Bird Species in Belize Essay - 1585 Words

This past week in Belize was undoubtedly one of the best experiences I have ever had. In the special topics biology class, I learned so much about the ecology, culture, and history of the newly established country. Not to mention, I obtained a new respect for ornithology and a new interest in birds. About the size of Manhattan and with a population of almost 350,000 people, Belize surprisingly holds approximately 500 species of birds. We were able to spot 135 species of birds during our stay and also learned about a few mutualism relationships. One of the greatest mutualism relationships is between the ants and the bullhorn acacias. The ants live in the hollow bullhorns and protect the tree, making sure there is no vegetation to harm it.†¦show more content†¦The seeds are in a pod and have a very pungent odor resembling dried, old, sweaty underwear. Guanacaste seeds can only be planted if their protective covers are punctuated and this is usually performed by large mammals. Now, there are only cattle and horses to perform this duty in Belie; thus, seed dispersal is rare. Mimosa pudica is a touch-sensitive plant that will close its leaflets inward when touched. It is found on the ground or on plants and is relatively small in size. The tour guide at the Community Baboon Sanctuary said that the plants were used when slaves were in Belize. Closed mimosas would show runaway slaves the escape path. At the Community Baboon Sanctuary, many other plants were noted. Smilax tendrils, also called cat claw, were used as a form of birth control. Aerial roots are a favorite of the black howler monkeys. The roots can be smoked and help people quit smoking. The cohune have many uses such as: makes furniture, rings, wine, massage oil, stops infections and more. The miconia leaves have an orange substance at the end that is used as a ringworm cure. Purple vervines is used as a treatment of leukemia. Melastoma leaves are favored by monkeys, very soft and can be a replacement to toilet paper. The tourist tree, called because its red skin will peel like tourists, is used in gumbo. Leaf cutter ants have an ant-fungus mutualism. The ants will nurture the fungus by feeding it leaves and protecting it from pests. IfShow MoreRelatedUnesco Paper- Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System1698 Words   |  7 PagesCharles Darwin was quoted in 1842 describing the Belize Barrier Reef as the most remarkable reef in the West Indies (Encyclopedia). This description still holds true today. The Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System, which includes the Belize submarine shelf and its barrier reef is the worlds second largest barrier reef system and the largest reef complex in the Atlantic-Caribbean area (Programme-wo, 2009). 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