What plants grow on the mainland of South America. Flora and fauna of South America. The most dangerous animals in South America
Scientists were waiting for great success when they went in search of rare and new species of animals and plants in Suriname - a country on the northeast coast of South America. The visit resulted in the description of 1,378 species in the highlands of Suriname, including 60 species that are new.
Let's get to know some of them.
Ants are important scavengers in nature and in this photo they (Camponotus sp.) are eating dead insects. This is just one of 149 ant species found during the expedition. (Photo by Trond Larsen | Conservation International):
granite mountain
This is a unique granite mountain, towering 700 meters above the tropical forests. From here it is good to observe the surroundings. Scientists have discovered several unusual animal species here, including some species of water beetles that were new to science. (Photo by Trond Larsen | Conservation International):
Big blue beetles
Coprophanaeus lancifer is the largest of all dung beetles in South America. Both males and females have long horns on their heads, which they use when fighting other individuals of the same sex. The huge difference in size is primarily determined by how much food was available to the developing larvae. (Photo by Trond Larsen | Conservation International):
tree frog
The tree frog (Hypsiboas Sp.), like other amphibians, has a semi-permeable skin, which makes it very sensitive to changes in the environment (climate, water availability). (Photo by Piotr Naskrecki | Conservation International):
Where was science made?
Palumeu river in Suriname. At this point it is wide and seething, but the science team's base camp was much further upstream, where the Palumeu River was so narrow that the scientists could cross it on a fallen tree:
sensitive flower
This orchid (Phragmipedium lindleyanum) is one of several rare and beautiful orchid species found on top of a previously unexplored mountain called Grensgebergte. (Photo by Trond Larsen | Conservation International):
midget bug
The tiny midget beetle (Canthidium cf. minimum) is probably a new species to science, perhaps even a new genus. With a length of only 2.3 mm, it is the second largest of all described beetle species in South America. (Photo by Trond Larsen | Conservation International):
carnivorous grasshopper
While most grasshoppers are herbivores and feed on leaves, this species (Copiphora longicauda) uses its powerful, sharp jaws to prey on insects and other invertebrates. (Photo by Piotr Naskrecki | Conservation International):
The night Watch
Because many mammals are very elusive and difficult to see in the forest, scientists use automated camera traps. The camera detects the animal using an infrared sensor and releases the shutter. Of the 24 large mammal species encountered on the expedition, many were discovered using these camera traps. And this is a long-tailed cat (Leopardus wiedii). (Photo by Conservation International):
Suriname is not a paradise for all living creatures. This photograph, taken during one of the scientists' night walks, shows a wolf spider feeding on a frog. (Photo by Trond Larsen | Conservation International):
The numerous streams, streams and waterfalls in the region provide an important habitat for a large number of terrestrial and aquatic species. (Photo by Trond Larsen | Conservation International):
I see you
Beautiful tree frog (Hypsiboas geographicus). She is one of 46 frog species found during the scientific expedition, including six frog species that may be new to science. (Photo by Trond Larsen | Conservation International):
colorful frog
This poison dart frog Anomaloglossus Sp. releases powerful toxins. Its poison is used by locals during hunting. (Photo by Trond Larsen | Conservation International):
Don't mess with this grasshopper
This grasshopper species (Pseudophyllinae: Teleutiini) is so strange that it actually represents a whole new genus in science. It is unusually long, lanky, and its legs are covered with sharp spikes that help deter predators. (Photo by Piotr Naskrecki | Conservation International):
colorful snake
The bright colors a la the coral snake give Erythrolamprus aesculpi protection from predators, although this snake lacks the deadly venom found in real coral snakes. This is one of 19 snakes found during the expedition. (Photo by Piotr Naskrecki | Conservation International):
I like to eat…fruits
Yes, this bat (Artibeus planirostris) eats fruit, and its sharp teeth help it grasp large fruits. (Photo by Burton Lim | Conservation International):
This opossum (Marmosops parvidens) belongs to tree species and feeds on insects and fruits. One of 39 species of small mammals (rats, bats, opossums) discovered in the virgin forests of Suriname during the expedition. (Photo by Piotr Naskrecki | Conservation International):
In the arms of a tree
The amaranth tree (Peltogyne venosa) has massive roots that provide support, especially during extreme storms and floods. (Photo by Trond Larsen | Conservation International):
The mountains and vast untouched forests in the southeast of Suriname are often shrouded in clouds. This is one of the wettest areas in the country. (Photo by Trond Larsen | Conservation International):
Frog debut
This tree frog is one of six new frog species discovered by scientists in Suriname. (Photo by Stuart V Nielsen | Conservation International):
Water all around
A rain-flooded science camp in southeastern Suriname. (Photo by Trond Larsen | Conservation International):
Are you looking at me?
