Diario de christian731

On February 28, 2019 in downtown Charleston, SC, from the time of 12:30pm to 2:00pm (1 1/2 hours), I made observations through the iNaturalist app and posted them to my account. On that Thursday, it was very sunny with a temperature of 75 degrees accompanied by a high humidity index. My exploration started relatively close to the epicenter of the urban district of Charleston and extended down Bull street to the final observation point, historically an area for oyster harvesting man-made into a pond.
Charleston is a touristic place praised and noted for it's historic beauty, from old churches to mansions. In addition to the man-made structures accredited for their appealing aesthetic, the natural sights to be had are just as spectacular. All along the streets of Charleston you see palmetto trees and blooming jessamine flowers scaling the sides of buildings, so it was no surprise to be able to identify a wide variety of plant life and some animals that inhabit these vegetations.
Beginning the tread on my exploration, I came across a common plant, typically seen in gardens for aesthetic purposes, Madagascar umbrella papyrus (Cyperus alternifolius). Madagascar umbrella papyrus, also referred to as umbrella palm, is a grass-like plant in the genus of Cyperus. This grass-like plant is commonly found in the United States on the southern part of the East and West coast but the plant itself is native to Madagascar, hence the name "Madagascar" umbrella papyrus. While this plant is a relatively easy species to identify, due to its common shape and characteristic sprouting "flowers," my observation has yet to be deemed that of research grade. Moving more towards the direction of Bull St, I noticed a tree with pink flowers, that of which someone could possibly misidentify as a cherry blossom, but upon identifying it through the iNaturalist app I learned that is was an eastern redbud tree (Cercis canadensis). The eastern redbud, is a large deciduous shrub or small tree that, unlike an evergreen, sheds its leaves annually. The deciduous tree begins to bloom in early spring, growing white buds that gradually develop their distinct purple color. The eastern redbud is native to the eastern part of North America but is known to thrive in other areas such as California. Once again, like the Madagascar umbrella papyrus, the eastern redbud is a common tree planted around the Charleston area for its aesthetic appeal. Also, like the Madagascar umbrella papyrus, my post hasn't been recognized as a research grade observation. Surveying the area to see if there were anymore possible identifications, I noticed a large amount of oak trees and upon closer inspection I detected sickly looking plants, curled up and shriveled, attached all along the tree. Capturing an image of these odd vegetations, I was able to identify them as resurrection ferns (Pleopeltis michauxiana). Resurrection ferns are a species of epiphytic fern, native to the Central and Eastern America. The name "resurrection fern" comes from the aspect that the plant can easily lose up to 75% of its water reserves on a relatively hot and dry day. From the extreme water loss, the plant responds by shriveling up to a grayish brown clump of leaves. When it is exposed to water again, it will “come back to life” and look green and healthy. Since my post of the resurrection plant, it has been deemed a research grade observation. As mentioned before, Charleston has a plethora of palmettos in the local area, so it was no surprise to come across, what I know now to be, a needle palm (Rhapidophyllum hystrix). The needle palm is a plant native to the southeastern part of the United States. The palm thrives in subtropical temperatures and is characterized by the long needles found at the base of the plant. My observation, while accurate, has yet to be formally verified as research grade. As expected, based on the purpose of some of the previous plants mentioned, I observed many species of plants cultivated for their aesthetic appeal. Plants like these include daffodils (Narcissus), red buckeye trees (Aesculus pavia), tsutsusi azaleas (Rhododendron indicum), common lantanas (Lantana camara), and star magnolias (Magnolia stellate).
With so many plants beginning to bloom, there had to be some type of bird or insect to pollinate all of them. Amongst where I saw the majority of flowers, I identified, what I believed to be, two eastern carpenter bees (Xylocopa virginica). After sharing my id on the iNaturalist app, I learned that the two bees were actually cellophane bees (Colletes). Cellophane bees are of the genus Collete and are categorized as ground-nesting bees. The bees build cells in underground nests that are lined with a cellophane-like plastic secretion. Plant diversity being so vas in Charleston, it makes perfect sense for their to be a large insect diversity too. Amongst the leaves of a sabal palmetto tree, I saw a giant leaf-footed bug (Acanthocephala declivis). The giant leaf-footed bug has adaptations that allow it to blend in with its environment. The bug is the largest of its genus and can grow to be 1.3in long in abdomen.
