months. One storey, two stories, three stories up – flood waters can rise to 15 metres high and stretch 20 km into the forests. The rising waters create a flooded forest system eight times the size of Vancouver Island. Yet, flooded forests take up only 3-4% of the Amazon basin! The astonishing diversity of the Amazon’s vegetation creates innumerable specialized niches, thus allowing for the incomparable richness of animal species that can be found in this tropical rainforest. The Amazon forest is not only the richest ecosystem on Earth; it is also one of the most complex, with millions of different interrelationships. The Amazon is home to the richest diversity of plants and animals on Earth! For a long time, the scientific community agreed that there were most likely an estimated 2 million species of animals on Earth. In 1982, that belief was challenged by the work of Terry Erwins, a biologist doing research in the Amazon. For 5 years, he studied the insects of the Amazon rainforest: what he found revolutionized what was then conceived as the world’s biodiversity. Every day, he would pick one tree and count and identify all the insects in that one tree. Every time, he would find close to 20,000 individuals, representing between 1,500 and 2,000 species, 80% of which were new species! Today, scientists estimate that there could be up to 10 million species of animals on this planet, and possibly even a multiple of that number… Over the last decade (~2000-2010), a new species was found in the Amazon every three days! The Amazon’s biodiversity: The Amazon is home to the largest variety of freshwater fishes in the world – over 3,000 species and counting. Canada has a total of 230 fish varieties. You can find up to 50,000 KNOWN species of plants (researchers believe that there could be as many undiscovered species). 1/5 of the world’s bird species (at least 2,700). Over 90% of animals are invertebrates; in Brazil alone, over 128,000 species have been described so far. In any 2.5 km2 of forest (roughly half the size of Stanley Park), about 50,000 species of insects can be found! More than 4,000 different types of butterflies have already been catalogued, with hundreds more to come! All of these animals and plants share their home with 30 million people! Home to some of the largest animals on Earth: The largest... Freshwater fish: Snake: Eagle: Rodent: Otter: Arapaima (a-r-a-pie-ma) Anaconda Harpy eagle Capybara (cap-i-baa-ra) River otter Structure of the rainforest: There are four main layers, each with specific communities of animals and plants: 1) Forest Floor: In many places, only 7% of sunlight reaches the floor. Shrubs, dwarf trees and small plants that need little light, ferns, and mushrooms. The decaying litter is quickly recycled by decomposers (like cockroaches). Animals such as deer, hoofed tapirs, tinamous (partridge-like birds), rabbits and jaguars. And, of course this layer includes all aquatic life, such as fishes, caimans, river otters, manatees, and dolphins. 2) Under-Storey: Small palms, woody shrubs and young canopy trees, interwoven with vines are found in this layer. Plants often have immense leaves and long narrow treetops (believed to be an adaptation to absorb the most sunlight). Ocelots, anacondas, and coatis can be found here. 3) Canopy: Rising 20 to 40m from the ground, forming a ‘green umbrella’ shading the rest of the forest. Direct sunlight and wind cause the ambient temperature and humidity to vary throughout the day. Sunlight is converted into energy, producing lots of leaves, fruits and nuts. Animals found here include: Parrots, toucans, insects, frogs, lizards, monkeys, and many nocturnal animals, like anteaters, kinkajous, bats, and sloths. Adaptations: prehensile tails (that can grasp), sharp claws, or skin flaps that enable some species to glide without wings. Plants have leaves that can shed the excess water with their ‘drip tips’ (preventing algae and mould growth). Many plants (bromeliads, ferns, orchids, and vines) live on the emergent layer’s tree trunks. 