A Look at Pollen and the Role of Bees in Pollination

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Maggie_A_Roberts]Maggie A Roberts
Pollen is the yellow, white, or brown powder-like substance that is produced in the stamens (or male parts) of a flower its grains come in a wide variety of sizes and shapes although most are spherical. Each species of plant pollen has its own unique surface marking and each grain has a thick protective coating to protect the male gamete, or sperm. Pollen can be either light and dusty and easily blown in the wind or heavier and stickier.
The wind or air-borne type is called Anemophile (wind loving) pollen and it is this that gives you hayfever. The heavier stickier type is called Entomophile (insect loving) pollen and it is this type that bees collect.
Pollination
Pollen is used to fertilize the plant by the process of pollination. There are three different types of pollination, self-pollination, pollination from a different flower within the same plant and pollination from a different plant (known as cross-pollination). Cross-pollination is essential for the long-term genetic diversity of the plant and the future success of the species. Pollen produced in the flowers' stamens is transferred to the pistils or female plant parts. Depending upon the weight of the pollen grain, pollination is either wind or creature borne. For example grasses and wheat are examples of wind pollinating plants, whilst fruit trees, having heavier stickier pollen require the help of insects or birds. Each tiny grain in the pistil grows into a long tube called a pollen tube, growing until it reaches the plant's ovary.The male gamete is then released into the ovary. Pollination produces fruits and seeds and the pollen also contains the plant`s genetic code.
Bees and their role in plant pollination
Bees are without doubt the most abundant pollinators of flowering plants in our environment. 70% of all flowering plants only survive as a result of bees and other pollinators and fruits and seeds from insect pollinated plants account for over 30 percent of the foods and beverages that we consume. Beyond agriculture, bees are a vital part of most of our ecosystems as fruits and seeds derived from insect pollination are a major part of the diet of approximately 25 percent of all birds and mammals, ranging from the smallest mouse to the largest grizzly bear. However it is not just our honey bees that are having problems many of our native bee pollinators are at risk. Habitat loss, pesticide use and human-introduced diseases are all contributing to the decline in bee numbers.
As a result of the problems with commercially managed honey bee colonies, many species of bees which were until recently considered to be wild bees are now being bred commercially for crop pollination. These include bumble bees, leafcutter bees, mason bees, sweat bees and many other species. There is growing concern however that intensive farming of these species is now leading to some of the problems found in honey bee colonies, in particular diseases and to make matters worse these are unfortunately being transferred from the managed bees to the wild members of their species. Perhaps we just need to learn to leave nature alone to carry out the job she has been performing well for millions of years, without the help of man or pesticides.
Honey bees and pollen
As well as collecting nectar, honey bees collect pollen, storing it as they go from flower to flower in specially designed sacs on their back legs. It is this efficient collection method which makes honey bees less effective pollinators than some of their messier relations, who trap pollen in hairs on their body and transport it that way, dropping plenty as they go.
Honey bees unlike ants and wasps are vegetarians and rely on pollen for protein, which is essential for a healthy body and for the development of their young, in particular bee larvae. Pollen can contain up to 35% protein, in addition it also contains vitamins, enzymes and starch. Back at their hives the honey bees store it in special cells, adding a small amount of honey which prevents it from going off.
Maggie Roberts is a professional writer and beekeeper, with a particular passion for sharing her knowledge of bees and their role in the natural world. If you would like more information, help to start beekeeping or just to learn more about bees, then see http://www.beekeepingbeesandhoney.com/
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?A-Look-at-Pollen-and-the-Role-of-Bees-in-Pollination&id=6342125] A Look at Pollen and the Role of Bees in Pollination

