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Types of OrganismsTypes of OrganismsWith an emphasis on With an emphasis on

Mississippi Species of Mississippi Species of ConcernConcern

Prepared by: Heath E. Capello

July 2004

NSF North Mississippi GK-8NSF North Mississippi GK-8

Types of OrganismsTypes of Organisms

In general, there are SEVEN types In general, there are SEVEN types of organisms.of organisms.

1.1. InvertebratesInvertebrates2.2. FishFish3.3. AmphibiansAmphibians4.4. ReptilesReptiles5.5. BirdsBirds6.6. MammalsMammals7.7. PlantsPlants

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InvertebratesInvertebrates Contains the most Contains the most

different kinds of different kinds of organismsorganisms

All lack a backboneAll lack a backbone MS endangered MS endangered

species are mostly species are mostly mollusks (like mollusks (like clams and clams and mussels), but one mussels), but one crayfish is on the crayfish is on the candidate listcandidate list

Fat Pocketbook

Freshwater Mussel

Can live in MS River

Hard Shell

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FishFish

Live the majority of Live the majority of their lives in watertheir lives in water

Most fish have:Most fish have:– Scales - protectionScales - protection– Gills - breathingGills - breathing– Fins - steeringFins - steering

Gulf Sturgeon

Can live in MS River and Gulf

of Mexico

Dark top, light bottom for camouflage

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AmphibiansAmphibians

Spend part of their Spend part of their life cycle in water life cycle in water and another part and another part on landon land

Usually lay eggs Usually lay eggs without a shellwithout a shell

Includes frogs, Includes frogs, toads, salamanderstoads, salamanders

Mississippi Gopher Frog

Strong legs for jumping

Webbed hind foot for swimming

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ReptilesReptiles

Most reptiles have:Most reptiles have:– ScalesScales– Hard-shelled eggsHard-shelled eggs

Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtle Gopher Tortoise

Black Pine Snake

Legs partially converted to flippers

Shell reduced for swimming

Hard shell for protection Flattened

limbs for digging

Mouth adapted to eat prey

whole

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BirdsBirds

Birds possess:Birds possess:– FeathersFeathers– Light yet strong Light yet strong

bonesbones– No teethNo teeth

Brown Pelican

Piping Plover

Air sacs beneath skin to

protect it when diving

Loose skin under bill forms a scoop

net that holds 2.5 gallons

Lays eggs that match shoreline environment

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MammalsMammals

Mammals usuallyMammals usually– Are hairyAre hairy– Produce milk for their youngProduce milk for their young– Have young that are born alive (i.e. not Have young that are born alive (i.e. not

hatched) hatched)

Louisiana Black BearIndiana Bat

Sonar for flying at

night

Thin skin covering fingers to form wings

Alters internal systems so it can

be dormant in winter

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PlantsPlants

Make their own Make their own food by food by photosynthesis, photosynthesis, which turns light, which turns light, water, and carbon water, and carbon dioxide into oxygen dioxide into oxygen and sugar.and sugar.

American Chaffseed

Price’s Potato-Bean

Gets some of its food

by stealing it from roots of nearby plants

Produces edible tubers

for food storage

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SourcesSources

The United States Fish and Wildlife The United States Fish and Wildlife ServiceService

USDA PLANTS DatabaseUSDA PLANTS Database Yahoo ImagesYahoo Images Texas Parks and WildlifeTexas Parks and Wildlife National Audubon Society Field Guide National Audubon Society Field Guide

to North American Reptiles & to North American Reptiles & AmphibiansAmphibians