Biology PT on Planet Zork: Adaptations of my Organism, 8/8/12-9/8/12

Fistulae viverepetram--my organism

Adaptations of Fistulae viverepetram that enable it to fullfil its role in the food chain:

~ It has toxins to poison its consumer, the Fortis aithusa, so that it will deter other animals belonging to the same species from eating it.

~ It has a greenish-brown cap (from moss and the natural brown color of the cap) to camouflage it and prevent Fortis aithusa from being able to see it.

~ It has a long and wide tube to increase the rate of decomposition as it is able to suck up the decaying matter faster due to the increased surface area.

~ It reproduces asexually via spores to speed up reproduction process, this way, there will be more decomposers to feed on accumulating matter.

~ There is symbiosis occurring between it and an adjacent plant to ensure that it provides nutrients for surrounding plants, and yet it receives carbohydrates from the same plant.

~ Once it fully develops, it will release spores every now and then, especially when winds are strong and when it is dying. This ensures that new organisms are reproduced frequently.

Adaptations of Fistulae viverepetram that enable it to survive successfully in its habitat:

~ Widespread root structure to obtain maximum water and nutrients for itself and nearby plant, from which it will obtain carbohydrates.

~ Symbiosis with nearby plant to obtain carbohydrates to speed up respiration and energy needed to carry out life processes such as decomposition. Also provides the organism with energy during times of population fluctuation, especially during winter (migration).

~ Stomata to obtain plenty of oxygen and maximum moisture from the arid air.

~ Moss to camouflage it from consumers, making it hard for the consumer to search for it.

~ A stalk and the widespread root system to hold it firmly to the ground, thus preventing it from being blown away by the strong winds.

~ It reproduces asexually via spores to speed up reproduction process, this way, increasing chances of continuity of it species.