Nature's Recyclers - Biological Agents of Ecological Balance

Nature's Recyclers

Biological Agents of Ecological Balance and Sustainability

Dr Abe V Rotor

Foliose lichen grows and breaks down the lignin of wood.
Parks and Wildlife Nature Center, QC

Moss builds soil from rock, an example of biological weathering.
Calaruega Retreat Center, Alfonso, Cavite

Termites eat wood with the aid of protozoa that live in
their stomach, an ideal example of symbiosis. At home in QC.

Termite mound covers a tree stump. Parks and Wildlife
Nature Center, Quezon City.

Mushrooms grow on plant residues, and convert them 

into humus which fertilizes the crop. Antipolo, Rizal

Shelf mushrooms grow on dead wood, eventually converting
it into soil that piles up on the forest floor. Mt. Makiling, Laguna



Rot fungi blanket the dead limb of Ficus tree.
UST Manila.

A host of soil insects, principally crickets and grubs, was
responsible in toppling this tree. Caliraya Lake, Laguna.

Rhizobium bacteria convert atmospheric Nitrogen into 

nitrate for the use of legume plants (e.g. mung bean - 

Vigna radiata). Note tubercles attached to the roots 

where the beneficial bacteria reside. ~

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"Humans are the only creatures on Earth that will cut down a tree, turn it into paper, then write 'save the trees' on it."

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