ECOLOPEDIA

 Introduction: War and Environment     War is a devastating destroyer. It has bad effects on our ecosystem and climate. Approximately 5% greenhouse gas emissions are directly linked to the military. Its actual percentage is likely much higher. Military activities, atomic bombs, and fires cause massive destruction, not only to one country but also to the global environment.  Greenhouse gas emission:     The rapid rise in greenhouse gases is one of the most prominent factors that affect the climate.  Causes: Militaries consume massive amounts of hydrocarbons (petroleum) to power tanks, naval ships, and fighter jets, releasing tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.  Massive military bases require immense amounts of electricity for powering, heating, and cooling infrastructure.  Items shipping and supplies also consume fossil fuels and a lot of energy. Effects: These activities release vast amounts of greenhouse gases (like carbon dioxide a...

 What are Mangrove forests?     The mangrove forests are unique coastal wetland ecosystem where shurbs and salt-tolerant trees grows. They are found at coastlands where  saltwater mixes with freshwater. These are abundant in tropical(found between the equator) and subtropical regions(found outside the tropical region).   Unique adaptations:      Thay have unique adaptations to survive in harsh environments. They can tolerate high concentration of salt through two mechanisms.                  1. They filter 90% salt at root level.                  2. Some plants pump salt up to leaves and make crystals. They have special aerial roots to take in oxygen in oxyden-depleted soil. They have thich waxy cutical and succulent leaves(thick and fleshy) in order to store water and protect from dehydration. Their stomata hidden under hairs. Where to find ma...

What is Cell division:     Cell division is a biological process in which one cell divides into one or more daughter cells. Cell division takes approximately 24 hours.  Types of cell division: There are two types of cell division. Mitosis Meiosis Mitosis:       A type of cell divison in which one parent cell is divided in two daughter cells, is called mitosis. Daughter cell has the same characteristics as the parent cell. Mitosis is a continuous process, but for understanding, biologists divided it into different phases. Interphase Prophase Metaphase Anaphase  Telophase Interphase:     Interphase is the first phase of cell division. It is misleadingly called the resting phase. In this phase cell is prepared for division. It is the period of great biochemical activities. Interphase requires 23 hours for preparing the cell. It is further divided into three stages. G1-phase S-phase G2-phase G1-phase:     G stands for 'Gap'. The G1...

 Fact 1: The toughest animal      An animal, the  t ardigrade, is known as toughest animal.   People think it is immortal because tardigrades can survive in every type of environment.  It is not really immortal. Tardigrades are famous for surviving extreme stress, but their ordinary life span is short — and they are not truly immortal.They have a lifespan of only a few months. It is very interesting that tardigrade can survive at -273  °C  to 150  °C (in laboratory) .  They can die when exposed to 87  ° C hot water for one hour.   They can also survive without food, oxygen, and other factors(also in vacuum). Tardigrades are microscopic, eight-legged animals also known as " water bears " or " moss piglets ". They are usually 0.5 mm long when they are mature.  They curl and dehydrate themselves in order to survive in harsh environment. This dry ball is called a  tun, and this state is called cryptobiosis .  I...

Fact 1: Ecosystem and energy flow Different environmental cycles (such as the carbon and nitrogen cycle) maintain the ecosystem.  The ecosystem is also maintained through the food chains and the food webs. About 82% of Earth's biomass consists of plants and trees (according to recent scientific estimates). Ecosystems vary in size; they can range from microscopic areas to vast forests. The flow of energy in an ecosystem begins with sunlight absorbed by plants and continues through each trophic level. Only about 10% of energy is transferred from one trophic level to the next. Fact 2: Amazon Rainforest The Amazon is the world's biggest natural rainforest.  It is located in South America and covers nine nations with 60% in Brazil, 13% in Peru, 10% in Colombia, and some parts of French Guiana, Suriname, Ecuador, Bolivia, and Venezuela. It r...

 Enzymes:     Enzymes are natural catalysts, found in living organisms. A catalyst is a substance that speeds up a chemical reaction without being consumed. Generally, they are proteins.  Importance of enzymes:   Enzymes are the most important globular proteins and catalysts in living organisms. They catalyze the metabolic reaction without enzymes; the reaction will take place in one year instead of one second. They help in fighting against infections and strengthen the immune system. They help in the diagnosis of disease. They are very useful in making drugs. Enzymes are essential for digestion, DNA replication and cell divison. In short, without enzymes, life becomes impossible. Classification of enzymes:     Enzymes are classified into six main types according to their substrate and function.The commission on Enzyme is appointed by the International Union of BioChemistry(IUB). Transferase:     Transfe...

What is mycorrhizae?       It is the relationship between fungi and higher vascular plants. The fungi attach to  the roots of plants. It is a mutualistic relationship. It means that mycorrhizae is beneficial for both organisms. Benefits:      Fungal hyphae increase the availability of nutrients such as phosphorus and copper in soil. It also helps in the direct absorption of these elements. On the other hand, fungi absorb nutrients from plants. Plants can grow better with mycorrhizae than other plants. Root Epidermis:     The u pper layer of the roots is called the root epidermis, which consists of  epidermal tissues. It helps in protection, absorption, as well as  interaction between the plant and soil. Fungal hyphae attach to  root epidermis. Root hair:          These are thread-like structures which are found on the tips of the root. It helps in the absorption of      nutrients fro...