Neusticurus (Neusticurus bicarinatus). This lizard is an excellent underwater swimmer. (Photo by Stuart V Nielsen | Conservation International):
Smart disguise
Many types of parasitic insects exude wax from the abdominal cavity, sometimes long threads form from it, as seen in this photo. Such clever disguise can deceive the predator, and he will attack the wrong part of the insect. (Photo by Trond Larsen | Conservation International):
Shed light on new species
This is one (Hemigrammus AFF. Ocellifer) of 11 new fish species discovered during the expedition. (Photo by Trond Larsen | Conservation International):
long-tailed cat
Long-tailed cat (Leopardus wiedii). It looks like a smaller specimen of its related ocelot. (Photo by Brian O "Shea | Conservation International):
South America is the fourth largest continent and lies in the southern hemisphere. Five climatic zones determine the characteristics of flora and fauna: equatorial, subequatorial, tropical, subtropical and temperate, most of the mainland has a warm climate.
The flora and fauna are very rich, many species are found exclusively here. South America is a champion in many ways, the longest and most full-flowing river in the world, the Amazon, flows here, the longest mountain range of the Andes is located, the largest mountain lake Titicaca is located, it is the rainiest continent on earth. All this significantly influenced the development of wildlife.
Nature of different countries of South America:
Flora of South America
The flora of South America is rightfully considered the main wealth of the mainland. Such well-known plants as tomatoes, potatoes, corn, chocolate tree, rubber tree were discovered here.
The tropical rainforests of the northern part of the mainland still amaze with the richness of species, and today scientists continue to discover new plant species here. In these forests there are different types of palm trees, melon tree. There are 750 species of trees and 1,500 species of flowers per 10 square kilometers of this forest.
The forest is so dense that it is extremely difficult to move through it, vines also make it difficult to move. A characteristic plant for the rainforest is ceiba. The forest in this part of the mainland can reach a height of over 100 meters and spread over 12 levels!
To the south of the selva there are variable-moist forests and savannahs, where the quebracho tree grows, which is famous for its very hard and very heavy wood, a valuable and expensive raw material. In the savannas, small forests give way to thickets of cereals, shrubs and tough grasses.
Further south are the pampas - the South American steppes. Here you can find many types of herbs, common for Eurasia: feather grass, bearded vulture, fescue. The soil here is quite fertile, as there is less rainfall and it is not washed out. Shrubs and small trees grow among the grasses.
The south of the mainland is desert, the climate there is more severe, and therefore the vegetation is much poorer. Shrubs, some types of grasses and cereals grow on the stony soil of the Patagonian desert. All plants are resistant to drought and constant weathering of the soil, among them are resinous chanyar, chukuraga, Patagonian fabiana.
Fauna of South America
The animal world, like vegetation, is very rich, many species have not yet been described and qualified. The richest region is the Amazonian selva. It is here that such amazing animals as sloths, the smallest hummingbirds in the world, a huge number of amphibians, including poisonous frogs, reptiles, including huge anacondas, the world's largest rodent capybara, tapirs, jaguars, river dolphins, are found. At night, a wild cat ocelot hunts in the forest, resembling a leopard, but found only in America.
According to scientists, 125 species of mammals, 400 species of birds and an unknown number of species of insects and invertebrates live in the selva. The water world of the Amazon is also rich, its most famous representative is the predatory piranha fish. Other famous predators are crocodiles and caimans.
The savannahs of South America are also rich in fauna. Armadillos are found here, amazing animals covered with plates - “armor”. Other animals that can only be found here are anteaters, rhea ostriches, spectacled bear, puma, kinkajou.
In the pampas of this continent, there are deer and llamas that live in open spaces, and who can find here grasses that they feed on. The Andes have their own special inhabitants - llamas and alpacas, whose thick wool saves them from the high mountain cold.
In the deserts of Patagonia, where only hard grasses and small shrubs grow on stony soil, mainly small animals, insects, and various types of rodents live.
South America includes the Pacific Galapogos Islands, which are home to amazing turtles, the largest representatives of the family on earth.
Fauna of South America
No less rich than the vegetation cover, the fauna of South America is also characterized. The modern fauna, as well as the flora of the mainland, was formed starting from the end of the Cretaceous period, and from the middle of the Tertiary period, South America was isolated from other continents. This is connected with the antiquity of the fauna and the presence in its composition of a large number of endemic forms. Along with this, many of the oldest representatives of the animal world of South America or species close to them are found on other continents, which indicates the existence of long-standing land ties between the continents.
An example is marsupials, preserved only in South America and Australia.
There are no great apes in the fauna of South America. This circumstance, along with the absence of finds of the remains of primitive man, gave scientists grounds to assert that South America, like North America, was not the center of the formation of the human race and that man in South America was alien. All monkeys of South America belong to the broad-nosed group and are limited in their distribution to the tropical forest area.
A feature of the fauna of South America is also the presence in its composition of three endemic families of edentulous, united in one order.
A large number of endemic species, genera and even families are found among predators, ungulates and rodents of South America.
South America (together with Central America) stands out in a special Neotropical region of animals and is included within its two sub-regions - Brazilian and Chilean-Patagonian.
Depending on differences in natural conditions, primarily in climate and vegetation, the fauna of different parts of the mainland is not the same. The tropical rainforests are characterized by the greatest originality and faunal richness, although the animals there do not play a big role in the landscape, hiding in dense thickets or spending most of their time on tall trees. Adaptation to an arboreal way of life is one of the features of the animals of the Amazonian forests, as well as the animals of the forests of the Congo Basin in Africa or the Malay Archipelago in Asia.
