The Art of Ecology
Building visual connections between people and nature.
Tag: Adaptations
National Geographic Educator Certification
For a while now, it has been my super unrealistic goal of becoming a National Geographic Photographer. While I am competing with so many extremely talented photographers all over the world who have access to more “interesting” subjects, better equipment, and have more experience, you gotta have goals, right? Much to my surprise and delight, …
“Heart & Soul” – a Photo Project Looking at Animal/Habitat Relationships
As a Conservation Photographer who finds the interconnection of life fascinating, I try to reflect that passion in my work. I created my “Heart & Soul” project to depict this interconnection. The Heart and Soul Photo Project shows the blend of an animal and it’s ideal habitat, or where the animal’s heart and soul belong, …
Beautifully Built Bird Beaks & Bills
You have a bird feeder out in your back yard, but you notice that not all of the birds you have seen are visiting it – Why might that be? Well, one answer might be that not all birds are designed to eat the same foods. By looking at the bird’s beak or bill, you …
Burn Through Snow – What Flowers Can Do that We Wish We Could Too!
About this time (maybe even earlier!) each year, I start missing the sunshine and heat like crazy! Fortunately, nature’s got my back and I can get my “spring fix” even during the last dreary winter days. A few flowers get tired of the grey like I do and do something about it; they heat up …
Plants That Eat More than Sunlight!
As kids, we’re all taught that plants eat sunlight through a complex process called “Photosynthesis.” This is one of the many things that, as humans, make plants a little hard to relate to. If you’re feeling disassociated from plants, here’s something to make you feel better – some plants eat meat! Yum. Meat-Eating Plants Carnivorous …
How do tiny birds survive the cold winter?
We always think of birds as migrating south for the winter (wish I could too!), but obviously, some birds do stick around. There are many bird adaptations to the cold to allow them to stick around chilly Pennsylvania! How do Birds Adapt to the Cold? Birds adapt in many ways that are similar to humans. …
Why do we always see purples and reds in plants, yet rarely blue?
Winter is here and it makes me miss the vibrant colors of spring, summer, and fall. I personally LOVE yellow. I love Sunflowers, Coreopsis, Daisies, Goldfinches, and Blue-Ringed Octopus. I’m not super picky though. I just love color! I love Butterfly Weed, Zinnia, Hibiscus, Purple Beautyberry, Cuttlefish, Common Sea Dragons, Giraffes… the list can go …
How can life occur in the American Southwest desert?
Traveling, especially to places that look and feel different than Pennsylvania where I have lived for all of my life, is so exciting! Fortunately for me, I had the chance to go out to New Mexico to do some photography this past summer! It was amazing to see the many plant & animal adaptations to …
How do Chipmunks show their personality through vocalization?
I’ll gladly go bungee jumping or skydiving. Not much scares me, yet for some strange reason, I gasp at small things. A door closed unexpectedly? Gasp. Did a leaf fall on my shoulder? Gasp. I’m startled for a fraction of a second and react. Who knew that this is a similar trait to shy, cute, …
Marissa Jacobs | NatGeo Certified Educator | Photographer
