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Neotropical Biodiversity

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The Neotropical ecozone includes the largest concentration of tropical rainforests on Earth and is one of the most critical spheres of biodiversity. It encompasses Central and northern South America as well as parts of Mexico and Florida. This Pinterest board is a mosaic of Neotropical biodiversity with a special emphasis on Central America. Central America, South America, Rainforests, Antarctica, Pinterest Board, Cartography, Perspective, Maps, Mosaic

Central America

Pinterest Board

The Neotropical ecozone includes the largest concentration of tropical rainforests on Earth and is one of the most critical spheres of biodiversity. It encompasses Central and northern South America as well as parts of Mexico and Florida. This Pinterest board is a mosaic of Neotropical biodiversity with a special emphasis on Central America.

Metamorphosis is one of the great fascinations of nature and commonly used by Creationists to argue against evolution. Butterflies, such as this metallic mechanitis, go through complete metamorphosis in which they essentially digest themselves by releasing enzymes that dissolve their own tissues. During this process, highly specialized cells called imaginal discs - one for each of the body parts - survive to provide the essential blueprints for the butterfly's re-creation. Body Parts, Evolution, Butterflies, Survival, Metallic, Nature, Animaux, Parts Of The Body, Naturaleza

Parts Of The Body

Metamorphosis is one of the great fascinations of nature and commonly used by Creationists to argue against evolution. Butterflies, such as this metallic mechanitis, go through complete metamorphosis in which they essentially digest themselves by releasing enzymes that dissolve their own tissues. During this process, highly specialized cells called imaginal discs - one for each of the body parts - survive to provide the essential blueprints for the butterfly's re-creation.

Red eyed tree frogs utilize a technique called "startle coloration" to elude predators. Because most of their predators use vision as their primary sense, this technicolor frog may overwhelm their brains with too much information allowing the frog the extra moment it needs to escape. While sleeping, this frog reveals only its green body, but when awakened it flashes a confusing kaleidoscope of colors. In spite of its strong coloration, these frogs are not venomous. Frog Pictures, Animal Pictures, Beautiful Creatures, Animals Beautiful, Funny Animals, Cute Animals, Jumping Frog, Red Eyed Tree Frog, Cute Frogs

Animal Pictures

Beautiful Creatures

Animals Beautiful

Red Eyed Tree Frog

Red eyed tree frogs utilize a technique called "startle coloration" to elude predators. Because most of their predators use vision as their primary sense, this technicolor frog may overwhelm their brains with too much information allowing the frog the extra moment it needs to escape. While sleeping, this frog reveals only its green body, but when awakened it flashes a confusing kaleidoscope of colors. In spite of its strong coloration, these frogs are not venomous.

Vampire bats are native to South and Central America and are the only mammals to feed exclusively on blood. These bats are typically about 3 1/2 inches in length and feed at night by approaching their victims stealthily on all fours. Sensors on their nose detect heat pointing their razor sharp teeth to where the blood is closest to the surface. This bat's saliva has chemicals that prevent the blood from clotting while it feeds. Scary Animals, Ugly Animals, Bat Facts, Crazy Facts, Rainforest Animals, Vampire Bat, Creatures Of The Night, Mundo Animal

Rainforest Animals

Creatures Of The Night

Vampire bats are native to South and Central America and are the only mammals to feed exclusively on blood. These bats are typically about 3 1/2 inches in length and feed at night by approaching their victims stealthily on all fours. Sensors on their nose detect heat pointing their razor sharp teeth to where the blood is closest to the surface. This bat's saliva has chemicals that prevent the blood from clotting while it feeds.