4) Emergent layer: Can reach up to 50m. Tall, slender trunks often supported by buttress or stilt roots to hold against winds and floods. Leaves are thick and waxy (to resist drying from wind and sunlight). Home for butterflies, some species of birds and the majestic harpy eagles. The endangered Amazon: Many of these plants and animals are endemic to very particular areas. Many animals and plants are in danger of becoming extinct, mainly because of deforestation (logging or burning of large areas) for the purpose of cattle ranching and crop cultivation. The forest provides food and shelter to animals. It also affects the fish: no trees = no fruits and nuts = no food and no shelter (also increases current speed) for the fish. No trees means the soil gets washed away with the rain (up to 1,000 cm/year), leading to important erosion and sedimentation of rivers = lower oxygen. Also changes the climate locally. Why should we care? Not only because this ecosystem is a rich and unique one, of incredible beauty, but also because it plays an important role in our own existence: Recycles carbon dioxide and produces oxygen; Source of everyday products such as rubber, coffee, and cocoa (chocolate!); Important source of medicinal products (4/5 medicines) and potential source for undiscovered cures. The Graham Amazon Gallery (opened 1987) Why a rainforest exhibit at the Aquarium? The Aquarium has been presenting animals from the Amazon (reptiles and fish) for a long time. Because there is such a strong interdependence between the aquatic and terrestrial animals and plants in this ecosystem, it only made sense to show both habitats, so that visitors can enjoy and appreciate the bigger picture. Temperature is maintained at 27 degrees by day and 22 degrees at night. Spray misters keep humidity at 75 - 80%. Lights are turned on and off gradually to simulate dawn and dusk. Free Range Concept: Fun place because a) Can see live plants and animals without a glass in between, and b) Always changing! Challenging place because the animals move! That’s why good to come early, before the program, for a look, resulting in a more enjoyable and exciting time for the students. Most animals have favourite spots. Familiarize yourself with the way this habitat is built, from the floor to the ceiling. Look at the different layers of vegetation: at the shapes of the leaves, the root systems if you can see it, the flowers and fruits, if any. Then listen and look for animals you can find (on or close to: plants, water, ground, and ceiling). Try to identify the animals (search for the info panels). Try to observe them a little while: What are they doing? Where do the animals in the exhibits come from? Purchased from local tropical fish dealers (who bred them); Obtained from conservation-oriented groups; Many are bred at the Aquarium, or at other aquariums; and, Donations from hobbyists (fishes). Fish Background Information: The Amazon is home to more than 3,000 freshwater species. Piranha Famous or infamous carnivore of the Amazon - It is important to demystify these creatures Only 4 are carnivores out of 20 species: the others eat mainly plants, fruit and nuts Usually eat fish, but stories say they will attack anything – even so they can’t eat an entire animal by themselves and instead nip off scales and bits of flesh. Typically will attack struggling or bleeding mammals in the water or during times where food is scarce such as the dry season when they are herded together by low waters Teeth are sharper than most fish of similar size, and jaws are powerful Largest can be 30 cm Arapaima Reports of up to 4.5m – disputed largest freshwater fish (some say the Mekong Catfish gets bigger) Can live up to 15 years, the ones we have are about 10 years old Adults are obligate air breathers – breathe every 10-20 minutes Eat other fish, small birds, and insects. At the aquarium, they’re fed rainbow trout. Has no teeth but a bony tongue Mouth-brooder - The father guarding the eggs is known to take them in his mouth and move them to another location. The young are led by the male in a group once they are able to swim. Is endangered from over-fishing and habitat destruction Tambaqui Very powerful jaws and strong teeth - Has large molar-like teeth used for crushing food. Eats fruits and nuts that fall from the trees, live off their fat during the dry season Largest ones can be 1m and 30kg in body mass Young tambaquis have a red belly and resemble piranhas Tambaqui are also a popular food item for people in the Amazon area – concern of overfishing Red-Tail Catfish Grows as big as 130cm Eats fish and crayfish Live up to 15 years in captivity Often have spines on their fins, in many cases poisonous Has whiskers or barbells for finding