BioMagazine

DIGITAL MAGAZINE

NOV-DEC 2021

BIO'CL CK Discover the wonders of biodiversity like never before!

Brown-throated sloth Perezoso de tres dedos (Bradypus variegatus)

COSTA RICA; COUNTRY OF GREAT NATURAL WEALTH New national symbol of Costa Rica

ON COVER MAGAZINE BY GEC STUDENTS - UTN 2021 TECHNICAL ENGLISH V ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

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Í N D I C E Editorial…………………………………………………………………………………...3 Introduction……………………………………………………………………………..4 Topics....................................................................................................................................5 TOPIC 1- What is biodiversity?....................................................................................5

TOPIC 2- Climate in Costa Rica……………………………………………………8

TOPIC 3 Costa Rica Volcanoes……………………………………………………..9 TOPIC 4- Forests of Costa Rica…………………………………………………….16 TOPIC 5 Medicinal plants……………………………………………………………19 TOPIC 6 Mushrooms………………………………………………………………….21 TOPIC 7 LichenS of Costa Rica…………………………………………………….23 TOPIC 8 MAMMALS………………………………………………………………….27 TOPIC 9- TURTLE SPECIES IN COSTA RICA…………………………………31 TOPIC 10- Birds…………………………………………………………………………33 Conclusión………………………………………………………………………………..38 Bibliography …………………………………………………………………………….. 39

National Technical University

EDITORIAL

Ecotourism Management

Authors Alvarado López Jordy Aguilar Picado Ericka Barquero Chavarría José Bolaños Meza Daiana Brenes Ordoñez Jeaustin Carvajal Campos Katherine Córdoba Salguera Yesireth Contreras Keyner Mena Chavarría Chevez Fernanda Chaves Soto Jerlin Chavarría Soto Stephanny Elizondo Guadamuz Sherelyn Guzmán Badilla Katherine Herrera Zúñiga David Molina Jirón Anthony Murillo Zarate Dayana Narváez Centeno Claudia Pérez Morales Josselyne Pérez Cruz Yendry Picado Munguía Yalitza Quesada Segura Jazmín Rodríguez Corella Sailyn Rodríguez Morales Teresa Segura Quirós Elixandra Sánchez Oconitrillo Kimberly .

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Magazine Costa Rica's Biodiversity

This magazine seeks to show the Biological wealth of Costa Rica through the development of 10 articles, each one focused on various topics, which allows the reader to assemble biological information about the country.

This to promote tourism development to attract the attention of international tourists.

I N T R O D U C T I O N

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The following project consists of the great variety of biodiversity that the country of Costa Rica possesses, which has a large number of living organisms of different sizes and shapes, which are distributed in the country's ecosystems, whether terrestrial, aerial or marine.

On the other hand according to its geographical position is a privileged position as it allows the migration of species, with respect to its climatic factors makes Costa Rica has an exceptional climate, and that causes a positive effect as it increases biodiversity by creating a series of microclimates that are exploited by the different species that inhabit the country. Also with the variety of soils ranging from very fertile soils of volcanic origin on the slopes of the Guanacaste and Central volcanic mountain ranges.

In addition to these riches found in the country is the main source of attraction for many visitors who want to know and enjoy its beauty, since Costa Ricans care and protect all the natural treasures of the country, from the largest to the smallest, since every living being has a function and beauty that can not be replaced by another.

TOPIC 1

WHAT IS BIODIVERSITY?

Biodiversity comprises the different types of life you can find in an area: the variety of animals, plants, fungi and even microorganisms such as bacteria that make up our natural world. Each of these species and organisms work together in ecosystems - like a network - maintaining balance and life. Biodiversity supports everything we need to survive in nature, including clean water, medicines, food and safety.

Biodiversity is the variety of living beings on Earth. It encompasses approximately 8 million species on the planet, the ecosystems that harbor them, and the genetic diversity among them.

Biodiversity is a complex and interdependent network in which each member plays an important role and contributes in ways that we sometimes cannot perceive with the naked eye. The abundance of food we eat, the air we breathe, the water we drink and the climate that makes our planet habitable are all part of nature.

(Worldenvionmetday, s.f.)

BIODIVERSITY FEATURES

-Costa Rica contains 5% of the world's biodiversity, including plants, animals, and terrain. Costa Rica is immensely diverse and filled with some of the most impressive creations on Earth.

-It has 5 active volcanoes, there are five volcanoes in Costa Rica that are still active, including the famous volcanoes such as the Arenal Volcano and the Poás Volcano, two true tourist pleasures.

-Costa Rica contains 12 micro climates.

You'll never run out of places to visit, from beaches, mountains, and volcanoes to rainforests, cool-climate forests, waterfalls, and more.

-25% of its territory is protected Costa Rica takes its environmental treasures very seriously, and this is just one of many important steps the country has taken to ensure it is preserved.

-It is home to around 900 different species of birds.The birds of Costa Rica are impressive, be sure to bring a camera. You will never see so many different birds anywhere else!

-It has more than 250 species of mammals, Costa Rica is known for its monkeys and sloths, but they are only a fraction of the mammals that the country contains.

THE IMPORTANCE OF BIODIVERSITY.

The importance of biodiversity can be summarized in two essential features. On the one hand, it is the fruit of the work of nature over millions of years, making its value incalculable and irreplaceable. On the other hand, it is a guarantee for the correct functioning of the system formed by living beings, together with the environment in which they live and to which they contribute for their survival.