Because of the year round abundance of fruit, tropical forests have five times more large birds than temperate forests. Toucans are native to the Americas and form social groups to maximize foraging. They have the largest beaks relative to their of any birds and use them to eat large fruits swallowing them whole and regurgitating the seeds. Toucans use their large size and hefty bill to dominate food resources for their group. Mushroom Pictures, Bird Pictures, Nature Pictures, Amazon Rainforest Animals, Amazon Animals, Wildlife Nature, Nature Animals, Costa Rica Pictures

Mushroom Pictures

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Amazon Rainforest Animals

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Costa Rica Pictures

Because of the year round abundance of fruit, tropical forests have five times more large birds than temperate forests. Toucans are native to the Americas and form social groups to maximize foraging. They have the largest beaks relative to their of any birds and use them to eat large fruits swallowing them whole and regurgitating the seeds. Toucans use their large size and hefty bill to dominate food resources for their group.

Leaf cutter ants are unique to the Americas and take advantage of what the forest has most to offer - foliage. They harvest leaves to bring back to their underground colonies which are then chewed and mixed with dung to feed their fungal gardens. Leaf cutters ants are the rainforest's dominant herbivore consuming and estimated 12-17% of its foliage each year. Next to humans, they create the largest complex societies on Earth. Ant Insect, Ant Colony, Strongest Animal, Social Thinking, Animals Of The World, Green Plants, Pet Birds, Life Is Good, Plant Leaves

Strongest Animal

Social Thinking

Animals Of The World

Leaf cutter ants are unique to the Americas and take advantage of what the forest has most to offer - foliage. They harvest leaves to bring back to their underground colonies which are then chewed and mixed with dung to feed their fungal gardens. Leaf cutters ants are the rainforest's dominant herbivore consuming and estimated 12-17% of its foliage each year. Next to humans, they create the largest complex societies on Earth.

The coati is a conspicuous Neotropical mammal because it is active during the day and adapts well to human built environments. Males tend to be solitary, but females form social groups which include other females and their young. Like meerkats, some of the juveniles will be given babysitting duty while the rest of the group forages. They sleep in trees at night as some protection from predators. Built Environment, Babysitting, Predator, Mammals, Fox, Rest, Group, Night, Ideas

Built Environment

The coati is a conspicuous Neotropical mammal because it is active during the day and adapts well to human built environments. Males tend to be solitary, but females form social groups which include other females and their young. Like meerkats, some of the juveniles will be given babysitting duty while the rest of the group forages. They sleep in trees at night as some protection from predators.

The kinkajou, or honey bear, is a New World species that resembles a monkey, but is actually related to the raccoon. They are arboreal and feed mostly on fruit and nectar which they access with their long tongues. Kinkajous have a slightly prehensile tail and well developed manual dexterity for getting around in the tree canopy. They are nocturnal and typically solitary foragers. Nocturnal Mammals, Very Nice Images, Honey Bear, Tropical Forest, Costa Rica

Nocturnal Mammals

Very Nice Images

Tropical Forest

The kinkajou, or honey bear, is a New World species that resembles a monkey, but is actually related to the raccoon. They are arboreal and feed mostly on fruit and nectar which they access with their long tongues. Kinkajous have a slightly prehensile tail and well developed manual dexterity for getting around in the tree canopy. They are nocturnal and typically solitary foragers.

Like most ants, army ants are primarily female and have different castes which include the workers and the soldiers in addition to the queen. Soldiers are much larger with massive mandibles which they use for defense of the colony. Like other ants, army ants evolved from a wasp-like ancestor more than 100 million years ago and share the ability to combine their bite with formic acid resulting in a painful "sting." Types Of Ants, Deer Ticks, Great White Shark, Vertebrates, Animal Kingdom, Habitats, Army

Great White Shark

Like most ants, army ants are primarily female and have different castes which include the workers and the soldiers in addition to the queen. Soldiers are much larger with massive mandibles which they use for defense of the colony. Like other ants, army ants evolved from a wasp-like ancestor more than 100 million years ago and share the ability to combine their bite with formic acid resulting in a painful "sting."

