Looking into the crystal ball, I saw
and heard a strange pageant . . .
Dr. Katie Ashley gazed upon the “string of pearls”, savoring the moment
before calling the other explorers to see the apple snail’s eggs. Quickly they were all gathered before her and
she murmured, “Snail kites . . . their only enemy.” At once everyone turned to staff
ornithologist Professor Cassie McKeown. “It’s true,” she said. “Sad but true. Yet as a barometer species one could not find
a better example. But let’s observe the
feeding behavior of our feathered friends by comparing the shapes of various
beaks.” The group waded forward slowly
among a tangle of tropical roots. “Let
us consider the nature of these root systems,” began Dr. Lane Bickett. “You will
notice that the red mangrove is called a ‘walking tree’ because of these prop
roots. But who can explain these
pneumatophores in its cousin the black mangrove?”
Abruptly
the discussion was shifted by Prof. Sally
Costenbader. “We are at a
crossroads!” she cried. “Do you not see
that we have entered the true estuary?”
Her eyes assumed a faraway, indeed unfocused expression, and she
rhythmically intoned “Es-tu-ar-y: sal-ty and fresh/the ri-ver mix-es with the
sea.”
As
the explorers pushed more deeply into the river of grass, Prof. James Price urged the group to a place only slightly higher
in elevation. “The hammock, or tree
island, is home to a strange mix of living things, made possible by the unusual
shift in oolitic bedrock,” he informed them.
“How very, very true,” agreed Dr. Cooper Swearingen. “And perhaps my esteemed colleague will allow
me to point out that these hammocks are a refuge for the remarkably diminutive
marsh rabbits, rats, raccoons, possums, and other denizens of this watery
realm. I blush to even mention the
elusive Everglades Panther!”
“If
ever!” This came from Dr. Peyton Gilbert, specialist in the invasive reptiles. “I mean, really! Who would have ever thought raccoons would be
considered endangered? It’s one thing to talk about habitat loss, but the
introduction of non-native invasives have made a mess of this ecosystem.” Prof.
Lydia Wilder agreed: “Right you are,
professor! While we may complain about
such things as the old world climbing fern,
nothing has made a more dangerous appearance than . . .”
“Let’s
move this way, please,” said Dr. Calee
Thigpen in a slightly nervous voice.
“And as you move, notice the Burmese python over to your left. He is truly an invader. He also appears to be hungry!”
Most
of the group moved to safer ground, but Professors Cameron Medlin and Ethan McManus were engaged in a deep discussion
regarding marine and aquatic cartilaginous fish. “Chondrichthyans lack the
air-filled swim bladder found in most bony fish, and therefore must swim
continuously to stay afloat,” lectured Medlin.
“You are correct, but I must insist that the majority of this class are
found in marine environments,” countered McManus. “I do not disagree, colleague, but even so .
. .”
“Move NOW!” Professor
Kimmy Albert’s voice was as severe as the vicious look she gave her
unobservant colleagues. There are more
snakes in this cypress dome than meet the eye!”
Dr. Jonathon Edenfield smiled
and murmured to himself, “If they only knew.
Yes, if they only knew . . .”
-to
be continued in February 2016
