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iridescent – переливающийся
shimmer – мерцать
liquid – жидкость
pollinators – опылители
transfer pollen – переносить пыльцу
threats – угрозы
habitat loss – потеря среды обитания
QUESTIONS:
What is the smallest bird in the world?
Describe the physical features of hummingbirds.
How do hummingbirds fly?
What do hummingbirds eat?
Why are hummingbirds important to the ecosystem?
What are some threats facing hummingbirds?
How do hummingbirds use their beaks and tongues to feed?
Fact 12. Did you know that the world's largest flower is the Rafflesia arnoldii?
This amazing plant can only be found in the rainforests of Southeast Asia.
Physical Features
The Rafflesia arnoldii is a parasitic plant, which means that it gets its nutrients from other plants. It doesn't have any leaves or stems, and its flower can grow up to 3 feet (1 meter) wide and weigh up to 24 pounds (11 kilograms)! The flower has five thick, fleshy petals that are covered in wart-like bumps.
Life Cycle
The Rafflesia arnoldii has a very unusual life cycle. It starts as a tiny seed that is dispersed by animals. The seed then germinates and attaches itself to the roots of a host plant, usually a species of vine. The Rafflesia arnoldii then sends out thread-like structures that penetrate the host plant's tissues and absorb nutrients.
After several months, the Rafflesia arnoldii begins to produce a bud. The bud slowly grows and develops over a period of several weeks. When the bud finally opens, it reveals the massive flower of the Rafflesia arnoldii.
The Rafflesia arnoldii flower only lasts for a few days. After it dies, the plant produces fruit that contains thousands of seeds. The seeds are then dispersed by animals, and the life cycle begins again.
Importance and Threats
The Rafflesia arnoldii is an important part of the rainforest ecosystem. It provides food for animals such as beetles and flies, and it helps to disperse the seeds of its host plant. However, the Rafflesia arnoldii is threatened by habitat loss and over-collection. Conservationists are working to protect this unique and endangered plant.
Conclusion
The Rafflesia arnoldii is a truly amazing plant. Its massive size, unique appearance, and unusual life cycle make it one of the most fascinating plants in the world. We should all do our part to protect this incredible plant and its rainforest home.
WORDLIST:
rainforests – тропические леса
stems – стебли
fleshy – мясистый
petals – лепестки
wart-like bumps – бородавки
tiny seed – крошечное семя
is dispersed – рассеивается
germinates – прорастает
attaches – прикрепляется
roots – корни
host plant – растение-хозяин
species of vine – вид лианы
penetrate – проникают
absorb – впитывают
bud – бутон
reveals – раскрывает
beetles – жуки
over-collection – чрезмерный сбор
endangered plant – исчезающий вид растения
QUESTIONS:
What is the name of the world's largest flower?
Where is the Rafflesia arnoldii found?
Describe the physical characteristics of the Rafflesia arnoldii flower.
How does the Rafflesia arnoldii get its nutrients?
Describe the life cycle of the Rafflesia arnoldii.
Why is the Rafflesia arnoldii important to the rainforest ecosystem?
What are some threats facing the Rafflesia arnoldii?
Fact 13. Did you know that the world's largest snowflake ever recorded was 15 inches wide?
That's about the size of a dinner plate! This massive snowflake was measured by a rancher named Matt Coleman in Fort Keogh, Montana, on January 28, 1887.
How Snowflakes Form
Snowflakes are formed when water vapor in the air freezes into ice crystals. These ice crystals then join together to form snowflakes. The shape of a snowflake is determined by the temperature and humidity of the air.
The Giant Snowflake
The giant snowflake that fell in Montana was formed under very specific conditions. The air was very cold and humid, which allowed the ice crystals to grow to an unusually large size. The snowflake was also very symmetrical, with six perfectly formed branches.
Other Large Snowflakes
While the 15-inch snowflake is the largest on record, there have been other reports of very large snowflakes. In 1891, a snowflake measuring 12 inches wide was reported in Nebraska. And in 2013, a snowflake measuring 10 inches wide was photographed in Wisconsin.
Conclusion
Snowflakes are beautiful and fascinating natural phenomena. The world's largest snowflake is a reminder of the power and beauty of nature. It is also a reminder that even the smallest things can be amazing.
WORDLIST:
snowflake – снежинка
vapor – пар
join together – соединяются вместе
is determined by – определяется
humidity – влажность
giant – гигантский
humid – влажный
branches – ветви
fascinating – захватывающий
reminder – напоминание
power – сила
QUESTIONS:
What is the largest snowflake ever recorded?
Where and when was the largest snowflake ever recorded?
How are snowflakes formed?
What factors determine the shape of a snowflake?
Describe the conditions under which the giant snowflake in Montana was formed.
Have there been any other reports of very large snowflakes?
Fact 14. Did you know that the Amazon rainforest produces half of the world's oxygen?
This common belief is actually a myth. The truth is, the oceans are the real heroes of oxygen production. They produce about 70% of the Earth's oxygen.
Why the Myth?
The Amazon rainforest is a vast and lush ecosystem, so it's easy to assume that it must produce a lot of oxygen. However, the rainforest's dense canopy and high humidity limit sunlight penetration. This means that the rate of photosynthesis, the process by which plants produce oxygen, is lower in the rainforest than in other ecosystems.
The Real Oxygen Producers
The oceans are teeming with microscopic organisms called phytoplankton. These tiny algae use sunlight to photosynthesize, releasing oxygen as a byproduct. Phytoplankton are responsible for about 50% of the world's oxygen production.
Other Contributors
While the Amazon rainforest does not produce as much oxygen as the oceans, it still plays an important role in the Earth's oxygen balance. The rainforest absorbs carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, which helps to regulate oxygen levels.
Conclusion
The Amazon rainforest is a vital part of the Earth's ecosystem, but it is not the primary source of oxygen. The oceans are the real heroes of oxygen production. It is important to recognize the interconnectedness of all ecosystems and the complex interplay that maintains the delicate balance of the Earth's life-sustaining systems.
WORDLIST:
common belief – распространённое мнение
oxygen – кислород
vast – обширный
lush ecosystem – пышная экосистема
assume – предполагать
