Biodiversity

Introduction

Biodiversity includes the variety of ecosystems and differences in genetic diversity within species to allow the combination of multiple forms of life, whose mutual interactions with the rest of the environment underlie the sustenance of life on the planet (Ahern, Elisabeth and Mary, p. 63). The elements that constitute the biodiversity of an area are natural regulators of the flows of energy and matter. These elements play an important role in the regulation and stabilization of areas of land and coastline. For example, on the hillsides, the diversity of species in the topsoil is protected from the underlying mechanical action of the elements like wind and water runoff (Zimmermann, p. 41).

This paper presents my observations of biodiversity in Brookfield Zoo. The observations relate to dolphins, fishes, turtles, and horses, all of which have adapted to the ecological features of the zoo. In particular, I cover environment, its mating, feeding, territorial behaviors, habits, and population status of these animals from a conservation perspective. Discussion regarding ecological adaptations and evolutions are also presented.

Brookfield Zoo Overview

Brookfield Zoo is located on the 1st Avenue and 31st Street in Brookfield, Illinois, 14 miles west of downtown Chicago (Chicago Zoological Society, p. 23). Brookfield Zoo is spread across its 200 acres, and has almost 3000 animals inhabiting in well conditioned habitats.

Dolphins at the Zoo

The Brookfield zoo dolphins belong to the family of cetaceans. They are between 2 and 9 meters long, with fusiform body and large head, long snout and a single blowhole on top of the head. They are strict carnivores. It was long thought that dolphins were descendants of terrestrial mammals, the mesoniquios, belonging to an extinct order of hoofed carnivores (Elton, p. 25-33). However, genetic studies have shown that in reality the whales (including dolphins) are more closely related to artiodactyls. The Dolphin copulation happens face to face. The actual act is brief, but can be repeated several times within a short time. The gestation period varies between species. The small tucuxi has a gestation of 11 to 12 months, while for the Orca the gestation period is about 17 months. They feed mainly on fish, mollusks, crustaceans, and sometimes attack and their relatives.

Turtles at the Zoo

Turtles are oviparous and the clutch takes place about once a year. Juveniles grow fast and then slow down their development. The power of the turtles may consist of meat or plants according to species. Turtles ...