Flora Links
Plants, fungi, and protists make the headlines in surprising ways. Some species of protists produce toxins that kill marine life and contaminate shellfish. Eating the wrong kind of mushrooms can make people sick, or even kill them. New species of plants, fungi, and protists are constantly being discovered.
Try these Planet Diary Flora Activities:
- The World's Shrinking Rainforests
Explore the rich biodiversity and natural resources of tropical rainforests. You'll look at the reasons for their destruction and will find out what can be done to save them. - Phytoplankton
Find out about phytoplankton and the role it plays in the transfer of energy in marine ecosystems. - Toxins Found in Microscopic Flora
Learn about the five types of poisoning caused by protist toxins. Diagnose fictitious patients based on their symptoms.
Satellite Vegetation Maps
You can view the latest NOAA satellite vegetation maps at this site.
USDA for Kids
This site has lots of fun plant and agriculture related activities. It's also a good source for background information.
Plants Database
Look up information about virtually any plant in this comprehensive USDA database.
Botany Encyclopedia of Plants and Botanical Dictionary
Find out about leaf shapes, plant pests and diseases, and lots more at this site.
The Harmful Algae Page
This site tells you everything you need to know about red tides and other harmful algal blooms: which species cause them, where they are found, their effects on your health and on sea life.
NCSU Aquatic Botany Laboratory
North Carolina State University scientist Dr. JoAnn M. Burkholder was the first to publicize the effects of a tiny dinoflagellate called Pfiesteria piscicida. Learn more about this fish-killing organism from Dr. Burkholder's own Web site.
Wonderful World of Trees
This richly illustrated site is a great introduction to the seasonal cycle of trees, trees as a natural resource, and what people are doing to protect and preserve the forests. Stretch the window as wide as possible for better viewing. You'll need a stethoscope, a blender, and petroleum jelly for the experiments exploring seasonal change, wood pulp, and photosynthesis. First, click on the "Games" icon (yellow tic-tac-toe picture at the top). You should see a list of experiments and games appear. This site was created by a Canadian paper manufacturer.
Blue-Green Algae Poisoning
Certain species of blue-green algae thrive in stagnant ponds during hot, dry weather and make the water poisonous to animals that drink it. Read more about the blue-green algae problem in this fact sheet from North Dakota State University.
Agricultural Research Service Quarterly Report
This report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture discusses crop and livestock diseases.
Northern Prairie Biological Resources
Though these resources focus on animals, there are also plant resources here, including Western Wetland Flora: Field Office Guide to Plant Species and Wyoming Rare Plant Field Guide.
Endangered and Threatened Species Recovery Program
This report was issued in 1992 by the Fish and Wildlife Service.
BioSurf
This site is a companion to our high school biology book, Biology: The Web of Life. Units 4 and 5 list many fungus, protist, and plant resources.
About Red Tide
Red tides are huge masses of toxin-producing plankton that occur throughout the world. They have the potential to kill fish and whales, poison clams and oysters, and even produce a toxic gas that affects people if the "tide" gets too close to the shore. Go to this site to learn more about previous red tides or red tides currently in progress in Florida and Texas.
The Weather Channel: Pollen Count Indexes and Allergy Symptoms
Daily maps of pollen- and spore-prone areas, as well as information about allergies, can be found on this page.