Clean Green Renewable Energy

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Brendan_Mckenna]Brendan Mckenna
Electric wind farm turbines at Yambuck and Codrington in South West Victoria Australia.
My daughter, my wife, and I attended the an open day to Celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the "Pacific Hydro's" Codrington wind farm. We had no idea what to expect, but were in for a pleasant surprise. My Nine year old daughter "Erin" bypassed the usual kids stuff and quickly ushered us onto the bus for the 2 hour wind farm tour at nearby Yambuck /Codrington.The tour departed from Port Fairy at 10am, it was a pleasant trip to and from the Yambuck wind farm, and our local guide briefed us with some interesting facts.
What we learnt along the way:
The exact location of each tower is carefully calculated along with wind measurements of the area recorded by dedicated wind test towers.There is no chance of the towers falling over as the base foundation is made up of a massive concrete and steel reinforced pad.The turbines are constantly adjusting the direction and pitch of the blades to maximise efficiency. They automatically shut down if the wind becomes too strong (Greater than 50 Knot wind)
Acoustics:
Standing next to the base of the wind turbine you can clearly hear the swish of the rotating blades; I noted that the sound was well within my comfort zone. To give you some idea, the ongoing swish, swish, is similar (possibly less) than that of cars whizzing past at about 40 kilometers. The sound of the turbine generator can be heard if you put your ear against the base of the steel tower, otherwise the turbine itself is practically inaudible.
Power:
Pacific Hydro estimates that all of their operating projects combined produce enough clean electricity to power 600,000 homes each year. The Codrington Wind Farm produces enough power for about 10,000 homes each year
Carbon Friendly:
Pacific Hydro has calculated a rough saving of 7 million tonnes of greenhouse gas pollution since its project began operating and are aiming at avoiding a further 4 million tonnes every year with new projects coming online around the world.
Wildlife and bird Strikes:
I expected to see the odd dead bird, around the base of the mast, not so, If there is a problem with bird strikes then there was no evidence of it on our visit, the official feedback on this alleged phenomenon it is very rare if it happens at all. We noted that a handful of cows were grazing randomly around the base (as close as 5 meters) of the turbine towers. The cows were clearly indifferent to the turbines and spinning blades, they slowly wandered away to another paddock when we arrived.
Alternative Land uses:
It took me a full minute after arrival at the wind farm before I totally dismissed the idea of building a house on this magnificent land (Truly beautiful landscape overlooking the Southern Coast of Victoria.) The wind at the base of the towers was exceptionally strong, and a great place to visit., be sure to take a wind jacket.
Aesthetics:
I am told that a range of colours were considered for the turbines and masts. The white grey colour was chosen specifically as it best blends in with the surrounding cloud line. Most people I have spoken to including my daughter and wife find the wind towers an interesting addition to the beautiful coastal landscape. My daughter is always the first to point them out when we are driving down that way.
Environment:
"Erin" also discovered Pacific Hydro latest "Green Innovation." The small handout sheet was impregnated with plant seeds so that you can plant the info sheet in the garden and with a little water and time a number of small plants will grow. Erin also noticed that the environmentally friendly paper was printed using vegetable based inks.
The Future:
Upcoming wind farm installations in the United Kingdom and Europe are aiming at a 5 megawatts power capacity per tower per year. Just twenty such towers would produce around 100 mega watts capacity a year, a vast improvement on those built 10 years ago.
I believe that the new age turbines could be swapped over when an older turbine becomes superseded or problematic. According to Pacific Hydro Wind Farm production costs have fallen more than 75 percent over the last 25 Years, there is no reason why this trend should not continue.
Pros:
Clean green renewable energy, very much pollution free. Turbine and Mast Technology is always getting better. Today 5 megawatt offshore wind turbines are being installed in the UK and Europe
Cons:
Cost, On today's market you need approx 2000, 5 megawatt wind turbines to equal the capacity of one large modern," 2011 Post Fukushima Japan Nuclear Power Plant."
Conclusion:
Pacific Hydro's 10th Anniversary celebrations of the Codrington Wind farm and tour were a great success. There is clearly a big future for this type of clean and green technology particularly in remote areas. Australia has the land, with affordability being the key factor to the future.
Visit a wind farm - Tours:
Tours can be arranged at the Codrington Wind Farm, Situated along the South West Coast of Victoria near Port Fairy. Tel (03) 5568 1853 to arrange a booking.
Article by: "Brendan Mckenna"
Brendan Mckenna - "Outstanding"
A radiographer by profession (15 Years experience at two Major Hospital in Melbourne); I am yet to make a penny in my new line of work "Professional Writing."
I am allowing until November 2011 before achieving my goal and registering as a professional business - Until them I am happy to provide reviews for good products to help build what will be an outstanding professional profile.
I am currently tackling a broad range of professional writing applications including,
- Articles -Product Reviews, News, Documentary, Photography
- Editing - Written and Photographic
- Website Design and Build - Including SEO and Statistic Counts
- Concise Instruction booklets, Quick reference guides.
It is early days yet; I have already met a number of challengers in the handful of reviews I have written.
Contact Details: Brendan Mckenna - 61 Queens Rd Warrnambool Victoria Australia 3280. Email:  [mailto:bmcxray@bigpond.net.au]bmcxray@bigpond.net.au or Telephone:03 5562 2111
Web: http://www.iimedsoft.com/
Copyright: Brendan Mckenna 16th June 2011 Warrnambool Victoria 3280
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Clean-Green-Renewable-Energy&id=6349714] Clean Green Renewable Energy

