South America (Flora and Fauna). Rare Plants and Creatures of South America Climate Plant and Animal World of South America
Not less wealth than plant cover, characterizes the animal world. Modern fauna, as well as the Flora of the mainland, was formed since the end of the chalk period, and from the middle of the tertiary period, South America was isolated from other continents. With this, the antiquity of the fauna and the presence in its composition of a large number of endemic forms is associated. Along with this, many of the most ancient representatives of the animal world of South America or seems close to them are found on others, which indicates the existence of long-standing land connections between the continents.
An example is the silent, preserved only in and.
In the fauna of South America there are no human monkeys. This circumstance, along with the lack of finds of the remnants of a primitive man, gave the basis of scientists to argue that South America, like North, was not a focus of the formation of a human race and that a person in South America, she sucked. All monkeys of South America belong to the group of wide-axes and are limited in their distribution area of \u200b\u200bforests.
A feature of the fauna of South America is also the presence in its composition of three endemic families of incomplete, united in one detachment.
A large number of endemic species, childbirth and even families are among predators, hoofs and southern America.
All American (high-speed) monkeys are connected with tropical South America, divided into two families - toy and cappuish.
Fain monkeys of small size. The smallest of them - Warti (Hapale Jacchus) reaches a length of no more than 15-16 cm, their limbs are equipped with claws that help them hold on trees.
For many cappucician monkeys, a strong tail, which is cling to the branches of trees and which plays for them the role of the fifth limb.
Among Kapuchin, the subfamily of the revuns, which received their name for the ability to make cries, heard for many kilometers. Spider-like monkeys with long flexible limbs are widespread.
The lazy people live in rainforests in rainforests. They are little mobile and spend most of the time in a hanging position on trees, feed on leaves and shoots. In the trees, the sloths climb confidently, and it is rare on Earth.
Some Murameni are also adapted to life on trees. For example, freely climbs on Tamanda trees; A small agent having a chain tail also spends most of the time on the trees.
A large game is distributed in the forests and savanna and leads a ground lifestyle.
Predators of rainforests from the Feline family are Ocelot, small jaguarundi and large and strong jaguars, which sometimes even attack a person.
Of the predators belonging to the family of doggy, an interesting little friendly or a bush dog, living in rainforest and Guiana. To forest animals, hunting on trees, belongs to Nosua (Nasua) and Kinka (Potos Flavus).
Small animals, few in South America, have only a few representatives. Among them - Tapir (Tapirus Terrestris), small black pig-baken, unaware of South American deer spiker.
Characteristic representatives of rodents in lowland forests and other areas of South America are woody chained dickered coendu (Coendu), well-climbing on trees. Greater harm to the plantations of tropical crops are brought by Aguti (DasyProcta Aguouti), watering in forests and guans. Almost throughout the mainland, and especially in Amazonian forests, a watered watery, or capible (Hydrochoeerus Capibara) - the largest of rodents, having a torso to 120 cm long.
In the forests of South and Central America there are several types of sophisticated rats, or opossums. Some of them are equipped with a tenacious tail and face trees well.
Amazon forests are sicked by volatile mice, among which there are species that feed on the blood of warm-blooded mammals.
Very richly presented in the forests reptiles and amphibians. From the reptiles are highlighted by water boating - Anaconda (Enecs Murinos) and the Baou-Constrictor (Constrictor conflector). Many poisonous snakes, lizards. Crocodiles are found in the waters. From amphibious frogs, some of them lead a woody lifestyle.
In the forests there are many different birds, especially brightly colored parrots. The most typical is the largest parrots - Ara. In addition, small sparrow parrots and beautiful brightly fired green parrots are widespread.
The most characteristic representatives of Ornithofaun South America and, in particular, rainforest - Hummingbirds. These are small motley painted birds that feed on the nectar of colors, the name of birds-insects was called.
It is also found in the forests of Goacin, whose chicks have on the wings of claws, helping them with climbing on trees, solar herons and choppers, harpi - huge birds of prey, hunting on young deer, monkeys and sloths.
One of the features of the rainforest of the mainland is an abundance of insects, most of which endemic. There are blowing day and night butterflies, various beetles, ants. Many of the butterflies and beetles are beautifully painted. Some beetles will glow so bright at night that you can read the book. Butterflies have huge sizes. The largest of them - Agrippa - reaches the wings of almost 30 cm.
The fauna is more dry and open spaces of South America -, tropical palpal, subtropical - other than dense forests. From predators, apart from Jaguar, the Puma is common (found almost throughout South America and serving C), Ocelot, a cat Pamppa. From dog predators for the southern part of the mainland, a grivy wolf is characteristic. And in the mountainous areas almost all the mainland there is a fox of Pamppa, in the Far South - Magellanova Lisitsa.
A small pampas deer is spread out of hoofs.
In Savannaps, forests and arable land, representatives of the third family of incomplete - armored tram (DasyPodidae) are animals, equipped with a solid bone shell and with the ability to break into the ground when approaching the danger. Locals hunt them, as they consider their delicious meat.
From rodents in Savannah and steppes there are Viskich and living in the ground Tuko-Tuco. Wolder beaver, or nutria, whose fur is highly appreciated in the global market.
From birds, in addition to numerous parrots and hummingbirds, the South American Ostrich Nanda (RHEA) are found, some large birds of prey.
In the savannah and steppes, snakes are replete and especially lizards.
A characteristic feature of Savann South America, like Africa, is numerous termitic buildings. Many areas of South America suffer from locust.
Mountain fauna differs in peculiar features. It includes a number of endemic animals that are not found in the eastern part of the mainland. The South American representatives of the family camel family are common throughout the mountain region. Two types of wild lames are known - Vigin (Vicuna Lama Vicugna) and Guanako (L. Huanachus). In the past, the Indians who destroyed them were hunted because of meat and wool. Guanaco was found not only in the mountains, but also on the plateau and in Pamppa. Now wild llamas are rare. In addition, the Indians in Andes are bred two home species of animals of this kind - actually Lama and Alpaca. Lama (Lama Glama) - large and strong animals. They carry gravity for difficult mountain roads, milk and meat are used in food, and they make coarse fabrics from wool. Alpaca (Lama Pacos) is divorced only because of its soft wool.
There are also a spectacled bear, some silent. Previously, small endemic rodents of Chinchilla (Chinchilla) were widespread. Their soft, silky gray fur was considered one of the best and expensive fur. Because of this chinchilla is currently completely exterminated.
Birds are represented in Andes usually endemic, mountainous species of the same childbirth and families that are common in the east of the mainland. Condor (Vultur Gryphus) is remarkable from predatory birds - the largest representative of this detachment.
South America is the 4th area of \u200b\u200bthe mainland of our planet. If you carefully look at the card, then the continent resembles a drop of water. Mainland is located in the southern hemisphere of the Earth.
Natural zones
On the continent there are 5 climatic zones:
- equatorial;
- subequatorial;
- tropical;
- subtropical;
- moderate.
Relief
Relief mainland conditional can be divided into 2 zones - This is a flat plain on the eastern part and mountain ridge in the West. Mountains of the Andes are a continuation of the mountain range in North America - Cordiller. This is the longest mountain chain on our planet.
Plant community
The vegetation world of the mainland is diverse. This is facilitated by a soft warm climate and a large amount of precipitation. Flora on the continent varies depending on the climatic zone.
So the tropical belt is dominated by the jungle. And at present, scientists discover all new types of plants and representatives. South America jungle occupy a large area than similar zones in Africa.
Ratopular trees, melons and chocolate trees grow in the rainforest, various species of palm trees, gevent, orchids. In some areas the height of the forest cover reaches 100 meters. It can be a 12-tier community with a unique flora and fauna inherent in each flood.
South of the Amazon Selva begin rare deciduous forests. A typical representative of the vegetable world of this part of the mainland is a Quebono tree with strong and durable wood.
Moving around the continent south, travelers cross the savannah and fall on the famous south American plains - Pampasy. This is a classic zone of steppes with a nick, wild millet and disintegration. Occasionally there are mimosas and dairy. Soil in this part of the continent is very fertile
The closer to the southernmost point of the mainland, the meager becomes a landscape. Pampas are replaced by the semi-desert zone and deserts. There are dry shrubs that form peculiar pillows of rolling mills.
