5 FLORA & FAUNA

What are Flora and Fauna? F

lora and fauna refer to the collection of all plants and animals living in a particular region or environmental situation. The collection of flora (plants) and fauna (animals) of an area usually interact in various degrees to form an ecosystem. For example, some animals may depend on other animals or plants for survival. Plants may also depend on other plants or animals to thrive. These interdependent relationships are the basis of a functioning ecosystem. The definition of flora and fauna may also include any plants or animals considered as a group for any reason.

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he differences between flora and fauna, in general, are important in terms of the ecology of the environment. There are ecological relationships among members within each category and between categories. Among a region’s fauna, predator-prey relationships often exist. This serves to stabilize the population numbers of different animal species. Complex food webs may exist among the species in a region with primary producers at the bottom and apex predators at the top. Animals also pollinate flowers or disperse seeds. Their waste products can serve as fertilizers for plants. Plants often provide food, shelter, and building materials for animals. Plants may also contribute to the habitat of other plants, such as when tall trees provide protection for shade-loving vegetation. Importantly, flora and fauna function together in the oxygen and carbon dioxide cycles, each providing different roles. Through photosynthesis, flora uses carbon dioxide in the air to produce oxygen, which is needed by both flora and fauna. Fauna produces carbon dioxide when they respire.

Flora vs. Fauna

Flora and fauna have subdivisions that group members by certain traits or uses. Fauna can be described as megafauna or microfauna, meaning very large or very small animals respectively. The subdivisions of flora are not usually based on inherent traits, but instead refer to the ways humans use them. For example, agricultural flora is

the plants used for crops, while weed flora is those plants that are undesired in a particular region. Microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi, are often informally included in subdivisions such as gut flora or skin fauna. The terms fauna and flora have often been used interchangeably when referring to these microorganisms since they do not fall into the domains of plants or animals. Instead, many biologists prefer the term microbiota when discussing microorganisms.

1 Examples of Flora

Trees

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ines are p l a n t s that grow horizontally along the ground or on other plants, attaching themselves with tendrils or aerial roots. They can be either woody or herbaceous, as well as evergreen or deciduous. Vines can grow in a variety of habitats, from forests to deserts, and can grow in both the wild and in cultivation. They play an important role in the environment by providing food and habitat for a wide

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n terms of flora, trees are perennial plants that are typically tall and have a single main stem or trunk that serves as support for branches and leaves. Around the world, they can be found in a variety of habitats, from tropical rainforests to dry deserts. Because they offer oxygen, shade, and habitat for a wide variety of animals, trees are crucial to the environment. Additionally, they aid in regulating the climate and halting soil erosion. Trees are essential for human activities as well because they provide us with fuel, paper, wood for building, and many other products.

range of animals, as well as aiding in climate regulation. Vines are distinguished by their ability to climb and attach themselves to other plants or structures through the use of tendrils, hooks, or aerial roots. This allows them to grow to greater heights while also utilising other plants for support and access to sunlight.

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Vines

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Flowers “Life is the flower for which love is the honey.” – Victor Hugo

“Take time to smell the roses.”

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umerous plant species, including trees, shrubs, and herbs, have flowers as a reproductive feature. They are frequently used by plants to entice pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. They are usually vividly coloured and fragrant. Flowers are made up of many different components, such as petals, sepals, stamens, and pistils. They are typically the plant’s reproductive organ, and this is where the seeds are made. Flowers have long been used to express emotions, as gifts, and in numerous rituals. They play an important part in human culture. Different flowers have different meanings; for instance, roses stand for love and friendship, lilies for innocence and purity, and sunflowers for symbolises adoration.  In addition, a lot of flowers are edible and are used to flavour and decorate food and beverages. Roses, violets, and nasturtiums are a few examples.

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hrubs are a type of woody perennial plant with multiple branches that grows close to the ground. They are smaller than trees and have a more compact growth habit. Shrubs can be deciduous or evergreen and can be found in a variety of habitats around the world, from forests to deserts. They play an important role in the environment by providing food and habitat for a wide range of animals, as well as aiding in climate regulation and soil erosion prevention.

Grass

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Shrubs

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rass is a plant that belongs to the Poaceae family, which contains over 10,000 different species found all over the world. They are distinguished by their narrow leaves and ability to grow in dense clusters. Grasses can be found in a variety of environments, including forests, deserts, and wetlands. They play an important role in many ecosystems, providing food and habitat for a wide range of animals as well as aiding in climate regulation and soil erosion prevention.