Facts About Lake Malawi

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Cecelia_Owens]Cecelia Owens
Lake Malawi, also known as Lake Nyasa amongst a host of other names, is a beautiful lake that is probably the main setting of some marine biologists' dreams every night. This lake is supposed to be the home of more fish species than that of any other body of freshwater on Earth, which isn't too surprising once you hear the fact that Lake Malawi is also the eighth largest lake in the world. Nestled in the Great Rift Valley system of East Africa, it is also Africa's third largest lake.
People have depended for over a thousand years for food from the bountiful wildlife that resides in Lake Malawi, home of over a thousand species of cichlids, and provider of tasty fish such as kampango, a catfish. Many species of fish have evolved from the waters of Lake Malawi, most notably cichlids, and various other animals. Naturally, at least a few extremely exotic species of fish have evolved from these waters, such as the rare Mbuna fish, highly sought after by avid aquarists due to its brilliant coloring. As a result, the lake is not only a huge source of food, but also the source of work for thousands of Malawian fishermen, net and canoe manufacturers, and fish traders. Unfortunately, overfishing and water pollution threatens the potential future of the wildlife here.
Lake Malawi is an attractive tourist location, with most of its tourists visiting during the dry season, which lasts from April to November. The wet season, on the other hand, lasts from December to March. Because the wet season is preceded by a very hot and humid period between November and December, the dry season is the most ideal season for visiting Lake Malawi.
The Malawian government has taken great strides in ensuring that the lake does not become too commercialized or overcrowded, and they have done a good job so far. The northern portion of the lake is largely untouched by tourists, and therefore lies in a pristine, unspoiled condition. The beaches are almost never crowded. One of the main forms of human activity you will see at Lake Malawi will probably be that of the fish traders, who vend thousands upon thousands of silver-colored fish that are dried, smoked, and sold in huts.
Most of the permanent settlements, hotels, and campsites, however, can only be found on the southern portion of the lake. There, one can snorkel, dive, sail, and do pretty much any sort of fun recreational activity that can be done on any major beach. The lake itself possesses a beautifully warm temperature of 74 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit year-round. Before anyone actually visits Lake Malawi, they should know that malaria is a concern here, so tourists should try their best to minimize mosquito bites by using insect repellents, and trying to sleep in mosquito net-treated edifices. Never let your guard down against the mosquitoes.
In conclusion, Lake Malawi has experienced a ton of historical legacies, ranging from being the host of a naval battle between the British and the Germans, to being the evolutionary site of an eclectic range of over 450 species of freshwater tropic fish. Its sheer size alone is enough to suggest that it still holds its fair share of untold mysteries that have yet to be discovered.
Cecelia Owens loves travel and she does freelance writing for the top South African travel comparison website, where she also wrote the blog post "Experience the Safaris Around Lake Malawi" which you can read [http://blog.bestflights.co.za/experience-the-safaris-around-lake-malawi.php]here.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Facts-About-Lake-Malawi&id=6374115] Facts About Lake Malawi