All American (broad-nosed) monkeys are associated with the tropical forests of South America, divided into two families - marmosets and capuchins.
Marmoset monkeys are small. The smallest of them - wistiti (Hapale jacchus) reach a length of no more than 15--16 cm, their limbs are equipped with claws that help them stay on tree trunks.
Many capuchin monkeys are characterized by a strong tail, which they cling to the branches of trees and which plays the role of a fifth limb for them.
Among the capuchins, a subfamily of howler monkeys stands out, which received its name for the ability to make screams that can be heard for many kilometers. Spider monkeys with long, flexible limbs are widespread.
Of the representatives of the edentulous family, sloths (Choloepus) live in tropical forests. They are little mobile and spend most of their time hanging in trees, feeding on leaves and shoots. Sloths climb trees confidently, and rarely fall to the ground.
Some anteaters are also adapted to life on trees. For example, it freely climbs tamandua trees; the small anteater, which has a tenacious tail, also spends most of its time in trees.
The large anteater is common in forests and savannahs and leads a terrestrial lifestyle.
Rainforest predators of the feline family are ocelots, small jaguarundi and large and strong jaguars, which sometimes even attack humans.
Of the predators belonging to the canine family, the little-studied forest or bush dog living in the tropical forests of Brazil and Guiana is interesting. Tree-hunting forest animals include the nasua (Nasua) and the kinkajou (Potos flavus).
Ungulates, few in South America, have only a few representatives in the forests. Among them are tapir (Tapirus terrestris), a small black peccary pig, small South American pointed deer.
Characteristic representatives of rodents in the forests of the Amazonian lowland and other parts of South America are tree tenacious porcupines Coendu (Coendu), which climb trees well. Agoutis (Dasyprocta aguouti), which are found in the forests of Brazil and Guiana, do great harm to plantations of tropical crops. Almost throughout the mainland, and especially in the Amazonian forests, the capybara, or capybara (Hydrochoerus capibara), is the largest of the rodents, having a body up to 120 cm long.
In the forests of South and Central America, there are several species of marsupial rats, or opossums. Some of them are equipped with a tenacious tail and climb trees well.
The Amazon forests are teeming with bats, among which there are species that feed on the blood of warm-blooded mammals.
Reptiles and amphibians are very richly represented in the forests. Of the reptiles, the water boa, the anaconda (Eunectes murinos) and the land boa constrictor (Constrictor constrictor), stand out. Many poisonous snakes, lizards. There are crocodiles in the waters of the rivers. Of the amphibians, there are many frogs, some of them lead an arboreal lifestyle.
There are many different birds in the forests, especially brightly colored parrots. The most typical - the largest of the parrots - macaws. In addition, small parrots and beautiful brightly feathered green parrots are widespread.
The most characteristic representatives of the avifauna of South America and, in particular, tropical forests are hummingbirds. These small colorful birds that feed on the nectar of flowers are called insect birds.
There are also hoatzins in the forests, whose chicks have claws on their wings that help them climb trees, sun herons and shuttle-billed herons, harpies are huge birds of prey that hunt young deer, monkeys and sloths.
One of the features of the tropical forests of the mainland is the abundance of insects, most of which are endemic. Day and night butterflies, various beetles, ants abound there. Many of the butterflies and beetles are beautifully colored. Some beetles glow so brightly at night that you can read a book near them. Butterflies are huge. The largest of them - agrippa - reaches almost 30 cm in wingspan.
The fauna of the drier and open spaces of South America - savannahs, tropical woodlands, subtropical steppes - is different from that of dense forests. Of the predators, in addition to the jaguar, the cougar (found almost throughout South America and entering North America), the ocelot, and the pampa cat are common. Of the canine predators, the maned wolf is characteristic of the southern part of the mainland. On the plains and in mountainous regions, the pampa fox is found almost throughout the mainland, in the extreme south - the Magellanic fox.
Of the ungulates, a small pampas deer is common.
In savannas, forests and arable land, there are representatives of the third family of edentulous - armadillos (Dasypodidae) - animals equipped with a strong bone shell and having the ability to burrow into the ground when danger approaches. Locals hunt them because they find their meat delicious.
Of the rodents in the savannahs and steppes, there are viscacha and tuco-tuco living in the ground. The swamp beaver, or nutria, is widespread along the banks of reservoirs, the fur of which is highly valued on the world market.
Of the birds, in addition to numerous parrots and hummingbirds, there are South American ostriches rhea (Rhea), some large birds of prey.
Snakes and especially lizards abound in the savannas and steppes.
A characteristic feature of the landscape of the savannahs of South America, as well as Africa, are numerous termite buildings. Many areas of South America are affected by locusts.
The mountain fauna of the Andes is distinguished by peculiar features. It includes a number of endemic animals not found in the eastern part of the mainland. Throughout the mountainous region of the Andes, South American representatives of the camelid family, llamas, are common. There are two types of wild llamas - vigon (vicuna Lama vicugna) and guanaco (L. huanachus). In the past, they were hunted by the Indians, who exterminated them for their meat and wool. Guanaco was found not only in the mountains, but also on the Patagonian plateau and in the Pampas. Now wild llamas are rare. In addition, the Indians in the Andes breed two domestic species of animals of this genus - the llama itself and the alpaca. Lamas (Lama glama) are large and strong animals. They carry weights along difficult mountain roads, they eat milk and meat, and coarse fabrics are made from wool. Alpaca (Lama pacos) is bred only for its soft coat.