its way around in low visibility and for finding food Babies are often sold as pets; people don’t always know they will grow to such large sizes when they buy them Electric Eel Not a true eel Uses electricity for three main things: deterring predators, immobilizing prey, detecting its surroundings Long eels can kill by discharging between 400 and 600 volts of electricity – the longer they are the more power they have Poor water visibility likely lead to the evolution of electricity for detecting surroundings Has breathing organs in its mouth and breaths air Human deaths from electric eels are extremely rare. However, multiple shocks can cause respiratory or heart failure and people have been known to drown in shallow water after a stunning jolt. Ghost Knife-fish Cousin to the electric eel Only weak electric superpowers - possess a weakly discharging neurogenic electric organ and ampullary electro receptors that are distributed from head to tail… this helps them hunt and to communicate. Nocturnal and blind! Can regenerate their spinal cord Eats insect larvae Sting Rays The only freshwater stingrays in the world are found in the Amazon They have a venomous serrated barb on their whip-like tail – do not ‘attack’ people, but can cause serious injury to anyone who steps on them in the often murky waters of the Amazon protruding eyes of a freshwater stingray allow them to see what is going on in the water column above while they are buried in the riverbed Like sharks, rays can detect bioelectricity, which is useful for finding prey. Give birth to live young (just like many other types of sharks, rays, and skates) Notice holes behind their eyes? These are spiracles and allow them to breathe more easily while they are hiding in the substrate. Mammal Background Information: - Warm Blooded Fur/Hair Feed young milk through mammary glands Give birth to live young Have lungs to breath air All mammals have a back bone Arboreal - Terrestrial – Aquatic Two-toed Sloth Nocturnal Only come down to forest floor once a week to defecate Sloths grow algae in their fur, it helps them blend in Generally have 18 teeth Sleeps for around 15 hours a day, low rate of metabolism enables them to live on relatively little food. Eat leaves and buds but also eat twigs, fruits, and small prey. Do not have incisors and crop leaves with their hard lips. Teeth grow continuously, as they are worn down by the grinding of their food. Don't drink but get their water from eating juicy leaves & licking dewdrops. Main predators are harpy eagles, large snakes, less often large cats (ocelots/jaguars) or caiman - defend themselves with sharp claws, but their main form of protection is their camouflage. Extremely slowly movers on ground but surprisingly good swimmers Do most things upside down: eat, sleep, mate, and give birth. Because of their upside down life, many of their internal organs (liver, stomach, spleen, pancreas) are in different positions from other mammals Sometimes let out a cry or hissing sound. Lifespan is 30-40 years (less in the wild, possibly about 20yrs) Long gray or brown hair that blends in well with the surrounding environment, making it difficult for predators, such as the jaguar, to see them. Hair curves in the opposite direction of most other mammals: from the stomach to the back, often covered with a coat of blue-green algae during the rainy season. This algae provides camouflage. Their ancestor, the Giant Ground Sloth, lived before the last ice age and reached the size of the modern elephant. ...Our Two-Toed Sloths Each have 2 names, a staff name and a contest winning name chosen by the public...(staff/official): Sally/Mazo, Hurricane/Sulis, Havoc/Yambya. At the Aquarium, they eat a mixture of steamed root vegetables (carrots, yams, sweet potato, several potato types) as well as tofu or hard-boiled egg and fruit (banana/apple/grapes), and mixed "watery" greens like romaine, green leaf lettuce, and endive Amazon Giant River Otter The largest otter in the world – 1.8m long Eat fish and crabs but have been known to eat anacondas and caimans Hunted extensively and are now among the rarest otters in the world—only a few thousand are believed to survive in the wild. Jamaican Fruit Bats – flying mammals Native to central and South America Pointier ears than most bats Grow to 9cm Is known to build a tent for shelter from Araceae and Palmae plants. Also lives