Finally arriving to the main location point of interest, I identified a green anole (Anolis carolinensis). The green anole is a arboreal lizard found primarily in the southeastern part of the United States. The lizard has the ability to change colors form several brown hues to bright green. Green anoles have a common body structure of a narrow, pointed head, slender body, long hind legs, and thin tail. The lizard can reach a total length of five to eight inches and males are generally larger than females. In addition to the green anole I also discovered a large amount of marsh periwinkles (Littoraria irrorata). March periwinkle is a species of sea snail that plays an important role in the environment by digesting and processing waste into a more viable source of nutrients for co inhabitant plants.
Overall, from the time I spent observing different plant and animal species in the downtown Charleston area I gained an insight into how each species plays a role in the natural diversity and beauty of the environment. More specifically, I was able to identify, seemingly common, plants that actually have more interesting aspects about them. Downtown Charleston, while not a typical environment, is a highly diverse and functioning one that, not only, provides food and shelter for the plants and animals but also beauty for the people immersed in it.

On March 14, 2019 from the time of 1:00pm to 3:00pm (2 hours), I returned to Dixie Plantation, in Hollywood, SC, for the second time and made observations through the iNaturalist app and posted them to my account. Having only been away from the site for about a month there weren't necessarily any drastic changes in the environment but there were some notable discoveries not found during the previous visit (February 7, 2019). On Thursday, it was very sunny with a temperature of 75 degrees, compared to the 73 degree temperature on February 7, 2019. While two degrees warmer may not seem like a lot, due to humidity, there was a high heat index and the overall climate was searing. As done before, traps were laid out prior to my arrival at the site. From there I collected the traps and observed the specimens inside to see whether or not anything new was discovered.
As expected, there were many animals, such as eastern crayfish (Cambarus bartonii) and bluegills (Lepomis), that had already been caught and identified from the first visit to the research site. While there were many repeats of the organisms caught, there were also a substantial amount of new ones. Upon retrieving the first trap, I observed a salamander. After posting an image to the iNaturalist app, I was able to identify it as a mole salamander (Ambystoma talpoideum). A mole salamander is a species of salamander found in the eastern and central part of the United States. The species is sometimes referred to as the "tadpole" salamander because some individuals remain in this state their whole life. This species of salamander is often found among the leaves on the forest floor and migrate to ponds to breed. While my identification of this species is accurate, it has yet to be verified as a research grade observation. On a fallen tree, near where the mole salamander was found, was white-pored chicken (Laetiporus cincinnatus). Whtie-pored chicken is a species of fungi that grows on trees, often referred to as bracket fungus. This species of fungus is found in the eastern and central parts of the United States. The fungus has striking features that make it an easy species to identify; the fungus has golden-yellow shelf-life structures that fade to pale beige or grey when it gets older and tubelike pores on its undersurface. Since my identification of this species, it has been deemed a research grade observation. In addition to the white-pored chicken covering trees, there were a large amount of red maple (Acer rubrum) seeds and seedlings on the ground. The red maple is one of the most common and widespread species of deciduous trees. The tree is commonly found in the eastern half of North America and is more commonly found in swamps or near water. Red maple trees can grow to be 90 feet tall and can live to be 150 years old. The seeds, called samaras, are reddish in color and have two wings that aid them in wind dispersal through a helicopter blade and propeller motion. With the red maple being the most abundant native tree in eastern North America, according to the U.S. Forest service, it's no doubt that my identification was verified as research grade. Continuing to move along the trail, there were more traps to be retrieved.
