What is your favorite ecosystem and why?
Ask A Biologist Monday 9/13/31
Mine is the high desert because of the interesting adaptations required to live at a higher elevation that often experiences drought.
Answers from Biologists:
Kelp forest
Urban ecosystems-the strategies urban-dwelling critters use are fascinating
Temperate rainforests-these forests look like they were pulled right out of a fairytale
Spruce bog in the winter-hard to maneuver but so peaceful and beautiful
Coastal mountain forests-giant trees and beautiful rivers
Temperate rainforests-just because they’re so full of life
Forests-love my trees and the mysteries
Grasslands-the role of bison in grassland ecology is fascinating
Mangroves-no ticks and extraordinarily important carbon sequestering systems
Tundra-harsh, unforgiving environment with beautiful backdrops
Wetland-fascinating diversity and how peaceful they are to explore
Sky Islands-lots of biodiversity and super unique. It’s like an oasis in the sky.
Intertidal zones of the Pacific Northwest-so beautiful and unique
Kelp forests-so diverse and absolutely beautiful
Deep oceans-I love the crazy critters down there.
High alpine-the fragility of the ecosystem and the adaptations it produces
Florida Springs-crystal clear 72 degree F water with unparalleled wildlife
Estuary-so much biodiversity
Redwood forests
Temperate rainforests-cool/misty mornings and amazing flora and fauna
Islands-each one has their own unique character
Pacific Northwest headwater streams-I love the amphibians, closed canopy, and the remoteness.
Euryhaline/brackish water ecosystems
Rivers-they flow through every ecosystem
Pacific Northwest temperate rainforest-all of the lichen and moss and the chance to see a spirit bear
Tropics-high biodiversity
Prairies-most endangered ecosystem, amazing adaptations to survive, crucial to maintaining a healthy climate, world’s largest carbon storage prior to colonization
Midwest forested wetlands-home to all my favorite critters and my master’s research
Rainforest-each species is so brightly colored yet they are perfectly camouflaged
Tide pools-so many fun critters live there and so interesting to see it change with the tides
Canadian boreal forest
High elevation outcrops in the Appalachians-diversity of herpetofauna there is amazing
Coastal dune system-many people don’t realize the necessity of dunes for mainland protection and the plethora of organisms
Edward’s Plateau region in Texas-the spring systems are the heartbeat to the local wildlife and make the whole place thrive
Intertidal areas of the Pacific Northwest-so unique and beautiful and I love seeing all the coastal sculpins