Biological Water Purification

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Anna_Purna_Edara]Anna Purna Edara
Palatable clean drinking water is becoming scarce in the present-day world. Water table is decreasing day by day and the river water, even after treatment on a community basis, contains many contaminants. The levels of many pollutants like selenium, chromium, cadmium and arsenic have increased in water to dangerous levels. A long-term consumption of these pollutants may damage kidneys, liver and our nervous system. These also could lead to deadly diseases like cancer.
Of late we have different kinds of purifiers available in the market which are available at a very wide range of prices. These purifiers are associated with their own disadvantages, like, some of them consume energy in the form of electricity, some are made up of non biodegradable materials, some are very costly etc.
Some plants have been proved to be excellent for water purification. Plants like the Prickly pear cactus (Opuntia ficus-indica) or Moringa (Moringa oleifera) have the capacity to purify water. The Prickly pear cactus was used for water purification by Mexican communities long back during the 19th-century. As man marched ahead on the roads of civilization these facts were forgotten by him. He started his hunt for high technology methods of water purification.
A group of scientists from the University of South Florida in Tampa rediscovered the natural method of water purification using prickly pear cactus in 2010.
Norma Alcantar and her colleagues have used sophisticated microscopic analysis to prove the effects of cactus on dirty water.
Mucilage is glue like gummy substance secreted by plants which acts as a flocculant in water. It can precipitate substances into flakes and hence can remove substances like heavy metals (selenium, chromium, cadmium and arsenic) and even bacteria from water [1]. This thick gum is used by the plant to store water. When this magical mucilage is added to water, it sticks to the sediment particles and bacteria, which later drops down to the bottom of the water samples. According to Alcantar 98% of added bacteria, Bacillus cereus, was removed from the water sample. However, experiments are yet to be carried in natural water.
Many rural and underdeveloped countries have no access to the conventional water purification devices due to which people dwelling there are forced to drink contaminated water. Cactus plant can be grown at many places at a lower cost. This plant can serve as a natural and renewable material for water filtration and at the same time save the lives of many people. It is a cost-effective alternative and also saves a lot of energy.
Reference:
1. Buttice AL, Alcantar NA et al. Removal of sediment and bacteria from water using green chemistry. Environ Sci Technol. 2010 May 1;44(9):3514-9.
Anna Purna is a freelancer writing articles about her favourite interest, Health and Nutrition. She also works on home-based jobs. Before this, she has worked fulltime for about 2 and a half years in the annotation of Biological databases in various organizations. She holds a Post Graduate Degree in Biochemistry and a PG Diploma in Bio-informatics. For more information, please visit her website on http://purnasrinivas.webs.com/
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Biological-Water-Purification&id=6358358] Biological Water Purification