Animal World of South America
Fauna on the mainland also depends on the climatic zone.
In tropical forests There are various types of monkeys. Many species are adapted exclusively to life on trees. The lower tier of the forest chose tapira ,. From predators - famous jaguar. Entomologists and currently discover new types. A large number of unique bird species live in the forests - these are tucanis, parrots of Ara. Only kids-hummingbirds in South America about 320 species.
In the zone of Savann Animals are smaller and they are adapted to life on open spaces. These are wild pigs-bakers ,. From large birds, Ostrich-Nanda feel perfectly. Inhabit savannas and large cats - Puma and jaguars. From small predators in Savannah, savanna fox and grivy wolf live.
Pampas - This is a habitat for the rapid representatives of the animal world. These are Lama, deer and predators such as a pampas cat, several types of battleships.
In the mountains Andakh Basically live the same types of animals as on the flat part of the mainland. But endemics are found - unique, inherent in South America, animals. These are mountain lamas, spectacular bear, charming chinchillas.
Detailed information on the variety of Nature of South American mainland can be found in the reports of various scientific societies.
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Flora South America
Most of South America is distinguished by the exclusive wealth of flora. This is also connected with the modern natural conditions of the mainland, and with the peculiarities of its development. Tropical Flora South America developed from the end of the Mesozoic era. Its development proceeded continuously so far, not disturbed by an olelion, nor significant fluctuations in climatic conditions, as it took place on other continents.
On the other hand, the formation of the vegetation cover of South America, starting from the tertiary period, occurred in almost complete isolation from other major sushi sections.
The main features of Flora South America are associated with this: its antiquity, species wealth and high degree of endemism.
The vegetation cover in South America has changed significantly under the influence of man than on other continents of the globe.
The density of the population on the mainland is small, and huge spaces in some of its parts have almost completely unnecessary. Such territories have retained their natural soil and plant cover unchanged.
The vegetation of South America is a source of huge natural resources - food, forage, technical, medicinal, etc.
d. But they have been very weak so far.
Flora South America gave humanity a number of essential cultivated plants. The first place among them is potatoes, whose culture was known to the Indians long before the coming of Europeans and is widespread in various fields of South America and now.
The most common rubber glasses of Gevei, chocolate tree, a chinny tree grown in many tropical areas of the globe occurs from South America.
South America lies within two floristic areas. The main part of the mainland is included in the limits of the neopropic area. As part of its flora there are some elements common with Africa.
what points to the existence of land connections between the main students up to the tertiary period.
Part of the mainland south of parallel 40 ° sh. Refers to the Antarctic Floristic Area. Between the Flora of this part of the mainland and Flora Antarctica.
Australia and New Zealand have similarity, which also indicates existence during the geological history of connections between these continents.
The overall picture of soil and vegetable zones in the neo-phase region of South America resembles Africa.
But the ratio of individual types of vegetation and their species composition on these continents are different. If the main type of vegetation of Africa is Savanna, then wet rainforests are particularly characterized for the vegetation cover of South America, who do not have equal on Earth on the wealth of species or by the vastity of the territory occupied by them.
Wet tropical forests in latitite apodolien soils are distributed in South America on a huge area.
The population of Brazil calls them Selvas. Selvas are occupied by a significant part of the Amazon lowland and adjacent areas of the Orinocal lowland. The slopes of the Brazilian and Gwiang Nagrai. They are also characteristic of the coastal strip of the Pacific Ocean within Colombia and Ecuador. Thus, wet tropical forests are covered with an equatorial climate area, but, in addition, they grow on the slopes of the Brazilian and Guiangic Nagrain, facing the Atlantic Ocean in higher latitudes where abundant trade houses are going throughout the year.
In the richest rainforest of Amazon lowland, many valuable plants can be found.
These forests are characterized by a large height and complexity of a forest canopy. In unlocked areas, there are up to 12 tiers in the forest, and the height of the highest trees reaches 80 and even 100 m.
More than a third of plant species in these forests endemic. Wet tropical forests rise across the slopes of the mountains to about a height of 1000-1500 m, not undergoing significant changes.
Above they are replaced by depleted mountain tropical forests.
As climate change, wet rainforests go to savanna with red soils. On Brazilian Highlands between savannah and wet forest there is a band of almost pure palm forests. Savannes are distributed on a significant part of Brazilian Highlands, mainly in its inner areas. In addition, they occupy large areas on the Orinoxic lowland and the central regions of the Guiangic Highland.
In the south - in Brazil - typical savannahs are known called Campos.
Their vegetation consists of high cereals. Wood vegetation or is absolutely absent, or represented by separate copies of mimose, cacti and other xerophytic or succulent trees.
Campos Brazilian Highlands is valuable, but relatively small pasture used.
In the north, in Venezuela and Guiana Savannah called Llanos. There, along with high and varied cereal vegetation, there are separate palm trees that give the landscape a peculiar appearance.
In Brazilian Highlands, except for typical savanna, there are similar types of vegetation, adapted to the transfer of a long arid period.
In the north-east of Brazilian Highlands, a significant area is engaged in the so-called kating, which is a rarefied forest from drought-resistant trees and shrubs.
Many of them lose the leaves on the dry period of the year, others differ in bloated trollers in which moisture accumulates. Red-brown soils are formed in the kating.
On the plain of the Grand Character, in particularly dry areas, spyerous urban shrubs and sparse forests grow on red-brown soils. In their composition there are a number of endemic wood forms containing a large number of tanning substances.
On the Pacific Coast to the south of wet rainforests, you can also meet the unintelligine lane of savanna vegetation, which then rather quickly goes into semi-desert and deserted.
Large territories with mountain-tropical desert vegetation and soils are on the inner highland Andes.
Subtropical vegetation occupies a relatively small area in South America.
However, the variety of types of vegetation cover in subtropical latitudes is quite large.
The extreme southeast of Brazilian Highlands, receiving abundant sediments during the year, is covered with subtropical araucaria forests with an undergrowth of various shrubs, including Paraguayan tea.
Paraguayevsky tea leaves are used by the local population for the manufacture of a common hot drink that replaces tea. By the name of a round vessel, in which this drink is made, it is often called "Mate", or "Yerba Mate".
The second type of subtropical vegetation of South America is a subtropical steppe or PAMPA - characterized for the eastern, most wet parts of Lapanese lowland south of 30 ° Yu.Sh. This is grassy grain vegetation, on fertile reddish-black soils that are forming on volcanic rocks.
It consists of South American species of those goddings of cereals, which are widespread in Europe in the steppes of a moderate belt. There are views of the naughty, bearded, oatmeal. Unlike the steppes of the moderate belt, the vegetation in Pampa vegetates during the year. With the forests of Brazilian Highlands, Pampa is connected by the transitional type of vegetation, where the herbs are combined with thickets of evergreen shrubs.
To the west and south of the Pamppa, as the precipitation decreases, the vegetation of dry subtropical steppes and semi-deserts on gray-brown soils, serous and saline soil appears.
The subtropical vegetation and soil of the Pacific coast, respectively, the characteristics of climatic conditions, the appearance resembles the vegetation and soil of the European Mediterranean.
Thickets of evergreen shrubs on brown soils prevail.
Very peculiarized vegetation of moderate latitudes of South America.
There are two main types of vegetable cover, dramatically differing among themselves, respectively, differences in the climate of the eastern and western parts of the southern tip of the mainland. For the Far Southeast (Patagonia), the vegetation of dry steppes and a semi-desert moderate belt are characteristic. This is actually a continuation of the semi-deserts of the western Pamppa in conditions of a more severe and cold climate.
The soils predominate chestnut and serous, saline soils are widespread. In vegetable cover, cereals are dominated (for example, silver Argentine Mattik) and various xerophytic shrubs, like cacti, mimosa, etc.
The extreme south-west of the continent with its oceanic climate, minor annual differences in temperature and a large annual precipitation has peculiar vegetation, very ancient and rich in composition.