in hollow trees, caves and forest foliage Processes food in 15 minutes therefore seeds are passed quickly Vampire Bat Nocturnal. Drink the blood of other animals for survival - Do not suck blood, they make a small cut with their teeth and then lick the blood as it trickles. Anti-coagulants in the saliva stop clotting. Feed on blood from cows, pigs, horses and birds. Blood sucking does not hurt the animal. Vampire bats are the only known mammal to survive solely on blood. Have fewer teeth than other bat species. Wingspan is about 8inches. Body is about the size of a human thumb. Locate prey using echolocation. Each night they drink about half their body weight in blood. Jaguar Strongest bite of all cats, second strongest mammal bite (Tasmanian devil is first) - Can bite through animal skulls Only enemy is the anaconda Jaguars do not avoid water; in fact, they are quite good swimmers. Rivers provide prey in the form of fish, turtles, or caimans Jaguars also eat larger animals such as deer, peccaries, capybaras, and tapirs. They sometimes climb trees to prepare an ambush Size: Head and body 1.5 to 1.8 m; Tail, 70 to 91 cm. Weight: 45 to 113 kg Protection status: Endangered Birds Background Information: Double yellow headed parrot Scarlet Ibis Hyacinth Macaws Tinamou Tanager Crimson-rumped toucanet Seedeater In order to fly… Birds need wings, strong muscles, light weight, many hollow bones Birds moult once a year to replace lost, old or damaged feathers Primary – long ones on wing’s end used for propelling forward Secondary, and tertiary flight feathers – used for generating lift Underlying feathers for warmth Brazilian Duck/Teal The beak is paddle-shaped The feet are placed further back on the body and are webbed for swimming Scarlet Ibis Related to herons and flamingos (distantly) Closely related to spoonbills In the wild eat Crabs, shrimp, insects, amphibians and crabs In the aquarium eat krill Bright color due to the pigment carotene found in their food Their reason for color? They may need to maintain visual contact with others of the same species, Brilliant plumage may help individuals find breeding partners, Protection Coloured leg bands are for aquarists ID of the birds, so we can tell who's who from a distance (ie. without chasing them down and catching them all the time) Closed metal bands are only put on by a licensed bander and just give the birds a worldwide official number so that they can be tracked later on Hyacinth Macaw Gus is the slimmer of the two animals, has slightly protruding eyes and a wider lower mandible. Estimated age of 47 years. He shows signs of being old (wrinkly eye and cheek skin, more heavily grooved feet) Olley is heavier set. He is handfed and 9 yrs old. Hyacinth Macaws are the World’s largest Parrot (contrary to some opinion that it is the Kakapo which is a heavier, 3kg flightless parrot, but not larger) at 100cm long and 1.7kg Native to South America, and is classified as an endangered and protected species - decline is attributable to illegal trade in exotic animals, hunters seeking its flesh and plumage, and deforestation, as the large trees where it nests are disappearing Native diet includes nuts, berries and palm fruits Harpy Eagle one of the largest species of eagles: half the length of an averagesized human and up to 9 kgs Can reach speeds above 80 kmh in flight. Double yellow head parrot is an endangered Amazon parrot prefers to live in mangrove forests or forests near rivers popular pet and an excellent talker Tinamou shy and secretive – often heard but not seen Most species can fly, but relatively poorly. Find on forest floor Eat a variety of food including insects and berries. Humming Bird Smallest: Bee Hummingbird weighs about 2.2 grams Largest: Giant Hummingbird weighs about 20 grams Can rotate its wings in a circle - can fly both forwards and backwards. They can also fly up, down, sideways, hover in one spot, or fly upside down for short distances! During normal flight their wings beat about 60-80 times per second. Beak Adaptations Birds' diets are varied and often include nectar, fruit, plants, seeds, carrion, and various small animals, including other birds Their beaks give us a clue about their diet – see picture. Plants Background Information: Plants recycle carbon dioxide and produce oxygen. Important source of medicinal products (4/5 medicines) and potential source for undiscovered