Autobiography of a Tree

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Rithika_Iyer]Rithika Iyer
Deforestation is something we all hear so much about. We hear of the problems it is causing, of what we should do to reduce it and so on and so forth. But do we ever hear what the real victims of deforestation, the trees themselves, have to say?
One day, she found me lying on an impervious, man-made surface, near-dying with the lack of any nutrition. Cement, I believe, was the name of that material which I eventually grew to despise. She picked me up and put me in a new home - the soil. I was grateful to her for saving me. She watered me every day. Soon I grew a root that gave me my first taste of Mother Earth's own water and a shoot that allowed me my first feel of the glowing orb in the sky from where I got my energy. That day, when she came out to water me, she crowed, "You've got a leaf! And not just one, you've got two!" Even though I couldn't say it, I felt happy too - just by hearing the joy in her voice.
A few months later (or so I thought, as time had no great value for me), I was taller than she was. I kept growing taller and stronger with each passing day. My roots went deeper into the soil and it was indescribable pleasure to feel it parting and letting my roots further in.
More months later, I was taller than her house. She still watered me every day. I could even feel others like me nearby. She used to tell me her secrets every time she came. Once she even told me that I was her best friend. I merely listened to her. It was satisfying to do just that.
Even more months later, I was fully grown. "You must be prouder than a peacock about it, right old Teak?" She said fondly as she watered me. She had been calling me 'Teak' for a long time now. She patted me and went on and I felt joyful as I always did. I had never known otherwise in all this time.
One fine day, however, things changed. I sensed a sadness in her as she was talking to someone. Soon, she ran over to me and hugged me. Crying, she said, "I'm sorry, Teak, but Papa says you're to be cut down. I'm so sorry!" I didn't know what she meant, but I shed some of my leaves to show that I had heard her. When she went back in and shut the door, the thud triggered a strange feeling in me... a feeling you might call 'foreboding'. Soon (or so it seemed to me), a strange keening sound came to me. For the first time in my life, I felt afraid. I wanted her to come here and be with me, but I couldn't call her. I didn't have a voice that she could hear and she didn't understand the tones of the wind that whispered so many things to me.
And then I understood what she had meant. A strange machine was violating me. It hurt so much, but there was nothing I could do except think of happier times. A strange numbness spread through me as the object penetrated further. The pain reached a crescendo and then I couldn't feel anything at all.
To get back to the point, deforestation is indeed a menace and it's not just a basic, mechanical understanding of it we need to curb it. It's an emotional one, like a lot of things nowadays. So put your thinking caps on and spare a few minutes to see what you can do.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Autobiography-of-a-Tree&id=6374854] Autobiography of a Tree

Durian, Heaven or Hell?

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Ruth_Tan]Ruth Tan
Durian is perhaps the most reputedly controversial fruit, being loved to bits and hated to the core at the same time. For those who could not tolerate the smell or taste of the fruit, they have described it as disgustingly pungent, as smelly as the gas leaking from the stove, a cruel onslaught of the palate like rotten mushy meat, or even dung (apologies, but people have gone to that vicious extremity in description). But people who are passionate about the fruit fondly thought of it as the most extraordinary fruit you can find on earth, and are of the opinion that the flesh tastes heavenly rich, has a great depth that puts you on an addictive high. These die-hard fans of durians would go to all lengths to find the best durian, regardless of where it might be or how much it could cost.
Singaporeans need no introduction to this exotic tropical, Southeast Asia fruit which bears the King of Tropical Fruit title conferred by the Asians since time immemorial. According to a Wiki source, its name durian comes from the Malay word duri (thorn) together with the suffix -an (for building a noun in Malay). The fruit's smell is indescribable - robust, definitely non-fruity (as what we normally understand about fruitiness), and its appearance most unusual and outrageous with forest green, pointy spikes fully covering its skin. Its flesh looks like yellow butter-custard, tastes creamy and extremely sweet, and sometimes even carries a tinge of bitter, alcoholic taste. The durian tree takes 7 to 10 years to bear fruit from a seed, but with marcotted and grafted plants, the waiting time is drastically reduced to 3 to 4 years.
This fruit has become synonymous with the Singapore identity. Some 1000 tonnes are imported from Malaysia every year. Species of the fruit include D2, D24, D13, D17, D18, XO, TenTen, and the list goes on. It was told that good, ripe durians have these attributes - are oval-shaped, have bright green shell, sharp thorns, bulges, seeds that move slightly when the fruit is shaken, and give out a strong nice smell at the base of the fruit. Never choose one that is too round, has a shaky stalk, yellowish shell, and damaged thorns. In Singapore, this fruit has made its way into the manufacturing of many foods, including puffs, cakes, pancakes, wraps, biscuits, ice-cream, desserts, moon cakes, etc.
If this fruit is new to you and reading this has made you feel wary or fearful of it, my advice would be - just go for it, if you never try, you'll never know!
About the Author: Ruth Tan resides in the tiny, yet awesome island country of Singapore and blogs regularly about the place in her beautiful   MySingapore Blog. For more news and images of Singapore, visit http://www.mysingapore-blog.com/
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Durian,-Heaven-or-Hell?&id=6384732] Durian, Heaven or Hell?