Today is the first day of New Jersey Audubon’s BioBlitz 2024! Take a deep breath and gear up for a week jam-packed with learning about wildlife and connecting with nature. Speaking of taking a deep breath, let’s celebrate two processes that keep life on Earth in balance: photosynthesis and respiration! These two processes work together to create the harmony on Earth that supports life for many organisms. Plants and certain algae use photosynthesis to convert energy from the sun into chemical energy by taking in carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen. On the flip side, many organisms (including you!) respirate. Humans, reptiles, mammals, birds, and many other species breathe in oxygen and breathe out carbon dioxide. Did you know that worms and amphibians breathe through their skin? Plus, lots of underwater creatures breathe through gills! Today’s challenge is to submit an observation of an animal with gills.
To join in on the BioBlitz fun, visit njaudubon.org/bioblitz
(photo: Cownose Ray by Emily Reed)
#bioblitz #nature