There are also spectacled bears in the Andes, some marsupials. Previously, small endemic rodents of the chinchilla (Chinchilla) were widespread. Their soft, silky gray fur was considered one of the finest and most expensive furs. Because of this, the chinchilla is currently completely exterminated.
Birds are represented in the Andes by usually endemic, mountain species of the same genera and families that are common in the east of the mainland. Of the birds of prey, the condor (Vultur gryphus) is the largest representative of this order.
Flora of South America
Most of South America is distinguished by exceptional richness of flora. This is due both to the modern natural conditions of the mainland, and to the peculiarities of its development. The tropical flora of South America has evolved since the end of the Mesozoic era. Its development has proceeded uninterruptedly up to the present time, without being disturbed by either glaciation or significant fluctuations in climatic conditions, as was the case on other continents.
On the other hand, the formation of the vegetation cover of South America since the Tertiary period took place in almost complete isolation from other large areas of land. The main features of the flora of South America are connected with this: its antiquity, species richness and a high degree of endemism.
The vegetation cover in South America has changed much less under the influence of man than on other continents of the globe. The population density on the mainland is low, and vast areas in some parts of it are almost completely uninhabited to this day. Such territories have retained their natural soil and vegetation cover unchanged.
The vegetation of South America is a source of enormous natural resources - food, fodder, technical, medicinal, etc. But they are still used very poorly.
The flora of South America has given mankind a number of important cultivated plants. The first place among them is occupied by potatoes, the culture of which was known to the Indians long before the arrival of Europeans and is widely distributed in various regions of South America at the present time. Then from South America come the most common rubber tree, hevea, chocolate tree, cinchona, grown in many tropical regions of the globe.
South America lies within two floristic regions. The main part of the mainland is within the Neotropical region. In the composition of its flora there are some elements common with Africa, which indicates the existence of land connections between the continents up to the Tertiary period.
Part of the mainland south of the parallel 40 ° S. sh. belongs to the Antarctic floristic region. There is a similarity between the flora of this part of the continent and the flora of Antarctica, Australia and New Zealand, which also indicates the existence of links between these continents during the geological history.
The general picture of soil and vegetation zones in the Neotropical region of South America is somewhat reminiscent of Africa. But the ratio of individual types of vegetation and their species composition on these continents are different. If the main type of vegetation in Africa is the savannah, then the vegetation cover of South America is especially characterized by tropical rainforests, which have no equal on Earth either in the richness of species or in the vastness of the territory they occupy.
Tropical rainforests on lateritic podzolized soils spread over a vast area in South America. The people of Brazil call them selvas. Selvas occupy a significant part of the Amazonian lowland and adjacent areas of the Orinoc lowland, the slopes of the Brazilian and Guiana highlands. They are also characteristic of the coastal strip of the Pacific Ocean within Colombia and Ecuador. Thus, tropical rainforests cover areas with an equatorial climate, but, in addition, they grow on the slopes of the Brazilian and Guiana highlands, facing the Atlantic Ocean at higher latitudes, where there are abundant trade winds throughout the year.
In the richest tropical forests of the Amazonian lowland, you can find many valuable plants. These forests are characterized by high altitude and complex canopy. There are up to 12 tiers in non-flooded areas in the forest, and the height of the tallest trees reaches 80 and even 100 m. More than a third of plant species in these forests are endemic. Tropical rainforests rise up the mountain slopes to about 1000-1500 m without undergoing significant changes. Above, they give way to depleted montane tropical forests.
As the climate changes, rainforests are turning into red-soil savannahs. In the Brazilian Highlands, between the savannahs and the humid forest, there is a strip of almost pure palm forests. Savannahs are common in a large part of the Brazilian Highlands, mainly in its interior regions. In addition, they occupy large areas in the Orinoco Lowland and the central regions of the Guiana Highlands.
In the south, in Brazil, the typical savannahs are known as campos. Their vegetation consists of tall grasses. Woody vegetation is either completely absent, or is represented by individual specimens of mimosa, cacti, and other xerophytic or succulent trees. Campos of the Brazilian Highlands is a valuable but relatively underused pasture.
In the north, in Venezuela and Guiana, the savannas are called llanos. There, along with high and varied grassy vegetation, there are free-standing palm trees, giving the landscape a peculiar look.
In the Brazilian Highlands, in addition to the typical savanna, there are vegetation types close to it, adapted to endure a long dry period. In the northeast of the Brazilian Highlands, a significant area is occupied by the so-called caatinga, which is a sparse forest of drought-resistant trees and shrubs. Many of them lose their leaves during the dry season, others are distinguished by swollen trunks in which moisture accumulates. Red-brown soils form in caatinga.
On the Gran Chaco plain, in especially arid regions, thorny dry-loving shrubs and sparse forests grow on red-brown soils. They contain a number of endemic woody forms containing a large amount of tannins.
On the Pacific coast, south of tropical rain forests, one can also find a narrow strip of savanna vegetation, which then quickly turns into semi-desert and desert.