With large amounts of fresh water throughout the area, it was no surprise to see large fish and amphibian diversity. From the second trap collected, there were a substantial amount of eastern mosquitofish (Gambusia holbrooki). The eastern mosquitofish is a species of freshwater fish found primarily in the eastern and southern regions of the United States. This species of fish is very adaptable and can live in aquatic habitats from fresh to hyper-saline and cold temperate to tropical waters. Despite having caught a large number of eastern mosquitofish, the population of the species isn't very large in number. While the population currently isn't very large, this species is beginning to be recognized as an invasive species that, as a result, can lead to increase population numbers. In addition to the eastern mosquitofish found, there was also an american water frog (Lithobates) and a pygmy sunfish (Elassoma). Unfortunately for these two animals, the exact species were unable to be identified. The american water frog discovered was still in the tadpole stage of its life cycle. Despite not being able to identify the species, it still belongs to the genus of Lithobates, true frogs. In the case of the pygmy sunfish, there is speculation over the species but unfortunately not evidence to confirm. When I first posted an image of the fish to iNaturalist, I identified it as a pirate perch (Aphredoderus sayanus) but later was informed that the head and mouth shape was not correct for that species of fish. Upon further analyzing, the conclusion was made that it was a member of the genus Elassoma. Elassoma is a genus of freshwater fish knwon as pygmy sunfish, although they aren't true sunfishes. Although the genus was confirmed, there is speculation that it's a Banded sunfish, due to it being a common species in the particular region. Going into deeper bodies of water to collect more traps, there were more new species found.
Fallen over, but still alive, was a black willow (Salix nigra) tree. The tree, while perceivably dead, was still alive due to the fact that roots and branches were connected through the xylem and phloem tubes that transport food and water throughout the tree. The black willow is a species of willow tree native to the eastern part of North America. The tree is known for its ability to thrive in wet conditions and their soft wood that resists splintering, which makes it commercially valuable. The species can grow to be 60 feet tall and in the spring it blooms with dangling catkins, which are composed of tiny flowers flowers that have no petals. The catkins are yellow-green in color and can be up to 3 inches long. While this tree is an easily identifiable species, my observation has yet to be verified and deemed research grade. In the same body of water that black willow was living, was an american pickerel (Esox americanus). The american pickerel is a freshwater fish dispersed in the eastern part of the United States. The fish can grow to be two feet in length and is characterized by its banded or chain-like markings. Also in the same body of water as the black willow and american pickerel was a fallen tree that had a fungus growing on it. Unfortunately, despite being analyzed species can't be determined but is being identified by its genus of Polyporales, shelf fungus. Moving away from the more dense forest area of Dixie to a large stream, I was able to come across more vegetation and animal species.
Observing more of the plant life on Dixie, I was able to come across sweetleaf (Symplocos tinctoria). The sweetleaf is also referred to as horse-sugar. It is a deciduous shrub, whose leaves are often consumed by animals, such as deer, due to their sugar content that can be processed into larger caloric value. The plant is recognized by the pith of its twigs chamber. In addition to this, its leaves are not only sweet but also aromatic, finely haired, and 7-15 centimeters long. Not too far from the sweetleaf, was a baldcypress (Taxodium distichum). The baldcypress is a deciduous conifer that grows in saturated soils in the lowlands of the southeastern part of the United States. The tree gets its name from the fact that it drops its leaves so early in the season. These trees have a characteristic feature of “knees," a special kind of root. The knee is a pneumatophore, that grows from horizontal roots just below the surface and protrude upward from the ground or water and function to transport air to drowned roots underground. Once again, although it is an easily identifiable species of tree, my observation hasn't been verified. Relatively close to where I observed the baldcypress, on the ground, was a strange insect that I had never seen before. With the use of the iNaturalist app, I was able to identify it as a sculptured pine borer (Chalcophora virginiensis). The sculptured pine borer is a metallic woodboring beetle, endemic to forested areas in the eastern United States. The adults of this species are shiny and golden, sometimes bronzed, with lines of ivory along the back that highlight the texture. The bug bores tunnels in wood, eating the tissue, and leave once they mature, ultimately leaving the tree left for dead. In addition to the new observations made, there were repeats such as the finding of a green tree frog (Hyla cinerea).