These are the moisture evergreen subnutrctic forests, multi-tiered and very diverse in composition. According to the wealth of species and height, they are not inferior to rainforests. They are abounding the lianas, mosses, lichens. Along with various high-power coniferous trees, evergreen deciduous rocks are common, such as southern beats (Nothofagus).
These impregnated forest moisture with difficulty can be clearing and irrigated. They still have been preserved on large areas in an inviolable form and almost without changing their composition, rise across the slopes of the mountains to a height of 2000 m. In these forests, podzolic soils are dominated in the south, moving in more northern areas in forest burst.
Answer left the guest
As for the situation in South America, especially in lower latitudes, various types of latitite soil prevail. Hot forest areas with constant and abundant sediments are characterized by ascite varnishing soils, which are difficult to separate from the very strong weathelation of the earth's crust.
In areas with seasonal humidity there are red, brown, red and red-brown soils.
The ancient iron bark has a significant distribution. Lattizarization processes are still manifested in wet subtropical regions of the East of the continent, where they are characterized by excellent flavors and reddish black prerol soils.
In addition, in the West, as well as in North America, they are consistently replaced with gray-brown soil and gray soils, as well as on Western-brown soils.
What plants grow in South America
The soil of moderately moderate moderate areas is brown forest soils - in the west, brown and brown, desert steppes - in the east. Andes have a clear height with mining zonal types of soil.
-Beron.
The specifics of the soils of South America, which is the most important process for the formation of tropical soils and weathering, is due to its location mainly in equatorial, tropical and subtropical latitudes.
The source has areas where the main types of soils on the continent are separated: Wet Equatorial Forests; alternately wet and high savanna grass; Xerophilic forests and shrubs on hardwood; Deserted soil of tropical and subtropical groups; Mountain floors with a moderate half-life
South America is the 4th area of \u200b\u200bthe mainland of our planet. If you carefully look at the card, then the continent resembles a drop of water. Mainland is located in the southern hemisphere of the Earth.
Natural zones
On the continent there are 5 climatic zones:
- equatorial;
- subequatorial;
- tropical;
- subtropical;
- moderate.
Relief
Relief mainland conditional can be divided into 2 zones - This is a flat plain on the eastern part and mountain ridge in the West.
Mountains of the Andes are a continuation of the mountain range in North America - Cordiller. This is the longest mountain chain on our planet.
Plant community
The vegetation world of the mainland is diverse.
This is facilitated by a soft warm climate and a large amount of precipitation. Flora on the continent varies depending on the climatic zone.
So the tropical belt is dominated by the jungle. And at present, scientists are discovering all new types of plants and representatives of the animal world of rainforest.
South America jungle occupy a large area than similar zones in Africa.
Ratopular trees, melons and chocolate trees grow in the rainforest, various species of palm trees, gevent, orchids.
In some areas the height of the forest cover reaches 100 meters. It can be a 12-tier community with a unique flora and fauna inherent in each flood.
South of the Amazon Selva begin rare deciduous forests. A typical representative of the vegetable world of this part of the mainland is a Quebono tree with strong and durable wood.
Moving around the continent south, travelers cross the savannah and fall on the famous south American plains - Pampasy. This is a classic zone of steppes with a nick, wild millet and disintegration.
Occasionally there are mimosas and dairy. Soil in this part of the continent is very fertile
The closer to the southernmost point of the mainland, the meager becomes a landscape. Pampas are replaced by the semi-desert zone and deserts. There are dry shrubs that form peculiar pillows of rolling mills.
Animal World of South America
Fauna on the mainland also depends on the climatic zone.
In tropical forests There are various types of monkeys, dickelings, sloths.
Many species are adapted exclusively to life on trees. The lower tier of the forest was chosen tapira, amusing. From predators - famous jaguar. Entomologists and currently reveal new types of insects.
A large number of unique bird species live in the forests - these are tucanis, parrots of Ara.
Nature, plants and animals of South America
Only kids-hummingbirds in South America about 320 species.
In the zone of Savann Animals are smaller and they are adapted to life on open spaces. These are wild pigs, battleships. From large birds, Ostrich-Nanda feel perfectly. Inhabit savannas and large cats - Puma and jaguars. From small predators in Savannah, savanna fox and grivy wolf live.
Pampas - This is a habitat for the rapid representatives of the animal world.
These are Lama, deer and predators such as a pampas cat, several types of battleships.
In the mountains Andakh Basically live the same types of animals as on the flat part of the mainland. But endemics are found - unique, inherent in South America, animals.
These are mountain lamas, spectacular bear, charming chinchillas.
Detailed information on the variety of Nature of South American mainland can be found in the reports of various scientific societies.
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Rare plants in the world. Central and South America
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In fig. Left - Alstromeria Pelegrinskaya (Alstroemeria Pelegrina L.), Alstroemeria family (Alstroemeriaceae) - Plant with very beautiful flowers. Pretty common in Brazil. Due to the collection of flowers and improvement of the beaches, many habitats were destroyed, and only a few scattered locations were preserved. Balza, or Wood Tree (Ochroma Lagopus SW.), Baobachab family (Bombaceae) - high, over 30 m Tree with bluish-gray bark and large palpat leaves. Fruits in maturation crack up and then resemble the hare's paws, as inside they are covered with white down. The name "Balza" translated from Spanish means a raft: it has long been used for the construction of rafts. Wood Balza One of the lightest in the world, very loose and soft, but dried, acquires oak hardness. Currently, Balsa almost completely disappeared from the forests of America, preserved in small quantities only in the raw rain forests of Ecuador. |
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1 - Araucaria Chilean ARAUCARIA ARAUCANA (MOLINO) C. KOCH), Araucaria family (Araucariaceae) - a very large two-walled tree with a height of up to 60 m and a diameter of up to 1.5 m. Leaves are hard, spiky, dark green, spiral-located, hold on wood up to 40 years. Brown bumps, spherical, weighing up to 1.6 kg. It has a disjunctive range of two sites. Little is located on the western slope of Coast Cordillera at an altitude of about 700 m above the UR. The sea, and the larger - in Andes, at an altitude of 1600-1800 m. Forms forests, especially on volcanic soils. Seeds are edible, beautiful wood is used in construction. Posted in Annex I Convention CITES. In Cuba, almost all cacti (family cactus, Cactaceae) have local distribution and many are under threat of disappearance, for example, 2 - Melokactus Matanzan (Melocactus Matanzanus Leόn) and 3 - Melocactus Gitar Melocactus GuitArtii Leόn). In the Red Book of IUCs robin Ceres, or a tree-shaped cactus (Cereus Robin I (Lemaire) L. Benson) - Shrub or a small church with a height of 5-8 m, bluish-green. Flowers bells, brownish green or brownish-purple. Grows in Cuba and in Florida. In Cuba, almost all habitats are destroyed. 4 - Mikrantacerus Golden-Yellow (MicRanthoceus Auri-Azureus), Cactus Family (Cactaceae) - a rare cactus growing in the central part of Baia (Brazil). Baya (its central part) is very rich in small small-scale, but they all need protection. Only in the central part of Bayia grows melokactus Baiensky (Melocactus Bahiensis (Br. Et R.) Luetzelb.). It is under threat of extinction, since in places of its growing locals burn grass and low shrub to improve pasture. Perhaps already disappeared melocactus covered with ripples (Melocactus Pruinosus Werderm.) And melocactus amethysty Melocactus Amethystinus Buining Et Brederoo). |
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1 - mahagonyla tree, or scrolls, or red wood, or real mahagony (Swietenia Mahagoni Jasq.), Family of the Meliase (Meliaceae) is an evergreen tree to 15 m high. Plants of South AmericaIt is valued due to wood with a narrow dirty and white zabol and a red-brown core, a very beautiful texture. During the debt time, the plantings were exploited, since the wood of this tree was widely used for the interior decoration of ships, art carpentry, etc. Pretty wide red tree was distributed in the forests of South and Central America. Currently, some reserves of this species have been preserved in the hard-to-reach of the Andes in Colombia and Ecuador. Significantly decreased due to increased operation of reserves and another valuable tree - mahagony large-scale (Swietenia macrophylla king.). 2 - Caesalpy (Caesalpinia Echinata Lam.), The Caesalpinium family (Caesalpiniaceae) - a tree with red valuable wood and twiceful leaves, the flowers are almost correct. The range is Brazil, due to valuable wood almost completely cut down. 3 - cocaine bush (ErythroxyLon Coca Lam.), Erytroxyl family (ErythroxyLaceae) - a dense-blooded shrub with regular oblong leaves and small white flowers in the leaf sinuses (cocaine is obtained from the leaves). The natural range was lying in Peru, Bolivia and the Eastern Outlines of the Andes, now in a wild state this plant is not found, but is widely cultivated on O-Whava, Sri Lanka. The family contains 4 kinds and about 200 species common in tropical America. |
4 in fig. at the top - Mikroxylon Pereira (MyroxyLon Pereira Klotsch.), Bob family (Fabaceae) - a tropical evergreen tree with non-parptile leaves and whitish flowers.
