Ecosystems near our schools

Machad's woodCoina´s saltmarsh

Weather conditions during the survey(eg . the pressure, cloudiness, humidity, temperature)

Temperatur: 17ºc – 19ºC Atmospheric pressure: 1025 Pa Very cloudy weather with occasional

rain.

Characteristics of biotope(eg. water relations, soil profile, soil type)

It presents a great heterogeneity regarding the type of soil and water availability, allowing the existence of several ecological species.

Soil constituted by sedimentary formations, called dunes and wind sands; or sand, poorly consolidated sandstones and clays;

The existence of hygrophilous, mesophilic and xerophytic zones allow the coexistence of species with different characteristics.

Characteristics of dependence We observed several exotic plants of the species

capobrotus edulis and Acacia sp. These plants compete more efficiently for the available resources than the native species occupying the territory rapidly, causing a significant modification in the ecosystems.

We watched the competition of plants in access to water and light (young tree vs. mature).

We observed traces of the activity of herbivorous and omnivorous animals.

We noted the relationship between plants in different floors of the forest. 

Conclusions Machada wood´s is an important place

due to the heterogeneity of landscape units that includes forest areas of shrub vegetation and well structured water lines that allows the existence of refuge of predators, support for nests and source of food that favor the existence of more and more species.

Characteristics biocenosis(eg . plants, animals, fungi, endangered organisms; use of the Latin language and images / diagrams)

Wood( plants and animals)

PlantsUrze-das-vassouras

-Erica scoparia

Murta-

Myrtus

Medronheiro-

Arbutus unedo

Carvalhiça-

Quercus Lusitanica

Gilbardeira-

Ruscus aculeatus

Carrasco-

Quercus coccifera

Açafrão bravo-

Crocus serotinus

Torga-

Calluna vulgaris

Tojo molar -Ulex australis

Sobreiro-

Quercus suber

Peido-de-lobo-

Lycoperdon perlatum

Estrela-da-terra-

Astraeus hygrometricus

Sargacinha-

Helianthemum libanotis L.

Birds Gralha-preta-

Corvus corone

Pisco de peito-azul-

Luscinia svecica

Chapim azul-

Cyanistes caeruleus

Pisco de peito ruivo-

Erithacus rubecula

Chapim rabilongo-

Aegithalos caudatus

Pica pau galego-

Dendrocopos minor

Sardão- - Lacerta lepida

Sapo-corredor-

Bufo calamita

Rato-do-campo-

Apodemus sylvaticus

Ouriço cacheiro-

Erinaceus europaeus

Coina´s saltmarch

Characteristics of biotope(eg . water relations, soil profile, soil type) 

It is characterized by extensive areas of mudflats and plant communities that occurs along the edges of the estuary.

It has soils formed by alluvial sediments, transported by tidal waters, being a source of organic matter.

It is a support for the numerous food chains, being fundamental for the balance of the ecosystem

PH: 6,7 – 9,0 Average salinity valous: 24,8( summer) and

16,4( winter)

Characteristics of dependence

The unique characteristics of the mix between fresh and salt water provide habitat for many different types of small invertebrates and algae, and consequently the various species of birds that feed on them.

There were several species of birds dependent on the food provided by the marsh

The Coina’s saltmarsh is a place chosen by birds and fish for breeding and nursery.

Conclusions The Sapal of Coina’s river is a wetland

that constitutes a very important ecosystem allowing the feeding of diverse species and the nesting for the avifauna, contributing for the conservation of the biodiversity.

BirdsGarça

cinzenta-

Ardea cinerea

Garça branca pequena-

Egretta thula

Corvo marinho de faces brancas-

Phalacrocorax carbo

Pilrito- comum-

Calidris alpina

Zarro-comum-

Aythya ferina

sarcocornia fruticosa

Work done by the students of the 6th Elementary School Group of Álvaro Velho, Barreiro, Portugal

Bibliography

www.avesdeportugal.pt at 10/12/2016www. lifebiodiscoveries.pt at 10/12/2016