cures. Stanley Park contains 8 tree species; the same area in the Amazon could contain 300 species. Adaptations The soil of the tropical rainforests is thin and very low in nutrients Many trees have buttress and prop roots for extra support in the thin rainforest soil. Plant leaves have drip tips and grooves or waxy coatings to shed water. This allows the water to fall straight down to the plant’s own roots. To absorb as much sunlight as possible in the shady understory, most leaves are very large Flexible stems/stalks that allow them to bend and follow the sunlight so they can carry out photosynthesis all day. Some plants – epiphytes - grow in the upper canopy on larger trees. This helps them get closer to the sunlight eg. Orchids and bromeliads Wood densities (comparison of Douglas fir to Amazon hardwood) Trees that grow in warmer climates usually have “lighter” or less dense wood Trees that grow in tropical rainforests do not have growth rings because they are always growing at the same rate throughout the year due to climate. Trees from temperate rainforests such as the Douglas fir have growth rings due to slow growing rate during cold winter seasons. Cacao Tree (empty pods) pronounced (ka-kay-oh) Chocolate comes from cacao pods Scientifically classified as a drupe, not a pod Inside the pod there are 20-40 seeds; these seeds are cleaned and fermented to make cocoa Seeds are covered in a white pulp – the pulp must be removed; the seeds are a pinkish colour, and must be fermented before they have that nice chocolaty brown colour and deep flavourful aroma which we love so much Rubber tree Natural rubber is the sap from Rubber trees Sap is like blood for a tree Cuts are made in the tree, and the sap is collected in buckets Harvesting rubber must be done carefully, because if you take too much sap from a tree, what will happen? Only “natural” rubber comes from trees; some types of rubber come from oil Vanilla Orchid Vanilla comes from a flower Vanilla bean is actually a capsule Most orchids live in the canopy Medicines and Supplements The Amazon rainforest yields a great bounty of plants, herbs and trees used for medicinal purposes: ‘nature's pharmacy’ About one-quarter of all the medicines we use come from rainforest plants. o Curare comes from a tropical vine. It is used as an anaesthetic and to relax muscles during heart surgery. o Quinine, from the cinchona tree, is used to treat malaria. o A person with leukemia has a 99% chance that the disease will go into remission because of the rosy periwinkle. o More than 1,400 varieties of tropical plants might be potential cures for cancer. Kapok Tree (model) Emergent tree species that can grow to a height of 150 feet or more, towering over other trees in the rainforest. Large spines protrude from the trunk to discourage damage to the trunk. Thin, plank type buttresses stabilize the giant and can extend to 30 feet. Many plants and animals grow and live in the branches of the kapok tree. Birds nest in it, and mammals use the huge branches as highways. Frogs breed in the pools of water that collect in the bromeliads. In many places the straight trunks of the kapok tree are used to make dugout canoes. The white, fluffy seed covering is used in pillows and mattresses. Since it is buoyant and water resistant it is often used in flotation devices and padding. Insect Background Information: Insect vs. Arachnid: The adult body of insects is split into three parts with six legs 1) Head- location of sensory organs 2) Thorax- location of locomotory ability 3) Abdomen- main location of digestive, reproductive and respiratory systems The adult body of an arachnid (spider) is split into two parts and they have 8 legs 1) Cephalothorax 2) Abdomen Madagascar hissing cockroaches Largest cockroach in the world Live around 5 years in captivity Eat fallen fruit and decomposing plant and animal matter from forest floor – Important decomposers in an ecosystem Make hissing sounds via forcing air from spiracles (modified breathing holes on abdomen), when disturbed, during courtship, to determine if familiar male or stranger, conveys information on size of male Food for many animals so the energy in the rainforest continues to remain in the food chain: predators include mammals, reptiles, amphibians and birds Nocturnally active, why they like dark places Males – larger horns and hairy antennae Females – smaller