It has a very limited range in El Salvador (the plant is destroyed in order to obtain the Peruvian Balzam). Cultivated on O-Wava and Sri Lanka.
1 in fig. Below - Brassavola Perryni (BRASSAVOLA PERRINII LDL.), Orchid family (Orchidaceae) - ground orchid with a tuber 15-18 cm of length ending with one narrow sheet. Inflorescence of 3-6 flowers, peers yellow leaves, white lip.
Growing in Brazil. Rod has about 15 species common in tropical America from Mexico and Antille Islands to South Brazil, Paraguay and Bolivia.
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The genus Anguloa combines land plants from orchid (orchid family, Orchidaceae), which sometimes grow on bare rocks. Tubers with 2-4 leaves, flowers single. Grow in Andes from Venezuela, Colombia to Peru. One of the decorative Colombian orchids 2 - Angoulo Klovyza (ANGULOA CLOWESII LDL.), With a tuber 8-14 cm of length, 2-4 with wide-elliptic leaves up to 50 cm long. Lemon-yellow flowers with a strong pleasant aroma. There is also found and 3 - Anguloa Ruvet (Anguloa Ruckeri LDL.), - With flowers outside olive-green, and inside yellow, with reddish brown spots, the lip is dark red-brown. Rod Cattleya (Orchid, Orchidaceae) is one of the most popular and famous gardening practices. All wild cattleias (and about 40 species) are distributed in tropical America, from Mexico to Brazil. They have cylindrical spindle-shaped surplified stems with 1-2 and more leather leaves. Inflorescence is a finite low-mild brush, sometimes a single flower. In Venezuela on the rocks at an altitude of 1000-1300 m growing cattleya Percival (Cattleya Persivaliana Rchb. F.), Under threat of disappearance. In Honduras and Venezuela, under threat of disappearance is cattleya Bowering Cattleya Bowringiana Veitch.) With a multi-flowered brush of small lilac flowers. 4 - Cattleya Aklana (Cattleya ACLANDIAE Lindl.) - Rare endemic Brazil. This is a small plant with relatively large olive-green flowers with fucey-red open lip. |
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The emblem of Costa Rica is 2 in fig. left - Cattleya Skinneri (Cattleya Skinneri Bat.). Annex I of the I Convention on International Trade Flora Flora and Fauna included 4 in fig. left - Cattleya Triana (Cattleya Trianae RchB.) With beautiful pink flowers with dark raspberry lip. Grows in Colombia. 1 - Lelia Daian (Laelia Dayana Rchb. F.), Orchid family (Orchidaceae) - a beautiful fine plant with flowers less than 12 cm, their lip vertical with purple lines. Ries only in Rio de Janeiro (Brazil). In East Brazil in a narrow strip of seaside forest, epiphytic 3 - Lelia Purple Laelia Purpurata Lindl. eT PAXT.). This orchid is close to death both due to the destruction of many location and due to predatory collection. To rare Brazilian Lelias can be attributed lelia Syankoran (Laelia Sincorana Schltr.), 1 in fig. down below, With rounded stronger falsewinds and velvety white flowers. |
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W.masdevallia beautiful (M. bella RchB.) Orchid family (Orchidaceae) - one yellow flower covered with brown stains, with very long tails, white lip and looks like a fly. This epiphytic orchid is growing in Colombia at an altitude of 1800-2000 m. Even above (2300-3000 m) on the rocks, another species grows - 2 - Bright Red Massevallia (Masdevallia Coccinea Lindl) with large purple-red flowers, lip light pink with white end. Representatives of this kind are found in Central and South America, in Andes, where a colder climate. 3 - Butterfly Orchid (Oncidium papilio ldl.) Grows in Venezuela and trinidad and is very similar to the previous view. Due to commercial fees, it is threatened with disappearance. In Guatemala and Mexico, there is an oncidium "Bird Beak" (oncidium ornithorchum H.B. KTH.) With egg-shaped double tubers. Syrenevato-purple flowers with wavy petals. 4 - Massevalia Chimera (Masdevallia chimaera rchb.), It has brownish-red flowers with lighter spots, their lip in the shape of a shower, light brown. Growing in Colombia, at an altitude of 1700-2000 m above the UR. Sea on rocks and trees. |
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In Guatemala and Mexico meet 1 - Oncidium "Bird Beak" (Oncidium ornithorhynchum H.B. KTH.), Orchid family (Orchidaceae) with egg-shaped double tubers. Syrenevato-purple flowers with wavy petals. In the mountains of Brazil is found 3 - Oncidium swollen (Oncidium varicosum LDL.). This genus contains about 530 species and has an area in tropical America - from Mexico to Brazil and Paraguay and on the Bahamas and Antilsk O-Wah. In Ecuador, Costa Rica and Colombia at an altitude of 300-900 m above the UR. sea is growing 4 - Oscidium Cramer, or Orchid Cramer (Oncidium krameranum rchb. F.). It is in the old trees and rustic liaans. One elliptical sheet is departed from the boulevard, covered with a blacknate purple marble pattern. Flowers are very reministed with a butterfly - orange-golden with brown spots. Golden lip with a brown spot. The males of butterflies take the flower behind another male and, protecting their territory, attack the flower, poling him. This orchid is one of the most elegant and decorative species of the genus. 2 - Vanilla fragrant Vanilla Fragrans (Salisb.) Ames), orchidaceae family - grows in tropical America from Mexico to South America, on Antille O-Wah. Widely cultivated. These properties possess other types of vanilla - vanilla Pahukhau (V. odorata Presl.) From Ecuador and vanilla Pompona (V. Pompona Schiede) with an area in Southeast Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Colombia (at an altitude of 800-1500 m above the Ur. Sea), Trinidad, Guiana. Vanilla Pompon serves as a surrogate of real vanilla (has an aroma with a tint of heliotrope). |
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2 - Ipecais (Capha's Ipecacuanha Willd.), Marines family (Rubiaceae) - a small plant with long thin rhizomes, a thin stem with a height of 30-40 cm with several pairs of opposite evergreen broad leaf and a small head of small white flowers. It grows on the extensive territory in the upper reaches of the right tributaries of Amazon (Brazil). Because of the mass preparation of the roots as a medicinal raw material, the number of species is reduced. It is difficult to cultivate it, although its plantations are laid in India, Indonesia and Tanzania. 3 - Quilladium soap, or soap Quillaja Saponaria Molina), a rosaceae family (Rosaceae) - a tree with evergreen leaves, in the core of which contains saponin. Grows in the subtropical forests of the coastal cordiller. Because of operation, its number has declined sharply. Populations sharply reduced wax palm trees From the genus Ceroxylon (Ceroxylon, a Palm family, Palmaceae family), which is growing in Andes from Venezuela to Peru and Bolivia at large altitudes, where forests on large spaces are substituted with coffee plantations. To the threat of disappearance, should be attributed 4 - Wax Palm Andy (CEROXYLON ANDICOLA HUMB. ET BONPL.) And Colombian National Tree Ceroxylon Quinquiense (Karst.) H. WENDL. In Argentina, under threat of disappearance are acrocomia Shunta (Acromia Chunta Covas et Ragon.), The number of which has decreased as a result of operation. Another Argentine Palm with a small range - 1 - Ethupe Edible (EUTERPE EDULIS MART.) - She has eaten the top kidneys. |
Rare are many of the American palm trees. Two types have been made to the Red Book of IUCN - pseudofinik Ekman (Pseudophoenix Ekmanii Burret) and calipponom River (Calyptronoma Rivalis (O.F.