Overall, from the time of my first visit to Dixie Plantation to the second there weren't any drastic changes to the environment but there were some notable new discoveries. The second visit showed the impact that a little bit of time and a slight increase in temperature can do to the overall area. It just goes to show that there is always something new and exciting to be seen when immersing yourself into nature.

On April 4, 2019 at the Grice Marine Labratory on James Island, from the time of 1:00pm to 4:00pm (3 hours), I made observations through the iNaturalist app and posted them to my account. On that Thursday, it was very sunny with a temperature of 73 degrees. While it would seem like it was a warm climate, due to the wind blowing it was fairly cool and almost cold even. Throughout the time at the site, I used a weighted net to disturb the sediment in the water and collect what was residing in it. From the animals collected in the net, I made observations and identified them through the iNaturalist app.
Stepping out onto the beach I noticed a similar reddish-brown color throughout the water and upon moving closer to inspect it, I realized that it was from some type of seaweed. After posting an image to the iNaturalist app, I found out that it was Gracilaria. Gracilaria is a genus of red algae, notable for its economic importance as it is used for food for humans and various shellfish. This species of algae is becoming an issue for the fishing industry in Charleston due to the fact that it gets caught in the nets. In fact, Gracilaria is so common that it has now been declared an invasive species. The algae is speculated to have been introduced during WWII and has since been increasing in population. While I don't know the exact species, I am certain of the genus, but my observation has yet to be verified as research grade. Before beginning the process of casting the weighted net, I took another look at the shore and noticed some more interesting things. In addition to the Gracilaria, there was also a knobbed whelk (Busycon carica). The knobbed whelk is a species of very large predatory sea snail. Knobbed whelks are protandric hermaphrodites, which means they are initially males and then change into females as they age. The snail eats clams and is differentiated between others by the fact that its opening is on the right side. In addition to the knobbed whelk, I also identified, what I thought was a serpulid tubeworm, but know now to be a plumed worm (Diopatra cuprea). Plumed worms is a species of polychaete worm found largely in South Carolina. The plumed worm features a long narrow tube which it attaches to the sea floor and has a retractable “plume” that it extends to take in nutrients from surrounding waters. My identification of the knobbed whelk has been verified but the identification of the plumed worm has yet to be verified as a research grade observation. After observing from the shore, I began the process of collection with the net and from there observed what was caught.
After the first time using the net, there were some notable discoveries such as a small flat fish with a golden-brown color to it. I believed that the fish was a small puffer but was later corrected and informed that it was a filefish (Monacanthidae). After this individual made this correction, another person stated that the fish could be a juvenile planehead filefish (Stephanolepis hispidus). Unfortunately for both corrections, they are only speculations and the exact species of the fish I observed is still unknown. In addition to the possible planehead filefish, was an Atlantic silverside (Menidia menidia). The Atlantic silverside is a small species of fish found in the West Atlantic and is often the subject of scientific research because of its sensitivity to environmental changes. The Atlantic silverside is a long, slender, and thin-bodied fish with two dorsal fins, a rounded white belly, and large scales. It has a short head with large eyes and a small mouth. Along each side, is a distinct silver band outlined by a narrow black stripe. Due to commonness of the fish, my post of the Atlantic silverside was almost instantly verified as a research grade observation. After identifying these species, I began a second attempt at the collection process, and was able to identify more species.
From the net, I noticed a repeat of some fish species that were already observed, such as the Atlantic silverside, but there were new ones in addition to that fish such as a swimming crab (Portunidae). Portunidae is a fmaily of crabs and while the exact species of the one that I identified is unknown, all members of this family share the feature of a pair of legs that are flattened into paddles for swimming. Due to the fact that the species is unknown, my observation has not been verified as research grade.
Overall, the Grice Marine Laboratory is in a prime location for research and has access to large amount of marine life diversity. The area is unique not only in the species that inhabit it but also the effects that are experienced due to commercial cargo ships that are constantly passing through the Charleston harbor, ultimately creating abnormal wave and current patterns.