Emma's Earth Explorations

 Although this blog's main focus is on the "unique species of the world" and the effects of human-caused problems on ecosystems and wildlife, there's something else I feel the need to address, and that is the effects of such problems on the mental health of teens like me. So, here it is, an essay on eco-anxiety by yours truly.  The Weight of the World on Gen Z’s Shoulders Since the time of elementary school, parents, teachers, presidents, and any of the other role models of a ten-year-old have emphasized the same message over and over again to my generation:  the future is in your hands . This message, meant to be one of inspiration and motivation, encouraged us to take charge of our lives. It stressed that we were the ones who could shape our destiny. We were the ones who could create the life of our dreams for ourselves. Nothing and no one else could determine our path. But in a world where environmental problems have worsened to a point where even the possibility o

  This   flower doesn't just have the looks, it also has several clever adaptations to help it survive in the Amazon The Giant Water Lily :  Victoria amazonica Characteristics : The largest water lily species is also known as Victoria Amazonica. Its circular green leaves/pads have a diameter around 4-6 ft and can reach up to 10 ft. This species' beautiful white flowers only appear at night; 24 hours after blooming, the flowers turn pink and then red-purple. They only last for about three days.  Habitat : Native to Brazil, the Giant Water Lily grows all year long only in shallow, undisturbed waters of the Amazon Basin as well as other Brazilian lakes.  Diet : Photosynthesis; a plant that absorbs sunlight with its giant leaves which optimizes photosynthesis Conservation : Not listed as threatened, but an increase in demand for this flower for domestic purposes threatens both this species and its ecosystem. The Amazon's crowning glory of flora: Victoria amazonica . I bet you w