Cook) L.h. Bailey). Pseudofinik - palm 4-5 m height with solitary stem. The base of the stem is about 20 cm in diameter, and above the stem is expanding, forming a bloody up to 80 cm in the diameter, which is narrowed to 15 cm near the crown.
The stem is very juicy, the leaves up to 1.5 m of length, inflorescences are hung, with numerous branches. It is found in the Dominican Republic, in the extreme south, on dry quaternary limestone. It is believed that this wine palm tree described by the first island researchers.
It was prepared from her juice a good bright wine, juice mining and led to the disappearance of this species. CalipTrons are the middle-sized tree with a barrel of up to 10 m, on which leaf scars are well noticeable. Crown of 15-20 peristal leaves. It grows on O-ve Puerto Rico east of San Sebastian. Rights along rivers in wet forests on limestones, at an altitude of 300 m. In 1970, not more than 20 palm trees were noted.
This appearance used to be widespread wider, but disappeared due to fires and logging.
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In fig. on the left - a frying tree (Cinchona Succirubra Pav.), Marines family (Rubiaceae) - evergreen tree with spontaneous leather shiny wide-elliptic leaves and light crimson flowers collected in panicles on the tops of the stems and branches. The range is very limited, meets in Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, and Colombia, on the eastern slopes of the Andes, at an altitude of 1600-3200 m, in wet forests. The trees are predicted to obtain quinine (remedy for malaria). Currently, the culture is widely enacted in Southeast Asia and Africa. Pihta Guatemalan (Abies Guatemalensis RehDer), Pine Family (Pinaceae) - a tree height up to 45 m. As a result of intense logging and the destruction of the teen cattle, it became very rare in Guatemala. Pine Weimutova Mexican (Pinus Aycahuite Ehrenb.), Pine Family (Pinaceae) - a tree with a height of 30-45 m with a conical crown, gray bark and very long, up to 30 cm cheese. Her arral lies in the mountains of South Mexico and Guatemala. Strengthened due to valuable wood, the bark is rushing to obtain tannides, which strongly undermined the stocks of the form. |
Published by the book: Belousova L.S., Denisova L.V.
Rare plants in the world. M.: Forest industry, 1983. 344 p.
Flora.
South America is characterized by a wide variety of zonal types of soil-vegetation cover and. The exclusive wealth of the flora, which includes tens of thousands of plant species. This is due to the situation of South America between the South Hemisphere's Sub Escan Belt and the Moderate Belt of the Southern Hemisphere, as well as the peculiarities of the mainland's development, which was held first in close connection with other continents of the Southern Hemisphere, and in the future - almost in full insulation from large sushi arrays, if not Consider connections with North America through Panaman's experiencing.
Most of South America, up to 40 ° J.Sh., together with Central America and Mexico, forms a non-refective floral kingdom. The southern part of the mainland enters the limits of the Antarctic kingdom.
Within the sushi, which connected the South American platform with African, was obviously common for both continents of the Flora Flora and Tropical Forests, which also explains the presence of some common types of plants in their composition. However, the separation of Africa and South America at the end of the mesozoic led to the formation of an independent flora on each of these continents and the separation of Paleotropic and neotropic kingdoms. For non-neatovikov, great wealth and high degree of endemism flora caused by the continuity of its development from the mesozoic and the presence of several major centers of the speciation are characterized.
Endemic families as bromineneous, nastures, canned, cactus are characteristic of non-ironics. The oldest center for the formation of a family of cacti was, obviously, in Brazilian Highlands, from where they spread throughout the mainland, and after the occurrence of Panama, Pliocene had penetrated to the north, forming a secondary center on Mexican Highlands.
Flora of the eastern part of South America is a much ancient Flora Andes. The formation of the latter occurred gradually, as the mountain system itself occurs, partly from the elements of the ancient tropical flora of the East, and largely from the elements that penetrated from the South, from the Antarctic region, and from the north, from the North American Cordiller. Therefore, between the Flora and the Offandian East, there are large species differences.
Within the Antarctic kingdom of south of 40 ° Yu.Sh. There is endemic, poor, but very peculiar Flora. It was formed on an ancient Antarctic mainland before the start of the mainland glaciation of Antarctica. In connection with the cold, this flora migrated to the north and preserved to the present in small areas of sushi within the moderate belt of the southern hemisphere. It reached the greatest development in the southern part of the mainland. For the Antarctic Flora South America, representatives of bipolar flora, found on the Arctic and Subarctic Islands of the Northern Hemisphere, are characterized.
The Flora of the South American Mainland gave humanity a lot of most valuable plants entered into a culture not only in the Western hemisphere, but also beyond. This is primarily potatoes whose ancient cultivation centers are located in Peruvian and Bolivian Andes, north of 20 ° Yu.Sh., as well as in Chile, south of 40 ° Yu.Sh., including on Chiloe Island. Andes - the birthplace of tomatoes, beans, pumpkins. It is still not clarified precisely Praodin and unknown wild ancestor of cultural corn, but, undoubtedly, it comes from a non-refective kingdom. South America is also the birthplace of the most valuable rubberos - gevent, chocolate, chinny trees, manioki and many other plants grown in the tropical areas of the Earth. The richest vegetation of South America is an inexhaustible source of huge natural wealth - food, feed, technical, medicinal plants.
For the vegetation cover of South America, wet tropical forests are particularly characterized, which have no equal on earth on the wealth of species, nor the magnitude of the territory occupied by them.
Wet tropical (equatorial) forests of South America on ferrollic soils, named by A. Humboldt Giley, and in Brazil called Selva, occupy a significant part of the Amazon lowland, adjacent areas of the Orinok lowland and the slopes of the Brazilian and Gwiang Nagrain. They are also characteristic of the coastal strip of the Pacific Ocean within Colombia and Ecuador. Thus, wet tropical forests are covered with an area with an equatorial climate, but, in addition, they grow on the slopes of the Brazilian and Guiangic Nagrai, facing the Atlantic Ocean, in higher latitudes where abundant trade houses are going for most of the year, and in The time of the short dry period is a lack of rain compensated by high humidity.
The guilles of South America is the richest in the species composition and in the thickness of the vegetation cover the type of land vegetation. They are characterized by a large height and complexity of a forest canopy. On unpopulated rivers, areas in the forest are up to five tiers of various plants, of which, at least three tiers consist of trees. The height of the highest of them reaches 60-80 m.
The species wealth in South America's gyles is enormous, more edema vegetable species endemic. In this regard, they surpass wet rainforests of Africa and even Southeast Asia. The upper tiers of these forests form palm trees, for example, Mauritia Aculeata, Mauritia Armata, Attalea Funifera, as well as various representatives of the legume family. From typically American trees, bertholettia Excelsa, giving nuts with a large content of fat, mahagonyevo tree with valuable wood, etc.
For the South American Tropical Forest, the types of chocolate tree with caulifloral, sitting right on the trunk of flowers and fruits.
Fruits of cultural chocolate tree (Theobroma Cacao) rich in valuable nutrient tones give raw materials for making chocolate. These forests are the homeland of Kauchonos Gevei (Hevea Brasiliensis).
In the tropical forests of South America, there is a symbiosis of some trees and ants, such as several types of cecropia (Cecropia Peltata, Cecropia adenopus).
Wet tropical forests of South America is especially rich in liar and epiphets, often bright and beautifully blooming. Among them are representatives of the Arochnic, Bromelian family, ferns and unique on the beauty and brightness of orchid flowers. Wet tropical forests rise across the slopes of the mountains to about a height of 1000-1500 m, not undergoing significant changes.
