Tyler McCune's Blog

 Florida Yew Taxus Floridana Species Description:      The Florida Yew is a small evergreen bushy tree or shrub. It can grow up to 26 feet and has purplish brown bark. The leaves are needlelike, flat, and linear, and grow up to an inch long. The branches grow irregularly, with long branches often growing at nearly a right angle from the trunk. It produces small cones.  Species Habitat and Range:     The Florida Yew is essentially only found within a fifteen square mile span in ravines along the Apalachicola river in northwestern Florida. They rarely occur as individuals, rather they appear in small clumps. The terrain primarily consists of steep, sandy slopes and spring-fed waterways.  Species Role in Ecosystem: The Florida Yew's role in its ecosystem includes being a a food source for wildlife, such as beavers and white-tailed deer; acting as a habitat for small birds and insects; and as a source of medicine that is used to help treat cancer....

  The Hawksbill Sea Turtle Species Description:      The Hawksbill Sea Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) is classified as critically endangered. They are named for their narrow, pointed beak. They have a distinctive pattern of overlapping scales on their shells that are in high demand for being used to make jewelry. They are also the only species of sea turtle that can survive on a diet primarily made up of sponges. Species Habitat and Range:      Hawkbills are found throughout tropical oceans world-wide. As hatchlings, they begin their lives in the open sea for up to five years until they migrate to coastal feeding grounds, such as coral reefs, where they live out the rest of their lives. Coral reefs offer them a food source, as well as shelter for protection when resting.  Species Role (Niche) in Ecosystem:      Hawkbills feed on sponges, sea anemones, and jellyfish. By feeding on these organisms, they provide better access for reef...

The Hawksbill Sea Turtle Species Description:      The Hawksbill Sea Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) is classified as critically endangered. They are named for their narrow, pointed beak. They have a distinctive pattern of overlapping scales on their shells that are in high demand for being used to make jewelry. They are also the only species of sea turtle that can survive on a diet primarily made up of sponges. Species Habitat and Range:      Hawkbills are found throughout tropical oceans world-wide. As hatchlings, they begin their lives in the open sea for up to five years until they migrate to coastal feeding grounds, such as coral reefs, where they live out the rest of their lives. Coral reefs offer them a food source, as well as shelter for protection when resting.  Species Role (Niche) in Ecosystem:     Hawkbills feed on sponges, sea anemones, and jellyfish. By feeding on these organisms, they provide better access for reef fish to fee...