Plants and Soils of New Orleans
I am really proud of all my little scientists! You all are doing a great job!
Today I spent a lot of time identifying new plants and the caterpillars that lived on those plants.
We have a lot of the same plants in NC that they have here in Louisiana. However, I have seen alot more poision ivy!
Now that we are in the woods, I have seen a lot more topsoil and humus. I have also found a lot more decomposing plants and animals, which helps make up the fertile topsoil. Today I noticed a spot in the woods where there were no plants growing.
What do you think caused no plants to grow in that area, even though plants were growing all around it?
Today I counted the leaves on a few plants that are here in New Orleans and not in NC. For example, I found Tall Gallberry Holly today and we do not have that in NC.
Why do you think they might grow better here in Louisiana then in NC?
Last question.....
What do you think the difference between a parasite and a parasitoid is?
You all will be amazed when we talk on Thursday. We have found such cool stuff in our zoo today! Two of our caterpillars are spinning cocoons!
posted by Ms. Moser @ 7:37 PM
2 Comments:
We think the blank spot may have no humus, no water, or not enough sunlight. Maybe this is a path that humans have worn away the plants. Jimmy thinks hunters tore it up. Maybe other plants around it steals the nutrients needed for plants to go.
The holly may grow better with much more water in LA. It may also need more humus, which is located there.
I asked the scientist and he says that the hurricane destroyed this area and when it grew back, the brambles (rapberry bushes) took over the area and robbed it of nutrients. That is why there are spots of no plant life.
I agree, the holly grows better due to the extra humus. I found out today that not all holly has the pickers on the edge of it, like I think it does. The holly's scientific name is Ilex.
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