Large areas with mountain-tropical desert vegetation and soils are located in the inner highlands of the Andes.
Subtropical vegetation occupies relatively small areas in South America. However, the variety of types of vegetation cover in subtropical latitudes is quite large.
The extreme southeast of the Brazilian Highlands, which receives heavy rainfall throughout the year, is covered with subtropical araucaria forests with an undergrowth of various shrubs, including Paraguayan tea. Paraguayan tea leaves are used by the local population to make a popular hot drink that replaces tea. From the name of the 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 - the subtropical steppe or pampa - is characteristic of the eastern, most humid parts of the La Plata lowland south of 30 ° S. This is a herbaceous cereal vegetation, on fertile reddish-black soils that form on volcanic rocks . It consists of South American species of those genera of cereals that are widespread in Europe in the steppes of the temperate zone. There are species of feather grass, bearded vulture, fescue. Unlike the steppes of the temperate zone, vegetation in the pampas is vegetative throughout the year. The pampa is connected with the forests of the Brazilian Highlands by a transitional type of vegetation, where grasses are combined with thickets of evergreen shrubs.
To the west and south of the pampas, as precipitation decreases, vegetation of dry subtropical steppes and semi-deserts appears on gray-brown soils, gray soils and saline soils.
The subtropical vegetation and soils of the Pacific coast, according to the peculiarities of climatic conditions, resemble the vegetation and soils of the European Mediterranean in appearance. Thickets of evergreen shrubs on brown soils predominate.
The vegetation of the temperate latitudes of South America is very peculiar. There are two main types of vegetation cover, which differ sharply from each other, according to differences in the climate of the eastern and western parts of the southern tip of the mainland. The extreme southeast (Patagonia) is characterized by vegetation of dry steppes and semi-deserts of the temperate zone. This is actually a continuation of the semi-deserts of the western part of the pampas in a more severe and cold climate. Soils are dominated by chestnut and gray soils, saline soils are widespread. The vegetation cover is dominated by grasses (for example, silver Argentine bluegrass) and various xerophytic shrubs, such as cacti, mimosa, etc.
The extreme southwest of the mainland, with its oceanic climate, insignificant annual temperature differences and high annual precipitation, has a peculiar vegetation, very ancient and rich in composition. These are moisture-loving evergreen subantarctic forests, multi-tiered and very diverse in composition. In terms of species richness and height, they are not inferior to tropical forests. They abound with vines, mosses, lichens. Along with various tall conifers, evergreen deciduous species are common, such as southern beeches (Nothofagus). These moisture-soaked forests are difficult to clear and uproot. They are still preserved over large areas in an intact form and almost without changing their composition, they rise along the slopes of the mountains to a height of 2000 m. Podzolic soils prevail in these forests in the south, turning into forest burozems in more northern regions.
The main area of the vast territory of the mainland of South America extends in the equatorial - tropical latitudes, therefore, it does not feel a lack of sunlight, although the climate of this part of the world is not at all as hot as African.
This is the wettest continent on the planet, and there are many natural reasons for this. The pressure difference between warm land and the ocean environment, currents off the coast of the mainland; the Andes mountain range, stretching across a huge part of its territory, blocking the path of westerly winds and contributing to increased humidity and a significant amount of precipitation.
The climate of South America is extremely diverse, because this continent extends through six climatic zones: from subequatorial to temperate. Along with areas of fertile nature, there are areas known for mild winters and cool summers, but famous for frequent rains and winds.
In the center of the mainland, precipitation is much less. And the highlands are distinguished by clean, dry air, but a harsh climate, where the bulk of heavenly moisture falls, even in the summer months, in the form of snow, and the weather is capricious, constantly changing during the day.
A person does not survive well in such places. Naturally, the vicissitudes of the weather affect other organisms that live there.
It is not surprising that with these natural features, the world of fauna is incredibly diverse and rich. List of animals of South America is very extensive and impresses with its individual bright features of organic life that has taken root in this territory. It includes many beautiful and rare species of creatures that amaze with their fantastic originality.
What animals are in South America live? Most of them have adapted perfectly to existence in harsh conditions, because some of them have to endure the discomfort of tropical downpours and survive in the highlands, get used to the peculiarities of shrouds and subequatorial forests.
The fauna of this continent is amazing. Here are just some of its representatives, the diversity of which can be seen on photos of South American animals.
Sloths
Interesting mammals - the inhabitants of the forests are known to the whole world as very slow creatures. Peculiar animals are closely related to armadillos and anteaters, but outwardly they have little resemblance to them.
The number of sloth species included in the number animals endemic to South America, only about five. They unite in two families: two-toed and three-toed sloths, quite similar to each other. They are half a meter tall and weigh about 5 kg.
They resemble an awkward monkey in external features, and their thick shaggy hair looks like a haystack. It is curious that the internal organs of these animals differ in structure from other mammals. They lack hearing and vision acuity, teeth are underdeveloped, and the brain is rather primitive.
Pictured is an animal sloth
armadillos
Fauna of South America would be greatly impoverished without mammals. These are the most unusual animals of the edentulous - a detachment to which sloths are also included.
