This diving, pooping moose is saving its ecosystem - for now
https://www.sciencemag.org/news/2018/10/diving-pooping-moose-saving-its-ecosystem-now
By pooping and peeing, moose are actually helping its habitat thrive. In cooler climates, there isn't that much nitrogen to help plant growth. Plants get nitrogen nutrients from the air and soil, while animals depend on getting their nitrogen intake through the plants. Moose diving and foraging for plants in the water had nearly tripled the amount of nitrogen in the waters. These moose have also transported more nitrogen onto the land as well. The plants that the moose are eating are rich in nitrogen and when they eat them, each moose pass around 78 grams of nitrogen a day through defecation and urination. However, moose aren't the only ones that are helping the environment. Hippos in the savanna in Africa produce these nitrogen nutrients as well.
By pooping and peeing, moose are actually helping its habitat thrive. In cooler climates, there isn't that much nitrogen to help plant growth. Plants get nitrogen nutrients from the air and soil, while animals depend on getting their nitrogen intake through the plants. Moose diving and foraging for plants in the water had nearly tripled the amount of nitrogen in the waters. These moose have also transported more nitrogen onto the land as well. The plants that the moose are eating are rich in nitrogen and when they eat them, each moose pass around 78 grams of nitrogen a day through defecation and urination. However, moose aren't the only ones that are helping the environment. Hippos in the savanna in Africa produce these nitrogen nutrients as well.
Wow! This is a perfect example of how even the smallest things in the circle of life really do have a part. Its kinda gross but very intriguing.
ReplyDeleteWho knew poop could be so great!
ReplyDelete