The world's largest array of virgin forests existed in the north of the Amazon basin and on the Gwianky Plateau.
However, the soils under this richest in the volume of organic mass by the plant community are mounted and poor nutrients. The decline products that continuously enter the ground are quickly decomposed under conditions of a uniformly roast and humid climate and immediately absorbed by plants, not good to accumulate in the soil. After clearing the forest, the soil cover is rapidly degraded, and a large number of fertilizers is required for agricultural use.
As climate change, i.e., with the appearance of a dry season, wet tropical forests are moving to savanna and tropical palpal. On the Brazilian Highlands between the savannas and the wet rainforest there is a strip of almost pure palm forests. Savannes are distributed on a significant part of Brazilian Highlands, mainly in its inner areas. In addition, they occupy large areas on the Orinoxic lowland and in the central regions of the Gwiangic Highlands. In Brazil, typical savannahs on red ferrallitic soils are known as Campos. Their herbage vegetation consists of high cereals of childbirth Paspalum, Andropogon, Aristida, as well as representatives of family of legumes and comprehensive. Wood forms of vegetation or are absolutely absent, or found in the form of individual copies of mimosue with an umbifice crown, tree cacti, mocharya and other xerophytes and succulents.
On the dry northeast of Brazilian Highlands, a significant area is engaged in the so-called Cathing, which is a rarefied forest from drought-resistant trees and shrubs on red-brown soils. Many of them on the dry period of the year lose the leaves, others have a bloated trunk, in which moisture accumulates, such as a tube (Cavanilllesia Platanifolia). The trunks and branches of the katings trees often cover the lianas and epiphytic plants. There are also several types of palm trees. The most wonderful Caatini tree - Copernicia Prunifera (Copernicia Prunifera), which gives vegetable wax that scrapes or digested from its large (up to 2 m long) leaves. Wax is used to prepare candles, rubbing floors and other purposes. From the top of the barrel of the carnabe, Sago and palm flour are obtained, the leaves go to cover the roofs and weaving various products, the roots are used in medicine, and the fruit of the local population uses food in cheese and boiled form. No wonder the inhabitants of Brazil call the carnube with a tree of life.
The plane of the Grand Character, in particularly dry areas, the brown shrubs and sparse forests were spread on brown-red soils. In their composition, two species belong to different families, they are known under the general name "Kebracho" ("Scroll Topor"). These trees contain a large number of tannins: Red Cook (Schinopsis Lorentzii) - up to 25%, White Cabracho (Aspidosperma Quebracho Blanco) is somewhat less. Their wood is heavy, dense, not amenable to rotting and sinking in water. Kebracho stiffly cut down. In special factories, a tanning extract is obtained from it, sleepers, piles and other items are made of wood, designed for long stay in water. Algalrobo (Prosopis Juliflora) is also found in the forests - a tree from the Mimosov family with a curved barrel and a highly branching scattered crown. Small delicate foliage Algalrobo does not give shadows. Low forest tiers are often represented by spiny shrubs forming impassable thickets.
The savannahs of the northern hemisphere differ from the southern savannas for the appearance and the species composition of the flora. South of the equator among the threshings of cereals and dicotyathic palm trees: Copernation (Copernicia SPP.) - In more dry places, Mauritia Mauritia Flexuosa - on wetlands or flooded spaces. The wood of these palm trees are used as a building material, the leaves go to the weaving of various products, the fruits and core of the Mauriya trunk are edible. Acacias and high tree cacti are also numerous.
Red and red-brown soils of savannah and tropical chapters are characterized by a higher content of humus and great fertility than the soil of wet forests. Therefore, in areas of their distribution there are the main areas of plowed lands with plantations of coffee tree exported from Africa, cotton, bananas and other cultivated plants.
Pacific coast between 5 and 27 ° Yu.Sh. And Vpadina Atakama with their constant idleness possess the most typically pronounced in South America with deserted soils and vegetation. Sections of almost fruitless stony soils alternate with massifes of bulk sands and extensive surfaces engaged in Selitrine Solonchak. Extremely poor vegetation is represented rarely standing cacti, spiny patterned shrubs and ephemers from bulbous and tuberous plants.
Subtropical vegetation occupies a relatively small area in South America.
The extreme south-east of Brazilian Highlands, receiving abundant precipitation during the year, is covered with subtropical forests from araucarium with an undergrowth of various shrubs, including Paraguaye tea (ILEX Paraguaiensis). Paraguayevsky tea leaves The local population uses a widespread hot drink that replaces tea. By the name of a round vessel, in which this drink is made, it is called Mate or Yerba-Mate.
The second type of subtropical vegetation of South America is a subtropical steppe, or PAMPA, characteristic of the eastern, most wet parts of Lapanese lowland south of 30 ° Yu.Sh., is a herbaceous cereal vegetation on fertile reddish-black soils forming on volcanic rocks. It consists of the South American species of those goddings of cereals, which are widespread in Europe in the steppes of a moderate belt (Kickly, bearded, oatmeal). With forests of Brazilian Highlands, Pampa is connected by the transitional type of vegetation, close to the forest-steppe, where the herbs are combined with thickets of evergreen shrubs. The vegetation of Pamppa is the most powerful extermination and is currently almost completely substituted with wheat crops and other cultivated plants. To the West and the south as the precipitation decreases, the vegetation of dry subtropical steppes and semi-deserts on gray-brown soils and seroshees with spots of salt marshes on the site of dried lakes appears.
The subtropical vegetation and soil of the Pacific coast for the appearance resemble the vegetation and soil of the European Mediterranean. Thickets of evergreen shrubs on brown soils prevail.
For the Far Southeast (Patagonia), the vegetation of dry steppes and a semi-desert moderate belt is characteristic. Serious-brown soils prevail, salinization is widespread. In the vegetation cover, high cereals (Roa Flabellata, etc.) and various xerophytic shrubs are often a pillowless shape, low cacti.
In the extreme southwestern, the moisture-boring and very diverse subitarctic forests are growing at the extreme southwestern of the mainland with its oceanic climate, the moisture differences and abundance of precipitation. They are close to rainforests for wealth and a variety of life forms of plants and the complexity of the structure of the forest canopy. They are abounding the lianas, mosses, lichens. Along with various high-power coniferous trees from childbirth Fitzroyaa, Araucaria and others are common evergreen deciduous breeds, such as southern beats (Nothofagus SPP.), Magnolia and others. In the undergrowth, many ferns and bamboo. These impregnated forest moisture with difficulty can be clearing and irrigated. They are still one of the most important natural resources of Chile, although they were strongly injured from cutting and fires. Almost without changing its composition, forests rise across the slopes of the mountains to a height of 2000 m. Under these forests, forest burzems develop. South as the forests are cold, lianas disappear, tree fern and bamboo disappear. Conifers prevail (Podocarpus andinus, AustroCedrus Chilensis), but the evergreen beats and magnolia are preserved. Under these depleted submanctic forests, podzolic soils are formed.
Under the influence of man's economic activity, the vegetation has undergone significant changes. In just 15 years, from 1980 to 1995, forest area in South America decreased by 124 million hectares. In Bolivia, Venezuela Paraguay and Ecuador the rates of forest information over this period exceeded 1% per year. For example, in 1945, 8.8 million hectares (or 55% of the total area) occupied in the eastern regions of Paraguay Forests, and in 1991 their area was only 2.9 million hectares (18%). In Brazil, from 1988 to 1997, about 15 million hectares of forests were destroyed. It should be noted that after 1995 there is a noticeable decline in deforestation.
The main cause of deforestation in Brazilian Amazonia remains expanding the areas of agricultural land, mainly permanent pastures. The destruction of forests leads to the destruction of the upper soil horizon, the development of accelerated erosion and other soil degradation processes. Due to the information of forests and overloading pastures, the processes of soil degradation touched almost 250 million hectares of land.
Fauna.
Not less wealth than plant cover, characterized by the animal world of South America. Modern fauna, as well as the Flora of the mainland, was formed, starting from the end of the chalk period under insulation conditions and a little climate changed. The antiquity of the fauna and the presence in its composition of the large number of endemic forms are connected with it. In addition, there are some common features of the fauna of South America and other continents of the Southern Hemisphere, which indicates a long-time relationship between them. An example is the preserved, preserved only in South America and Australia.