The animals are dressed by nature in something similar to chain mail, as if chained in armor, girded with hoops consisting of bone plates. They have teeth, but they are very small.
Their eyesight is not well developed, but their sense of smell and hearing are quite sharp. When feeding, such animals capture food with a sticky tongue, and are able to dig into loose earth in the blink of an eye.
Pictured is an armadillo
Ant-eater
Scroll animal names of south america would not be complete without such an amazing creation as . This is an ancient outlandish mammal that existed in the early Miocene.
These representatives of the fauna inhabit the territories of shrouds and moist forests, and also live in swampy areas. They are divided by scientists into three genera, differing in weight and size.
Representatives of the genus of giants have a mass of up to 40 kg. They, as well as members of the genus of large anteaters, spend their lives on the ground and cannot climb trees. Unlike relatives, pygmy anteaters skillfully move along trunks and branches with the help of clawed paws and a tenacious tail.
Anteaters do not have teeth, and they spend their lives in search of termite mounds and anthills, absorbing their inhabitants with a sticky tongue, sticking their long nose into the habitat of insects. Anteater is able to eat several tens of thousands of termites per day.
Pictured is an anteater animal
Jaguar
Among animal forests of south america, a dangerous predator that kills in one jump is . It is in his dexterous, lightning-fast ability to kill his victims that the meaning of the name of this beast, translated from the language of the indigenous inhabitants of the continent, lies.
The predator is also found in shrouds and belongs to the genus Panther, reaches a weight of just under 100 kg, has a spotted color like a leopard, and has a long tail.
Such animals live in the north and in the central part of America, but are found in Argentina and Brazil. And in El Salvador and Uruguay some time ago they were completely exterminated.
Pictured is a jaguar
Mirikin monkey
American monkeys are endemic, and differ from relatives living on other continents by a wide partition separating the nostrils of these animals, for which they are called broad-nosed by many zoologists.
Mirikina, otherwise called durukuli, belongs to this type of creatures inhabiting mountain forests. These creatures, having a height of about 30 cm, are notable for the fact that, unlike others, they lead an owl lifestyle: they hunt at night, seeing perfectly and orienting themselves in the dark, and sleep during the day.
They jump like acrobats, eat small birds, insects, frogs, fruits and drink nectar. They know how to make a huge number of interesting sounds: they bark like a dog, meow; roar like jaguars; chirping and chirping like birds, filling the darkness of the night with diabolical concerts.
Mirikin monkey
titi monkey
It is not known exactly how many species of such monkeys exist in South America, since they have taken root in impenetrable forests, whose wilds cannot be fully explored.
Titi resemble mirikin in appearance, but have long claws. During the hunt, they guard their prey on the bough of a tree, picking up their arms and legs together, lowering their long tail down. But at the right moment, in the blink of an eye, they deftly grab their victims, whether it be a bird flying in the air or a living creature running along the ground.
Pictured is a titi monkey
saki
These monkeys live in the forests of the interior regions of the continent. They spend their lives on the tops of trees, especially in areas of the Amazon that are flooded for a long time, as they cannot tolerate dampness.
They jump on the branches very dexterously and far, and walk on the ground on their hind legs, helping themselves to maintain balance with their front legs. Zookeepers, watching these, noticed their habit of rubbing their own wool with pieces of lemon. And they drink, licking water from their hands.
white-faced saki
wakari monkey
Close relatives of the saki, living in the Amazon and Orinoco basins, are known for the shortest tail among the monkeys of the continent. These peculiar creatures, classified as endangered species and rare animals of south america, have red faces and a bald forehead, and with their lost and sad expression, they look like an aged, confused person in life.
However, appearances are deceiving, because the nature of these creatures is cheerful and cheerful. But when they get nervous, they smack their lips noisily and shake with all their might the bough they are on.
uakari monkey
Howler
South American harpy bird
Titicaca whistler frog
Otherwise, this creature is called the scrotum because of the flabbiness of its skin, hanging in folds. She uses her bizarre skin for breathing, as her lungs are small in volume.
This is the largest frog in the world, found in the waters of the Andes and on Lake Titicaca. Individual specimens grow up to half a meter and weigh about a kilogram. The color of the back of such creatures is dark brown or olive, often with light spots, the belly is lighter, creamy gray.
Titicaca whistler frog
American manatee
A large mammal that inhabits the shallow waters of the Atlantic coast. Able to live also in fresh water. The average length is three or more meters, the weight in some cases reaches 600 kg.
These creatures are painted in a rough gray color, and their forelimbs resemble flippers. They eat plant foods. They have poor eyesight, and communicate by touching their muzzles.
American manatee
Amazonian inia dolphin
The largest of. His body weight can be estimated at 200 kg. These creatures are painted in dark tones, and sometimes have a reddish skin tone.
They have small eyes and a curved beak covered with tin bristles. In captivity, they live no more than three years and are difficult to train. They have poor eyesight, but a developed system of echolocation.
river dolphin inia
piranha fish
This aquatic creature, famous for its lightning-fast attacks, has received the title of the most voracious fish of the continent. Having a height of no more than 30 cm, she ruthlessly and brazenly attacks animals and does not disdain to eat carrion.