Army ants are nomadic swarm feeders and move their nest, or bivouac, from place to place as they forage. They use chemical trails to form their raiding parties as the workers are blind or nearly blind depending on the species. They have special barbs on their legs that allow them to hook together to form their living nest or create bridges when needed. In some Neotropical areas they are considered a keystone species because of all the animal associates that depend on them to flush prey. Keystone Species, Insect Art, Book Images, Ants, Book Art, Bridges, Blind, Parties, Animal

Keystone Species

Army ants are nomadic swarm feeders and move their nest, or bivouac, from place to place as they forage. They use chemical trails to form their raiding parties as the workers are blind or nearly blind depending on the species. They have special barbs on their legs that allow them to hook together to form their living nest or create bridges when needed. In some Neotropical areas they are considered a keystone species because of all the animal associates that depend on them to flush prey.

The barred ant shrike specializes in following columns of army ants taking advantage of the prey that is disturbed. They are a terrestrial species typically found in pairs near the forest floor where their muted colors act as camouflage. Like other understory birds, they have a low-pitched call which travels farther through the dense vegetation. Insect eating birds, such as the ant shrikes, spend a lot of time foraging and are typically monogamous as they don't have time for courtship displays. Forest Floor, Wild Birds, Muted Colors, Belize, Columns, Have Time, Camouflage, Outdoors

The barred ant shrike specializes in following columns of army ants taking advantage of the prey that is disturbed. They are a terrestrial species typically found in pairs near the forest floor where their muted colors act as camouflage. Like other understory birds, they have a low-pitched call which travels farther through the dense vegetation. Insect eating birds, such as the ant shrikes, spend a lot of time foraging and are typically monogamous as they don't have time for courtship displays.

Harpy eagles are the heaviest bird of prey in the world. They spend their lives in the forest canopy scanning for prey. As an apex predator, they consume some of the largest mammals of the forest including monkeys and sloths. Because of habitat loss, they are now nearly extinct in Central America. Harpy Eagle, Bald Eagle, Three Toed Sloth, Apex Predator, Birds Of Prey, Raptors, Flocking, Eagles, Conservation

Three Toed Sloth

Harpy eagles are the heaviest bird of prey in the world. They spend their lives in the forest canopy scanning for prey. As an apex predator, they consume some of the largest mammals of the forest including monkeys and sloths. Because of habitat loss, they are now nearly extinct in Central America.

The eyelash pit viper is a small arboreal snake named for the modified scales above its eyes that resemble lashes. It is a sit and wait predator that uses its heat sensing glands, or pits, behind each nostril to detect when prey is near. When it strikes, it injects a hemotoxic venom into its prey which starts to degenerate the body tissue aiding the snake in digesting the animal. Pretty Snakes, Cool Snakes, Colorful Snakes, Beautiful Snakes, Les Reptiles, Cute Reptiles, Reptiles And Amphibians, Animals And Pets

Colorful Snakes

Beautiful Snakes

Reptiles And Amphibians

Animals And Pets

The eyelash pit viper is a small arboreal snake named for the modified scales above its eyes that resemble lashes. It is a sit and wait predator that uses its heat sensing glands, or pits, behind each nostril to detect when prey is near. When it strikes, it injects a hemotoxic venom into its prey which starts to degenerate the body tissue aiding the snake in digesting the animal.

Mistletoe is a hemi-parasite. It has specially modified roots called haustoria with which it invades its host so that it can draw water and nutrients. Its seeds which are dispersed by birds, primarily of the Euphonia genus, are coated with a sticky substance called viscin that helps it stick to a branch while it develops. Mistletoe, Roots, Seeds, Draw, Water, Gripe Water, To Draw, Sketches, Painting

Mistletoe is a hemi-parasite. It has specially modified roots called haustoria with which it invades its host so that it can draw water and nutrients. Its seeds which are dispersed by birds, primarily of the Euphonia genus, are coated with a sticky substance called viscin that helps it stick to a branch while it develops.

Honduran white bats are unusual in that they modify their environment to form their roost. These small bats, which live in groups typically with one dominant male, will crease the stem of heliconia leaf so that it forms a tent-like structure. Their white color allows them additional camouflage from predators when in this position as sunlight penetrates the leaf dappling their fur with green light. Moon Design, Bats, Sunlight, Tent, Artwork

Honduran white bats are unusual in that they modify their environment to form their roost. These small bats, which live in groups typically with one dominant male, will crease the stem of heliconia leaf so that it forms a tent-like structure. Their white color allows them additional camouflage from predators when in this position as sunlight penetrates the leaf dappling their fur with green light.

