Evolution in the Landscape

 
                                                                     Mallard Duck
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Ecological Niche: The Mallard duck can be found all around the world in temperate or sub-tropical climates. They are migratory birds and may fly south as far as Mexico and Central America during the cold winter. These birds enjoy grasslands or small ponds surrounded by reeds. They are "dabbling ducks" and must be near the surface in order to catch their food. Mallards  are eaten by bobcats, coyotes and other large mammals. They themselves feed on insects and  plants.

History of the Mallard: The Mallard duck is the ancestor of most domestic duck breeds. It is believed that they evolved in Siberia. Their scientific name is Anas Platyrhynchos
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How has the Mallard thrived?: The Mallard duck is the most populous duck in the world and certain adaptations have led to its thriving. Female Mallard's have developed dark brown and black feathers to help it blend into the murky marshes. Female Mallard's will also pretend to be injured to lure a predator away from its ducklings.

Mallard Ducks: (from left to right) Male, Female

Mallard's are also able to fly vertically out of the water. Many other birds need a large area of space to take of. This may help Mallard's escape predators and this increased mobility is a selective pressure that continues to aid in the survival of the Mallard duck.


Common Ancestor: The common ancestor of all ducks was the Pterosaur. Now extinct, these birds once lived among the dinosaurs. They had bodies similar to those of ducks and had webbed feet and a flat bill similar to a duck's.








                                                                 References




https://bmcgenet.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1471-2156-12-99

https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Mallard/lifehistory

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22093799

Soundscape Ecology Challenge

           
                                                                   Sound Frequency Chart
                     


                       

                                  


I spent 15 minutes in Site Beta just listening to what I could hear and taking notes. This landscape is in a more public place. It is close to the street as well as Lesley's campus so it is often loud. Sounds like people talking or dogs barking are commonplace. There is also sounds of birds chirping. Because of the trees in Site Beta, birds can often be heard. 

Assignment #3 Water in the Landscape

                                                     
                                                                      Doane's Falls

                                                       

                                                              Date and Time: 04/17/2017
                                                   Location: Doane's Falls Royalston MA
                                                    Weather Conditions: Bright and Sunny

Observation Transect: During my observation transect I noticed rocks along the shore. I also noticed that the rocks became smoother as they neared the water. Perhaps this is because the water has smoothed them out over time.

The water was brisk and cold to the touch. I believe that this may be because the day before was cold and rainy.

The PH level was 6. The PH level of this has less ions because pure water is a PH of 7.