The shape of the body has the form of a rhombus, compressed from the sides. Usually the color is silver-gray. There are also herbivorous species of these fish that feed on vegetation, seeds and nuts.
Pictured is a piranha fish
Giant arapaima fish
According to scientists, the appearance of this ancient fish, a living fossil, has remained unchanged for millions of centuries. Individual individuals, as the locals of the continent assure, reach four meters in length, and their weight is estimated at 200 kg. True, ordinary specimens are more modest in size, but it is a valuable commercial one.
Giant arapaima fish
electric eel
The most dangerous large fish, weighing up to 40 kg, found in the shallow rivers of the continent and has enough human victims on its account.
Capable of emitting an electric charge of high power, but feeds only on small fish. It has an elongated body and smooth, scaly skin. The color of the fish is orange or brown.
Electric eel fish
Agrias claudina butterfly
The most beautiful tropical forest with a span, saturated with colors, bright wings of 8 cm. The shape and combination of shades depends on the subspecies of the described insects, of which there are about ten. It is not easy to see a butterfly, as they are rare. Even harder to capture such beauty.
Agrias claudina butterfly
Butterfly nymphalida
With wide wings of medium size, bright and variegated colors. Its lower part usually merges with the environment against the background of dry leaves. These insects actively pollinate flowering plants. Their caterpillars feed on grasses and leaves.
Butterfly nymphalida
The amazing plants of America always attract increased attention. They are diverse, due to the peculiarities of the formation of the earth's surface and geographical location.
Plants of South America
In South America, which is the fourth largest continent, there are amazing plants and animals. Moreover, not all species have yet been described and studied.
This is an incredibly beautiful tropical flower growing on small trees. Its buds look like female lips, folded in a bow. Later, small flowers appear from these lips, and the composition already looks different. The next stage is the appearance of picturesque blue and purple berries (5-10 pieces from each flower).
Psychotria is listed in the Red Book, as it was included in the list of endangered species.
This is a genus of evergreen trees belonging to the Euphorbiaceae family. Hevea grows best near the equator at an average temperature of 27 degrees. It needs fertile soil with high groundwater levels and a warm, humid climate. Preferred places for cultivation are the lower slopes of the mountains and the plain.
Collection of rubber from rubber
Hevea brazilian has a straight trunk, light bark, oval-shaped leathery leaves, white-yellow flowers. The fruits are like three-leaved capsules, and the seeds are dense and ovoid.
Its height is 30 meters. In the bark of the trunk and branches there are lacteal vessels through which the milky juice of hevea (latex) circulates. Due to the fact that natural rubber is present in the wood, which holds the fibers together, hevea is famous for its durability and high strength. At the same time, it is easy to process, resistant to high temperatures and high humidity.
Its main purpose is the extraction of natural rubber, from which rubber is produced. The collection of latex goes almost all year round, with the exception of periods of heavy rains and intense foliage change.
This is an amazing plant of South America of the umbrella family, which has no analogues in the terrestrial flora. In appearance, it resembles a space alien. At first glance, it may seem that this is moss, which envelops rocks and stones with its mass. But in fact, yareta is a bush with long stems. It grows in Bolivia, Argentina, Peru and Chile. Its age is impressive - some colonies are more than 3000 years old.
Yareta is found only at an altitude of 3-4 thousand meters and is frost-resistant. It has clusters of many sprouts, closely adjacent to each other, whose growth in a year is no more than 2 cm. It also has lavender or pink flowers, pollinated by insects. It should be noted that the yareta has the ability to self-fertilize, since it contains both female and male cells. It does not shed its leaves all year round.
The locals are accustomed to using it for several purposes: as a remedy for rheumatism and as a fuel for cooking. A flammable resin can be obtained from the dense inner part of the plant. Leaf tea helps in weight loss and regulates blood pressure.
Deforestation of this species has taken such a large scale that it threatens its imminent extinction. For this reason, the extraction of yareta is now strictly prohibited. Environmentalists sounded the alarm and said that it could simply disappear from the face of the earth.
In another way, balsa is also called a hare tree. It belongs to the baobab family and grows in Ecuador in humid and rainforests. Its wood is of great value because of its properties: lightness, softness and friability. After complete drying, it becomes harder than oak. From this breed, people actively made rafts and canoes, but now there are only enough resources for fishing lures and surfboards. There are very few trees like this left on Earth. Balsa also has fruits - pods with seeds, which, when opened, resemble fluffy hare's feet.
This amazing rare plant comes from the mountainous regions of South America. It is known due to the fact that its bark has healing properties. In ancient times, people used it to treat malaria.
The tree has green shiny leaves, a reddish shade of the crown and brown-gray bark. Flowers form large broad-pyramidal inflorescences. The fruits look like oblong two-cell boxes, pointed on both sides.
The cinchona tree needs moist soil and high humidity.
On the island of Cuba and in the southern forests of Florida, a very unusual flower is found - a ghost orchid. It was named so because it grows as if from nowhere.
The ghost orchid prefers to be located on trees and braids them with its roots. The rarest flower has no leaves at all. Flowering occurs from June to August and lasts an average of three weeks. The fruity aroma of an orchid is reminiscent of an apple. It is difficult to find this orchid, as it grows exclusively in marshy places.