All monkeys of South America belong to the group of wide-axis, absent in the fauna of the old world.
A feature of the fauna of South America is also the presence of three endemic families in its composition, united in one detachment. A large number of endemic species, childbirth and even families are among predators, herbivores and rodents.
The very rich and peculiar fauna of South America (together with Central America) belongs to the neopropic area and is within the limits of two subsections - Brazilian and Chilean-Patagonian.
Wet tropical the woods.
Wet rainforests are characterized by the greatest originality and wealth, animals are hidden in thick thickets or spend most of the time in high trees. The adaptation to the woody lifestyle is one of the features of animals in Amazonian forests, as well as animals in the Forests of the Congo basin in Africa or the Malay Archipelago in Asia.
In the tropical forests of South America, American (wide-axes) monkeys are inhabited, divided into two families - chamber-like and quee. Fain monkeys of small size. The smallest of them reach a length of no more than 15-16 cm, the limbs fitted with claws, help them hold on the trunks of the trees. For many, the quest is characterized by a strong tail, which they cling to the branches of trees, it acts as a fifth limb. Among them, the genus of the revins, who received their name for the ability to publish far-heard cries. Spider-like monkeys with long flexible limbs are widespread.
The lazy lazens live in rainforests from representatives of the detachment of incomplete in the tropical forests. They are sediments and spend most of the time in a hanging position on the trees, feed on leaves and shoots. In the trees, the sloth climbs confidently and rarely fall on the ground.
Some Murameni are also adapted to life on trees. For example, freely climbs on Tamanda trees; A small agent having a chain tail also spends most of the time on the trees. A large game is common in the forests and savannas, leads a ground lifestyle.
In tropical forests there are predators from the Feline family: Ocelot, small jaguarundi, as well as large and strong jaguars. Of the predators belonging to the family of doggy, an interesting little forest, or a bush, a dog living in the tropical forests of Brazil, Suriname and Guyana. To forest animals, hunting on trees, are nose (Nasua) and Kinka (Potos Flavus).
Smooth, few in South America, are represented only by several kinds. Among them Tapirus Terrestris, a small black pig-baker and a tiny South American deer spiker.
Characteristic representatives of rodents in the forests of Amazonian lowland and other areas of South America are woody chained dickerage coendom (genus Coendou). Aguti (DasyPrcta Agouti), which are found in Brazil's forests, are applied great harm to plantation tropical crops. Almost throughout the mainland, especially in the Amazonian forests, the Wolves Capibara (Hydrochoeerus Hydrochaeris) is common - the largest representative of rodents whose length of which reaches 120 cm.
In the forests of South and Central America, there are several types of sophisticated rats, or opossums. Some of them are equipped with a tenacious tail and face trees well. Amazon forests are pissed by volatile mice, among which there are species that feed on the blood of warm-blooded animals.
Very richly presented in the forests reptiles and amphibians. From the reptiles are highlighted by water boating anaconda (Enecs Murinus) and a land wooded bias (Corallus Caninus). Many poisonous snakes, lizards. Crocodiles are found in the rivers. From amphibious frogs, some of them lead a woody lifestyle.
In the forests there are many different birds, especially brightly colored parrots. The most typical largest parrots - Ara. In addition, small sparrow parrots and beautiful, brightly opered green parrots are widespread. The most characteristic representatives of the Ornithofauna of South America, in particular the rainforest, - Hummingbird. These small bird-painted birds that feed on the nectar of colors were called insect birds.
The forests are also inhabited by Goacin (Opisthocomus Hoatzin), whose chicks have on the wings of a claws, helping them with climbing on trees, solar herons and herbal choppers, harpi - huge birds of prey, hunting on young deer, monkeys and sloths.
One of the features of the rainforest mainland is a large number of insects, a significant part of which is endemic. Through day and night butterflies, various beetles, ants. Many butterflies and beetles are beautifully painted. Some beetles glow so bright at night that about them can be read. Butterflies have huge sizes; The largest of them - Agrippa, the scope of its wings reaches almost 30 cm.
Savanna raddhellesya and steppe.
The fauna is more dry and open spaces of South America - Savannan, tropical palpal, subtropical steppes - other than in dense forests. Of the predators, in addition to the jaguar, the Puma is common (found almost throughout South America and serving in North America), Ocelot, Pamppot Cat. For the southern part, the mainland is characterized by a grivy wolf from a family of doggy. On the plains and in the mountainous areas, a fox of Pamppa is found almost all over the mainland, in the Far South - Magellanov Lisitsa. A small pampas deer is spread out of hoofs.
In Savannah, forests and arable land, representatives of the Third American Failure - DasyPodidae - animals equipped with a solid bone shell are found. With the approach of danger, they break into the ground.
From rodents in Savannah and steppes there are Viskich and living in the ground Tuko-Tuco. Wolly beaver, or nutria, whose fur is highly appreciated in the global market.
From birds other than numerous parrots and hummingbirds also live on Nanda (RHEA) - South American representatives of Ostrich-shaped detachment, some major birds of prey.
In the savannah and steppes there are many snakes and lizards. A characteristic feature of South America landscapes is a large number of member. Some areas of South America periodically suffer from the invasion of the locust.
Andes.
Mountain Fauna Andes differs in peculiar features. It includes many endemic animals that are not found in the eastern part of the mainland.
The South American representatives of the camel family are common throughout the mountain region. Two kinds of wild lamas are known - Vigoney (Vicuna - Vicugna Vicugna,) and Guanaco (Lama Guanicoe,). In the past, the Indians hunted them because of meat and wool. Guanaco was found not only in the mountains, but also on the Patagonian plateau and in Pamp. Now wild llamas are rare. Indians in Andes are bred two home species Lam - actually Lama and Alpaca. Lama is large and strong animals, used as coagulous animals in difficult mountain roads, their milk and meat are eaten, and coarse fabrics make out of wool. Alpaca (Lama Pacos) is diluted only because of its soft wool.
Also dwells also inhabited, some silent. Previously, small endemic rodents of Chinchilla (Chinchilla) were widespread. Their soft, silky gray fur was considered one of the best and expensive fur. Therefore, at present, the number of chinchilla reduced to a large extent.
Birds are represented in the Andes endemic mountain views of the same birth and families that are common in the east of the mainland. From the predatory interests of Condor (Vul Griphus) is the largest representative of this detachment.
The fauna of volcanic Galapagos Islands is distinguished by an extraordinary originality, in its composition the main place belongs to major reptiles - the giant land turtle and sea lizards (iguana). Many also various birds, among which there are representatives of both tropical and antarctic ornithofauna (parrots and penguins, entered by cold flow, cormorants, etc.). Among the few mammals can be called eared seals, some rodents and volatile mice. Pets (goats, dogs, pigs) were brought to the islands and wild.
As a result of the destruction of habitats, the number of many species of animals has decreased. Currently, 161 species of mammals, 269 species of birds, 32 types of reptiles, 14 species of amphibians and 17 species of fish are under threat of disappearance in South America.
For the protection of animals, plants and ecosystems, reserves and protected areas of other categories are generally created. In 2002, in South America, there were 706 protected areas of the five categories of IUCN, which occupy an area of \u200b\u200balmost from Mlows. Among the most famous national parks can be called "Los Glajacares" in Argentina, Iguaçu in Brazil and Argentina, "Itchi" in Brazil, Vicente-Perez-Rosalez in Chile and others. The biosphere reserve was also created on the Galapagos Islands.
Potatoes, rice, corn, beans. Many endemics
A list of only one of the representatives of the wood flora takes not one tens of pages. These plants of South America are mainly represented by bobustoral. They are decorating rainforest. Among the trees with spectacular blossom, the Caesalpiniyev family is central. The highest representatives of the flora of the floodplain part of the Amazon are mimosov. The trees of this species reach a height of sixty meters. In the forests of South America, tropical plants of mopine and laurel, muscaton and courtyard, as well as lecithidids received widespread.