Heliconia are native to the Neotropics and primarily pollinated by hummingbirds. Their small flowers which are housed inside modified leaves called bracts are perfectly formed to accommodate the hummingbird's long beak. These bracts also create miniature microenvironments that flourish around the small pools of water captured inside. Small Pools, House Inside, Small Flowers, Flourish, Miniatures, Plants, Hummingbirds, Leaves, Art

Heliconia are native to the Neotropics and primarily pollinated by hummingbirds. Their small flowers which are housed inside modified leaves called bracts are perfectly formed to accommodate the hummingbird's long beak. These bracts also create miniature microenvironments that flourish around the small pools of water captured inside.

Hermit butterflies specialize in understory plants. The flowers of these plants tend to produce fewer flowers throughout the year and to have less nectar as they don't absorb as much light to create sugars. Hermits have evolved a feeding strategy called "traplining" in which they follow the same routes each day in much the same way as trappers check their traps. Because of this, they are not territorial like other hummingbirds. Arrow Keys, Close Image, Ecuador, Create, Flowers, Green

Hermit butterflies specialize in understory plants. The flowers of these plants tend to produce fewer flowers throughout the year and to have less nectar as they don't absorb as much light to create sugars. Hermits have evolved a feeding strategy called "traplining" in which they follow the same routes each day in much the same way as trappers check their traps. Because of this, they are not territorial like other hummingbirds.

Hummingbirds are specific to the neotropics and have the highest metabolism of all warm-blooded animals. They have a high proportion of body surface for their size and so lose heat quickly which is why they are more prolific in warm climates. Hummingbirds are nectarivores and must consume roughly half their body weight each day. They feed throughout the forest canopy and can be very territorially in defense of a food source. Warm Blooded, High Metabolism, Body Weight, Canopy, Surface, Park, Animals, Food

High Metabolism

Hummingbirds are specific to the neotropics and have the highest metabolism of all warm-blooded animals. They have a high proportion of body surface for their size and so lose heat quickly which is why they are more prolific in warm climates. Hummingbirds are nectarivores and must consume roughly half their body weight each day. They feed throughout the forest canopy and can be very territorially in defense of a food source.

Titan beetles can grow as large as seven inches in length. Insects don't get bigger because of the way their respiration works. Instead of lungs, they breath through a network of tiny pores on their abdomen which feed into tubes that deliver oxygen directly to their tissues. Because this oxygen travels by diffusion, the distance it can reach depends on the concentration of oxygen in the atmosphere. Until the concentration of oxygen in our atmosphere changes, insects will stay small. Giant Animals, Large Animals, Longhorn Beetle, Cool Bugs, Scary Bugs, A Bug's Life, Real Life, Bizarre

Longhorn Beetle

Titan beetles can grow as large as seven inches in length. Insects don't get bigger because of the way their respiration works. Instead of lungs, they breath through a network of tiny pores on their abdomen which feed into tubes that deliver oxygen directly to their tissues. Because this oxygen travels by diffusion, the distance it can reach depends on the concentration of oxygen in the atmosphere. Until the concentration of oxygen in our atmosphere changes, insects will stay small.

The golden poison dart frog is one of the most toxic animals on the planet and carries enough venom to kill ten grown men. They live in social groups and are dedicated caregivers to their offspring. Once their eggs hatch, the adult frogs carry their tadpoles into the canopy and deposit them in bromeliad tanks or water-filled tree holes. Upon maturity the parents will lead their froglets to an established social group. Most Poisonous Frog, Poisonous Animals, Top 10 Cutest Animals, Frog Facts, Golden Frog, Poison Tree, Poison Dart Frogs

Most Poisonous Frog

Poisonous Animals

Top 10 Cutest Animals

Poison Dart Frogs

The golden poison dart frog is one of the most toxic animals on the planet and carries enough venom to kill ten grown men. They live in social groups and are dedicated caregivers to their offspring. Once their eggs hatch, the adult frogs carry their tadpoles into the canopy and deposit them in bromeliad tanks or water-filled tree holes. Upon maturity the parents will lead their froglets to an established social group.

