Identify An Organism That Lives Within 50 Miles Of The South ✓ Solved

Identify an organism that lives within 50 miles of the Southern Oregon area.

Include a diagram of your chosen organism with its main organs/structures labeled. You may also include other appropriate images in your paper. Make sure to cite all images and provide a corresponding APA-formatted reference entry in your reference section. Write a 1,050- to 1,400-word paper about how the organism has adapted to survive in their specific environment. Include the following points in your paper:

• Briefly describe the environment (temperature, landscape, food sources, etc.) and describe the organism's role in the environment.
• Determine which organism your chosen organism be most closely related to using a phylogenetic tree.
• Identify the structures and functions of the main organs found in your selected organism.
• Explain how the organism has evolved physiologically to become suited to its environment.
• Explain how things would change if the organism were to be transplanted to a significantly different environment:
  • Would their organ system still be as efficient? Why or why not?
  • Would the organism survive in this new environment? Why or why not?

Format your paper consistent with APA guidelines including references and in-text citations. Your paper should include a well written introduction and conclusion.

Sample Paper For Above instruction

The diverse ecosystems of Southern Oregon host a wide array of organisms adapted to thrive within various environmental conditions. One such organism is the Western Rattlesnake (Crotalus oreganus), which inhabits regions characterized by rocky terrains, forests, and grasslands. This paper explores how the Western Rattlesnake has evolved and adapted to survive in its specific environment, as well as examines the anatomical structures that facilitate its survival. Additionally, the implications of relocating this organism to a different environment are discussed, emphasizing the physiological adjustments necessary for enduring new conditions.

Environmental Description

Southern Oregon encompasses a range of environments, including dense coniferous forests, semi-arid grasslands, and volcanic rocky outcrops. Temperatures fluctuate seasonally, with hot summers reaching up to 90°F (32°C) and cold winters dropping below freezing. The landscape offers abundant food sources such as small mammals, birds, and amphibians, which serve as prey for the Western Rattlesnake. The climate and terrain influence the snake’s behavior, including hibernation patterns and basking strategies.

Role in the Environment

The Western Rattlesnake functions as both predator and prey within its ecosystem. It plays a vital role in controlling populations of rodents and insects, thereby maintaining ecological balance. Its predation also influences the behavior and distribution of prey species, which in turn affects vegetation and other fauna. As a prey item for birds of prey and larger mammals, the rattlesnake contributes to the food web dynamics of Southern Oregon’s ecosystems.

Evolutionary Relationships

Phylogenetic analysis indicates that the Western Rattlesnake is most closely related to other North American rattlesnake species within the genus Crotalus. Using a phylogenetic tree, it is positioned alongside species such as Crotalus viridis ( Prairie Rattlesnake) and Crotalus scutulatus ( Mojave Rattlesnake). These relationships suggest a common evolutionary ancestor adapted to semi-arid and rocky environments, with divergence driven by geographic and climatic factors.

Main Organs and Their Functions

The Western Rattlesnake possesses several key anatomical features adapted for survival. Its forked tongue, housed in the highly developed Jacobson's organ, is essential for chemosensation, aiding in prey detection and environmental awareness. Its muscular body contains a specialized venom gland and fangs used for envenomation, immobilizing prey and starting digestion. The lateral eyes are adapted for infrared sensing, allowing the snake to detect warmth emitted by ectothermic prey, especially during nocturnal hunts. The kidneys and liver are adapted to conserve water and process toxins efficiently, critical in semi-arid habitats.

Physiological Evolution

The Western Rattlesnake has evolved various physiological traits to adapt to its environment. Its dense, keeled scales provide protection against rough terrain and help in water retention. The venom composition has evolved for effective immobilization of prey, with neurotoxic and hemotoxic components tailored to diverse prey types. Thermoregulatory strategies include basking in the sun and seeking shade, ensuring optimal body temperature for activity and digestion. Moreover, the snake's ability to periodically shed its skin aids in growth and health, essential for survival in abrasive landscapes.

Transplantation to a Different Environment

Organ System Efficiency

If the Western Rattlesnake were transplanted to a habitat with higher humidity and more dense vegetation, its organ systems would face challenges. Its water-conserving kidneys might become less efficient, as water availability increases in this environment, potentially impacting excretion and thermoregulation. The infrared sensing organs might be less critical in increased cloud cover and vegetation density, reducing their advantage.

Survivability in a New Environment

Survival in a drastically different environment would depend on the organism's ability to adapt or migrate. In a humid, lush environment, the rattlesnake might struggle with increased competition and altered prey availability. Its venom and hunting strategies could become less effective if prey species differ significantly. Additionally, in dense vegetation, the snake’s thermoregulatory behaviors would need adjustment, and its camouflage might be less effective, increasing predation risk. Overall, while some physiological features could adapt over time, immediate survival would likely be compromised without significant evolutionary changes.

Conclusion

The Western Rattlesnake exemplifies an organism highly adapted to the semi-arid, rocky environments of Southern Oregon. Its evolutionary traits, from physiological features to behavioral strategies, enable it to thrive amid the challenges of its habitat. Transplanting it into a markedly different environment would pose substantial survival challenges, underscoring the importance of environmental specificity in evolutionary adaptation. Understanding these adaptations not only enriches our appreciation of biodiversity but also highlights the delicate balance organisms maintain within their ecosystems.

References

• Klauber, L. M. (1997). Rattlesnakes: Their Habitats, Life Histories, and Influence on Mankind. University of California Press.
• Fitch, H. S. (1981). “Ecology and Behavior of Rattlesnakes,” in The Biology of Rattlesnakes, Monographs of the University of California, Santa Cruz.
• Roberts, T. J., & Azizi, E. (2011). The Role of Dynamic Adjustment in Predator-Prey Interactions. Proceedings of the Royal Society B, 278(1704), 14371444.
• Seigel, R. A., & Ford, N. B. (1988). The Evolution of Venom in Snakes. Proceedings of the California Academy of Sciences, 45(2), 59–73.
• Stevens, L. (1999). The New Encyclopedia of Snakes. Facts on File Publications.
• Madsen, T., et al. (2004). Thermal Tolerance and Adaptation in Reptiles. Climate Research, 25(1), 41–50.
• Schmidt, K. P., & McKinney, S. C. (1995). Habitat Preferences of Rattlesnakes in Oregon. Journal of Herpetology, 29(4), 497–502.
• Warwick, C., et al. (2014). Physiological Adaptations of Reptiles to Different Environments. Herpetological Journal, 24(2), 123–134.
• Young, B. A., & Christiansen, J. M. (2014). Phylogenetics and Evolution of North American Vipers. Systematic Biology, 63(3), 457–469.
• Zug, G. R. (2013). The Reptiles and Amphibians of Oregon. Oregon State University Press.