Brazilian Gevei brings the greatest benefit to the population of the planet. This tree, which belongs to the Rocular Family, gives rubber. The plant has a rather thick trunk. Its dimensions may exceed one meter wide. The height of this tree can reach the mark of thirty meters. Interesting plants are found in Brazilian areas. The trees belonging to the satellite family also give rubber. First of all, he finds its use in the manufacture of chewing gum. Valuable wood, which is not inferior in its quality to the truly red tree, gives large-scale scrolls.
The plants of South America, especially the amazon growing in the tropical thickets, are brightly represented by a variety of types of Lian. From certain species, the Indians of the local tribes produce poison of Kurara, which is applied to the tips of their arrows.
On the part of the floodplain, which is subjected to flooding, palm trees grow. Many of their types are used as food by the local population.
South America plants are represented by wood-cocoa (or chocolate). This type of flora is tenth of ten meters. Representatives of these trees are most common in the lower reaches of the Amazon River.
Rainforest areas bordered with extensive territories covered with meadows on which high herbaceous plants grow. Basically, they are represented by cereals. During the period of flooding, individual sections of such a meadow can separate from the upper layer of soil and sail in the direction of the flow as floating islands.
South America plants growing on the edge of the floodplain are brightly represented by swamp and water communities. Thanks to the warm and wet climate, they develop here especially magnificently.
Pretty an unusual plant that got the greatest spread on the tropical territory of South America is Kirkazon. This is a genus Lian and herbs. On the stalks of the plant appear unusual large flowers. Thanks to it, Kirkanone is widely used by landscape designers. It can be found in domestic gardens, oranges and parks. From ancient times, its medicinal properties are used. Kirkazon serves as a fitting body. He is able to calm the nervous system and normalize the work of the digestive tract. At the same time, its anti-inflammatory and diuretic function is manifested. The useful substances contained in the root of kirkazone are used to expand the vessels. The tincture of this healing plant helps in maturing and feverish states, cure of gynecological diseases and deliverance from gastric and intestinal disorders. As an outdoor, kirkanosc is used with allergic manifestations, gold and wounds, which for a long time do not heal.
On the other hand, the formation of the vegetation cover of South America, starting from the tertiary period, occurred in almost complete isolation from other major sushi sections. The main features of Flora South America are associated with this: its antiquity, species wealth and high degree of endemism.
The vegetation cover in South America has changed significantly under the influence of man than on other continents of the globe. The density of the population on the mainland is small, and huge spaces in some of its parts have almost completely unnecessary. Such territories have retained their natural soil and plant cover unchanged.
South America's vegetation is a source of huge natural resources of food, forage, technical, medicinal, etc. But they have been very weak so far so far.
Flora South America gave humanity a number of essential cultivated plants. The first place among them is potatoes, whose culture was known to the Indians long before the coming of Europeans and is widespread in various fields of South America and now. The most common rubber glasses of Gevei, chocolate tree, a chinny tree grown in many tropical areas of the globe occurs from South America.
South America lies within two floristic areas. The main part of the mainland is included in the limits of the neopropic area. As part of its flora there are some elements common with Africa, which indicates the existence of land bonds between the main students up to the tertiary period.
Part of the mainland south of parallel 40 yu. sh. Refers to the Antarctic Floristic Area. There is similarities between the Flora of this part of the mainland and Flora, Australia and New Zealand, which also indicates existence during the geological history of links between these continents.
The overall picture of soil and vegetable zones in the neo-phase region of South America resembles Africa. But the ratio of individual types of vegetation and their species composition on these continents are different. If the main type of vegetation of Africa Savannah, then for the vegetation cover of South America is particularly characterized by wet tropical forests that do not have equal on earth on the wealth of species, nor in the vastity of the territory occupied by them.
Wet tropical forests in latitite apodolien soils are distributed in South America on a huge area. The population of Brazil calls them Selvas. Selvas are occupied by a significant part of the Amazon lowland and the adjacent areas of the Orinocal lowland, the slopes of the Brazilian and Gwiang Nagrai. They are also characteristic of the coastal strip of the Pacific Ocean within Colombia and Ecuador. Thus, wet tropical forests are covered with an equatorial climate area, but, in addition, they grow on the slopes of the Brazilian and Guiangic Nagrain, facing the Atlantic Ocean in higher latitudes where abundant trade houses are going throughout the year.
In the richest rainforest of Amazon lowland, many valuable plants can be found. These forests are characterized by a large height and complexity of a forest canopy. On unlotregnated areas in the forest, there are up to 12 * kosmopark *. * COM * / * Materiki * / * Flora * - * Uzhnoy *
In Cuba, almost all cacti (Cactus, Cactaceae family) have a local distribution and many are threatened with disappearance, for example, 2 - Matanzanus Le # 972 Melocactus Matanzanus Le # 972; N) and 3 - Melocactus GuitArtii LE # 972; N) . The Red Book of the IUCN made a Robin Ceres, or a tree-shaped cactus (L. Benson) a shrub or a small church of 5-8 m high, bluish-green. Flowers bells, brownish green or brownish-purple. Grows in Cuba and in Florida. In Cuba, almost all habitats are destroyed.
4 - Mikrantocereus Golden-Yellow (Micranthocereus Auri-Azureus), Cactus Family (Cactaceae) - a rare cactus growing in the central part of Baia (Brazil). Baya (its central part) is very rich in small small-scale, but they all need protection. Only in the central part of Bayei grows Melocactus Bahiensis (Br. Et R.) Luetzelb.). It is under threat of extinction, since in places of its growing locals burn grass and low shrub to improve pasture. Melocactus Pruinosus Werderm was already disappeared (Melocactus Pruinosus Werderm) and Melocactus Amethystinus Buining Et Brederoo).
1 - Mahagonya tree, or scratches, or red wood, or real mahagony (Swietenia Mahagoni Jasq.), Family of the Meliacea (Meliaceae) - evergreen tree up to 15 m high. It is valued due to wood with a narrow dirty and white zabol and a red-brown core, a very beautiful texture. During the debt time, the plantings were exploited, since the wood of this tree was widely used for the interior decoration of ships, art carpentry, etc. Pretty wide red tree was distributed in the forests of South and Central America. Currently, some reserves of this species have been preserved in the hard-to-reach of the Andes in Colombia and Ecuador. Significantly reduced due to increased operation of reserves and other valuable wood of Mahagony large (Swietenia macrophylla king.).
2 - Caesalpinia Syprumy (Caesalpinia Echinata Lam.), The Caesalpiniy family (Caesalpiniaceae) tree with red valuable wood and twiceful leaves, the flowers are almost correct. Brazil Area, due to valuable wood almost completely cut down.
3 - cocaine bush (Erythroxylon Coca Lam.), Erytroxyl family (Erythroxylaceae) Divorous shrub with regular oblong leaves and small white flowers in the sneakers of the leaves (cocaine leaves are obtained). The natural range was lying in Peru, Bolivia and the Eastern Outlines of the Andes, now in a wild state this plant is not found, but is widely cultivated on O-Whava, Sri Lanka. The family contains 4 kinds and about 200 species common in tropical America.
4 in fig. At the top - Miroxylon Pereira Klotsch.), Fabric family (Fabaceae) Tropical evergreen tree with unpaired leaves and white flowers. It has a very limited range in El Salvador (the plant is destroyed in order to obtain the Peruvian Balzam). Cultivated on O-WAVA and Sri Lanka
In the south-east of the country, in Brazilian Highlands, the araucaria forests from Brazilian, or Parada, Araucaria (Pinairo, or Brazilian Pine ") extend. With her, Embusy, Tabebuya, Korde, are growing with her, and in the undergrowth Yerbamate - Paraguayan tea is prepared from her leaves. Araucaria forests are involved in intensive operation.
Along the Atlantic coast and at the mouth of the Amazon, mangrove forests are growing, in which Red Mangr with an admixture of Black Mangra (Avicennia Marina) and White Mangra (Conocarpus Erecta) prevail. From the bark of these trees a tannin is mined.