Due to climate change in recent years and poaching, it is threatened with complete extinction.
A rare South American flower that combines the aromas of cocoa and vanilla in an amazing way. Most often, kosmeya is found in the flower fields of Mexico. She has a dark brown-red color, and a height of ─ one and a half meters.
The seeds of chocolate cosmea have a very low viability, reproduction occurs by dividing the root tuber. At one time, the flower was on the verge of destruction, as there were many who wanted to pick it to enjoy the smell. Fortunately, scientists took the necessary measures and stopped this process in time.
Cosmea is very vulnerable to sudden changes in temperature and frost.
A beautiful plant belonging to the Bigoniaceae family, which blooms almost always. Its height can reach 30 meters. It grows in Argentina and Brazil. The crown is covered with bell-shaped flowers of soft purple color, between which rare green leaves are visible. The latter in their appearance resemble a fern. A unique violet aroma emanates from Jacaranda, so it is very pleasant to walk along the streets or squares where it grows. The air there is saturated with warmth and romance. People even say that Jacaranda brings good luck.
The end of spring and the beginning of winter are the time of the most abundant flowering. After that, in place of the flowers, seed boxes are formed, which eventually burst and scatter many seeds.
Jacaranda is unpretentious, resistant to diseases and pests.
This wood is highly valued in the world. It is used in the production of luxury furniture, souvenirs, luxury goods and some musical instruments.
Plants of North America
The flora and fauna of North America is rich and diverse with amazing plants and animals. This is due to the fact that the mainland is located in almost all climatic zones.
It belongs to the monotypic genus of woody plants, the Cypress family. In another way, they are also called giant pines or mammoth trees. They have a soft and thick pinkish bark that flakes off easily. It accumulates moisture in itself, which serves to protect the trunk from adverse environmental conditions.
The place of growth is a small area of the Pacific coast of North America. Sequoias prefer a humid maritime climate. In some instances, the height is 115 meters, and the weight exceeds a ton. Surprising not only the size of the sequoia, but also their age. In some trees, it exceeds the mark of three thousand years. That is why this amazing plant of North America is considered one of the many wonders of the world.
An important feature of the sequoia is the ability to quickly recover from mechanical damage. It can also withstand sub-zero temperatures (up to -20 degrees).
Mature trees produce many seeds, but only a few germinate successfully. Therefore, there is a need to create special reserves for their cultivation.
It grows in Mexico and the southwestern United States. You can meet her in well-lit areas in pine forests and shrubs located in rocky deserts. Agave has fleshy voluminous leaves, united at the roots into a large rosette. A perennial rosette blooms only once, after which it dies off. In its place, new shoots are then formed. The flower is similar to aloe, but with wide leaves. There are thorns along the edges of the leaves, and the top ends with a sharp thorn.
Agave has a strong disinfecting effect, so people actively use it for medicinal purposes. It also has nutritional value. All parts are edible: roots, seeds, stems, leaves.
It is very popular in the northeastern United States and is used as a Christmas tree there. The size of the tree is small and medium ─ from 15 to 20 m. The fir has a regular cone-shaped crown and smooth gray-brown bark. The length of the cones is from 5 to 10 cm, they are oval-cylindrical. Balsam fir wood is used by people for various purposes.
A large coniferous tree that is positioned as an ornamental species and is a symbol in the state of South Dakota. Also found in Alaska and Michigan. The gray spruce can grow up to 40 m in height, but there are also low specimens - about 15 m. The trunk diameter is 1 meter. Young spruces have a narrow conical crown, while old ones have a cylindrical crown. Color ─ blue-green above and blue-white below. The bark on the trunk is thin, covered with scales.
Hudsonia is found only in the mountainous regions of North Carolina. It is a small, heather-like shrub. At the end of the branches grow yellow flowers collected in a brush. The total number of the species is quite small - about a hundred copies.
Western steppe orchid
This rare flower grows only in five states of the United States of America and belongs to the love family. It can be found in the indentations and potholes of the prairies left behind by glaciers. The western steppe orchid is threatened by fires and overgrazing.
A large coniferous tree that is found in the Pacific Northwest forests and is a symbol of the state of Washington. The height of the hemlock reaches an average of 60-70 meters, and the diameter of the trunk is almost three meters. It has a gray or brown, scaly, folded bark that is very high in tannins. The widely spread branches of the hemlock hang down, and the leaves are flat and pointed at the ends. Young buds are bright green, while mature buds are light brown.
This is an ornamental species that does not tolerate frost well. Hemlock grows best on slightly acidic soils near rivers and lakes.
This spruce grows on the west coast of North America and prefers moist, periodically flooded soils. It ranks fifth in the world in terms of size among conifers. Its height reaches one hundred meters, and the diameter of the trunk at chest level exceeds five meters. The name comes from the city of Sitka from Alaska.
The Sitka spruce has a wide pyramidal crown and a sharp top that ends with one annual shoot. It also has fissured scaly bark and light brown shoots. Young cones are yellow-green, while mature cones are brown. Seed ripening occurs in early spring. Sitkhni spruce is shade-tolerant, but grows best in well-lit areas.
There are still many amazing plants in America. Many of them are already disappearing or endangered. Only awareness of people will help to save rare species.