horns, antennae with no hair Life span is 2-5 years having 6 molts before maturity Bear live young (oviparous) 40-50 young Vietnamese Stick insect Eat leaves, special mouth parts for chewing plant matter “Sticky” feet – tiny hairs help it stick to smooth surfaces, small hooks on end of six feet help it grip branches Mimics the movement of branches swaying in the wind, Brown or green color able to camouflage well in forests Have no bones only an outer shell called an exoskeleton – often eat their moult! Can re-grow lost limbs Males – wings, females – no wings Asexual Grow 4-5 inches We feed Raspberry brambles Drop 100s of eggs on forest floor which hatch in months with the right conditions Life span 5-7 months to one year, 6molts before sexually maturity Predators are birds and mammals Huntsman spider Grow up to 15cm Lays up to 200 eggs Brown color Eats insects and invertebrates Goliath Bird eater tarantula Have venom in their fangs Not dangerous to humans but feels like a bee sting Can shoot out its bristles (hair) at enemies Makes a hissing noise that can be heard from 4.5m away Known to eat young birds stolen from nests Chilean rose tarantula Brown body with pink bristles Eat insects and mice Can grow up to 7.5 cm Herptiles Background Information: Includes reptiles and amphibians Amphibians: soft eggs (in water) tadpoles developed form Reptiles: hard shelled eggs developed form Amphibians breath with their skin and lungs – cutaneous respiration; sensitive skin Reptiles just use lungs – allows stronger/thicker skin Caiman Exhibit As babies they eat various invertebrates (snails, insects, crustaceans) As adults, their diet switches – they eat more fish, water birds, snakes and other reptiles As big as 3 metres (2m is closer to reality) Ambush predators – many people wonder why the caimans don’t move; one reason is to conserve energy since they don’t eat regularly, the other is to effectively surprise their prey (many animals can spot movement very easily) Caiman are on the endangered list as their skin is sought after for commercial use. Q. What's the difference between a crocodile and an alligator? How long can they hold their breath? And many more! See ‘Crocodilians’ Aqua Facts online at www.vanaqua.org/education/aquafacts A & C: Alligator B & D: Crocodile Emerald Tree Boa Exhibit Nocturnal carnivore Mainly hunt small mammals (rodents) also known to eat birds, other reptiles. Ambush predator; the boa in the exhibit is normally coiled – this is how they hunt. It waits coiled with head pointing down – strikes prey from above Constrictor All boas swallow food whole; jaws unhinge Can often go 2-3 months between feedings – slow metabolism Anaconda - See ‘Anaconda’ Aqua Facts online World’s largest and most powerful snake Known to grow close to 9 meters Average weight is a few hundred lbs; maximums have be up to 550lbs Possibly longest (in dispute with the python) Eat mammals (rodents, caimans, even jaguars!), caimans, birds Attacks on humans are extremely rare – most anacondas reportedly run away from humans Bear live young (gestation period ~6months) 20-50 babies a litter, ~ 30 cm long, Anacondas will also eat their babies. Constrictor Poison Arrow/Dart Frog exhibit Poison secreted from their backs; secretions increase when the frog is hot Indigenous people collected the poison by carefully heating the frog (without killing it) and collecting the poison in kapok cotton Frogs make poison chemicals from the ants they eat (red/fire ants) – when bred/raised in captivity without these ants for food, they lose their poison In captivity, they can live as long as 15 years Red-foot Tortoise Tortoises are land-dwelling turtles Can live 40-50 years, 10 – 12 inches Eat mainly plants (grasses) Males will have fights whereby they will try to turn the opponent over Mata Turtle Noses have tube extensions – acts like a snorkel Eats fish by sucking them in and swallowing whole Basilisk Lizard Omnivores Can grow to approx. 1 m If frightened can run on their large hind feet Can escape predators by running on water Tiger Rat Snake As big as 3.5 metres Hunt mostly rodents, but also birds, lizards, frogs If threatened, hisses and “puffs” throat Green iguana Green iguana (Iguana iguana) Live up to 20 years in captivity Eat mainly leaves and fruits, but also known to eat carrion and insects – younger ones need more protein (growing) Largest ones can be over 2 m