Poison dart frogs are native to Central and South America. Their powerful alkaloid-based toxins which are stored in their skin glands prevent nerves from transmitting impulses, leaving the muscles in an inactive state of contraction. Interestingly poison dart frogs raised in captivity do not develop toxins leading scientists to believe that the frogs assimilate their poisonous compounds from plants or animals that they ingest. Blue Poison Dart Frog, Colorful Animals, Exotic Animals, Wild Animals, Unique Animals, Foto Website, Reptiles Et Amphibiens

Blue Poison Dart Frog

Colorful Animals

Reptiles Et Amphibiens

Poison dart frogs are native to Central and South America. Their powerful alkaloid-based toxins which are stored in their skin glands prevent nerves from transmitting impulses, leaving the muscles in an inactive state of contraction. Interestingly poison dart frogs raised in captivity do not develop toxins leading scientists to believe that the frogs assimilate their poisonous compounds from plants or animals that they ingest.

Nototriton abscondens, or moss salamanders, live primarily in terrestrial and arboreal moss mats where they feed on tiny organisms such as springtails. They may have been one of the first animals to colonize land. Moss salamanders are lungless and breath through their skin which must stay moist. Amphibians, Reptiles, Salamanders, Live, Animales

Nototriton abscondens, or moss salamanders, live primarily in terrestrial and arboreal moss mats where they feed on tiny organisms such as springtails. They may have been one of the first animals to colonize land. Moss salamanders are lungless and breath through their skin which must stay moist.

The caterpillar of the Acraga hamata moth has developed an unusual defense strategy. Through its skin it secretes clear gelatinous warts that break off when a predator tries to grasp the caterpillar. They are left with a gooey blob as the caterpillar makes a hasty getaway. Tribal Women, Chenille, Cute Creatures, Caterpillar, Moth, Diamond Earrings, Butterfly

Diamond Earrings

The caterpillar of the Acraga hamata moth has developed an unusual defense strategy. Through its skin it secretes clear gelatinous warts that break off when a predator tries to grasp the caterpillar. They are left with a gooey blob as the caterpillar makes a hasty getaway.

Jaguars are the largest felines in the Western Hemisphere. Like many other cats, they are solitary nocturnal hunters and extremely territorial. It is considered a keystone species because of its role in stabilizing ecosystems by keeping populations of many other species in check. Jaguars use a stalk and ambush method of hunting and have extremely powerful bites which they use to pierce the skulls of their prey. Wild Life, Joe Mcdonald, Amazing Nature Photos, Photo Animaliere, Nature Sauvage, Concours Photo, Tier Fotos, Wild Nature, Animal Wallpaper

Amazing Nature Photos

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Jaguars are the largest felines in the Western Hemisphere. Like many other cats, they are solitary nocturnal hunters and extremely territorial. It is considered a keystone species because of its role in stabilizing ecosystems by keeping populations of many other species in check. Jaguars use a stalk and ambush method of hunting and have extremely powerful bites which they use to pierce the skulls of their prey.

About half of all mammal species in the neotropics are bats. They are the only mammals capable of true flight and as such play an incredibly important ecological role in pollenating plants and keeping insect species from exploding. Bats are typically divided into two suborders: the megabats which have effective vision and feed primarily on fruit and microbats which rely on echolocation to find insects or small mammals. Megabat, All Bat, Insect Species, Crows Ravens, All About Animals, San Diego Zoo, Lemur

All About Animals

About half of all mammal species in the neotropics are bats. They are the only mammals capable of true flight and as such play an incredibly important ecological role in pollenating plants and keeping insect species from exploding. Bats are typically divided into two suborders: the megabats which have effective vision and feed primarily on fruit and microbats which rely on echolocation to find insects or small mammals.