Examples of Fauna

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Mammals Reptile

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reptile is a cold-blooded vertebrate with scaly skin, four legs, and a bony skeleton. Snakes, lizards, turtles, and crocodiles are examples of reptiles. They are distinguished by their ability to lay hard-shelled eggs, and their metabolism is less active than that of mammals and birds. Reptiles are an ancient group of animals that have existed for millions of years. Except for Antarctica, they can be found on every continent and have adapted to a variety of environments, including deserts, rainforests, and oceans. Some reptiles live alone, while others live in groups. They eat a variety of foods, with some being carnivorous and others being herbivorous.

ammals are a group of vertebrates distinguished by the presence of mammary glands, which produce milk to feed their young. They also have three middle ear bones and body hair. Mammals are found all over the world and range in size and shape from small shrews to large elephants. They are classified into three groups: monotremes, marsupials, and placental mammals. Humans, lions, bats,

and whales are examples of mammals. Mammals are a diverse group of animals that have adapted to various environments. They have evolved to live in nearly every habitat on the planet, from the Arctic tundra to the African savannah, and from the depths of the ocean to high mountain ranges.

Birds

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bird is a feathered, warm-blooded vertebrate with wings and a beak. Birds are members of the Aves class and are distinguished by their ability to fly (with the exception of flightless birds, such as penguins and ostriches). Birds can be found on every continent and in almost every habitat, and they play important roles as predators, prey, and pollinators in many ecosystems. There are approximately 10,000 known bird species, each with their own distinct characteristics and behaviours. Birds have a variety of physical characteristics that allow them to fly. Lightweight bones (many of which are hollow), strong muscles, and large, powerful wings are among these. Birds have a specialised respiratory system that allows them to extract oxygen from the air more efficiently, which is important during flight. Birds have a diverse set of behaviours and adaptations that help them survive in their various environments. Some birds, such as penguins, have adapted to cold environments by developing thick layers of feathers and blubber to keep them warm. Other birds, such as desert-dwelling species, have evolved to conserve water and withstand extreme temperatures. Many birds are also well-known for their

vocalisations and songs, which they use to communicate and defend their territories. Parrots and crows, for example, are well-known for their intelligence and problem-solving abilities. Birds are important predators, prey, and pollinators in many ecosystems. They are also important environmental health indicators that can be used to monitor ecosystem health. Birds’ ability to fly is one of their most notable adaptations. Birds fly thanks to a variety of adaptations, including lightweight bones (many of which are hollow), strong muscles, and large, powerful wings. Birds also have a specialised respiratory system that allows them to extract oxygen from the air more efficiently. This is critical during flight because the high energy demands of flying necessitate a lot of oxygen. Birds are important indicators of environmental health and can be used to monitor ecosystem health.Changes in bird populations can signal changes in environmental health, such as the presence of pollutants or the effects of climate change. In conclusion, birds are a diverse and fascinating group of animals with a wide range of adaptations and behaviours that allow them to survive in a wide range of environments.

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ish are aquatic animals that live in both saltwater and freshwater habitats. They are cold-blooded vertebrates with gills for breathing and swimming fins. Fish come in a wide range of shapes and sizes and can be found all over the world. Some species, like salmon and tuna, are important human food sources, while others, like sharks and rays, are popular in the aquarium trade. Fish are classified into three types: jawless fish, cartilaginous

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fish, and bony fish. Fish, as both predators and prey, play an important role in many ecosystems. They also play an important role in human culture, having been used for thousands of years for food, medicine, and recreation.

Fish

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Amphibians

A mp h i b - newts are examples ians are a of amphibians. They group of are known for their ability to breathe cold-blooded ver- through their skin tebrates with a two- as well as their stage life cycle in lungs, making them which they spend extremely vulnerapart of their time ble to environmenin water and part tal changes, paron land. They have ticularly pollution. permeable, moist skin and usual- Amphibian poply lay their eggs in ulations are also water. Frogs, toads, threatened by habsalamanders, and itat loss and deg-

radation. Because of human activity, some amphibian species are considered endangered. Amphibians have a distinct life cycle, typically beginning as aquatic larvae (such as tadpoles) before metamorphosing into terrestrial adults.

“Heaven is under our feet as well as over our heads.” —Henry David Thoreau