Biodiversity is responsible for ensuring the balance of ecosystems around the world, and the human species depends on it for survival. It is not static, it is dynamic; it is a system in constant evolution, both in each species and in each individual organism.

Thus, we can affirm that biodiversity is not only significant for human beings, but is essential for the life of the planet, which is why we must try to preserve it. The biodiversity of species provides us with goods as necessary as food or oxygen, it provides us with raw materials that favor economic development, it produces energy that we use as fuel, it is the origin of some medicines and, finally, it fills our retina with beautiful landscapes that we can enjoy. (Mexico, 2015).

TOPIC 2

CLIMATE IN COSTA RICA

Costa Rica is different from almost all other countries in the world. This beautiful country is made up of many different climatic zones, which also creates many microclimates within it. There is not a true winter season, and it is classified as a tropical country due to how close it is from Ecuador. It is divided into two seasons, a dry season, often called high season, and a rainy season, often called green station. There are always around twelve hours of sunlight per day throughout the year.

Costa Rica is located between the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. Elevation also plays a role in the climate of several of its areas.

Tortuguero is next to the Caribbean Sea, and the climate is humid and rainy most of the year.

Whereas, Guanacaste is not very far away, approximately 180 miles (290 km), but it is close to the Pacific Ocean. This makes the climate dry and full of dry tropical forests.

Even with its proximity, there are different weather patterns, part of what makes Costa Rica one of the most unique countries on the planet.

The best weather in the country is said to be in the central San José valley, there is a breeze, and temperatures generally average 72 ° Fahrenheit (22 ° Celsius). This same condition occurs with the climate in the city of San Diego, CA where the average temperature ranges between 60 ° F (15 ° C) as the highest and 70 ° F (21 ° C) as the highest. come down. In what is known as the highlands, the average temperature is 55 ° Fahrenheit (13 ° Celsius). At sea level, also known as the lowlands, the average temperature is around 79 ° Fahrenheit (26 ° Celsius).

Ilustrated Map

Costa Rica Volcanoes TOPIC 3

Costa Rica has more than 200 volcanic formations identified, most of Costa Rica's volcanoes are located in the northern part of the country and central highlands, according to its spectacular diversity and its volcanoes are considered as the major tourist attraction of Costa Rica as they captivate the attention not only of tourists but also of scientists and researchers from all over the world. Costa Rica is also home to a large number of volcanoes: there are six active volcanoes and another 61 inactive or extinct volcanoes.

They are part of the spectacular natural diversity of the country because they play a very important role in how the landscapes have developed. Due to the multiple eruptions of the land, Costa Rica is very fertile and very rich in many minerals. In addition to their fertility and natural beauty the volcanoes are also recreational parks where you can do many activities, for example: hot springs, paddle boating, camping, horseback riding and hiking, among others.

Many international tourists are captivated by the number of volcanoes that Costa Rica has, since being a small country it has more volcanic mountain ranges than other large countries, as is the case of Brazilian tourists, who visit the country for this main attraction, since Brazil does not have volcanoes.

Outstanding panoramas...

Rincon de la Vieja Volcano The Rincón de la Vieja Volcano is located in the Guanacaste region of Costa Rica. Rincón de La Vieja is a cinder cone volcano in Costa Rica, and is part of nine contiguous craters that dot the Rincón de La Vieja National Park.

This collection of volcanic peaks is most active in the Guanacaste Mountains, where major volcanic activity occurred during the latter half of the 1960s.

The Von Seebach crater is currently active, venting steam and the occasional volcanic hiccup on a regular basis. Of the nine craters, the Santa Maria Volcano is the highest, topping out at 6,385 ft (1916 m).

The hike to the top of this crater is not easy — it’s a 6-mile (10 km) hike that ascends over 5,000 vertical feet. The hike primarily winds through tropical forest before giving way to dwarf cloud forests near the top. This final section — measuring some 2 km in length — is the steepest and most difficult portion of the climb. However, getting to the top of this volcano and staring down at the surrounding countryside is definitely worth the effort.

Tenorio Volcano

Miravalles Volcano

The Tenorio Volcano and Miravalles Protected Zone is located in the Guanacaste region of Costa Rica. The smooth cinder cone of Tenorio rises from its surrounding forest, achieving a maximum height of 6,286 ft (1,916 m). The area surrounding this Costa Rica volcano is characterized by an enchanting blend of forest, hot springs, and geysers. Virgin forests extend to Tenorio’s summit and line the banks of a lake that fills the volcano’s crater. The summit can be accessed via the Lago las Dantas Trail, which winds its way up from the park’s base and through the cloud forest before arriving at the top.

Major landscapes...

Featured images...

Arenal Volcano The 29,692-acre (12,016-ha) Arenal Volcano National Park is located within the larger 504,094-acre (204,000-ha) Arenal Conservation Area, which protects some 16 reserves between the Tilarán and Guanacaste mountain ranges.

This area contains a great wealth of geologic and biological complexity, as evidenced by the active and incredible Arenal Volcano.

On the opposite side of the lake, wind farms catch strong gales that whip across the Tilarán mountain range, while the Miravalles Volcano Geothermal Plant taps into the area’s volcanic activity for electrical power.

In contrast, Arenal is Costa Rica’s most active volcano, and since July 29, 1968 its lava flows have been consistent. On this day in 1968, three craters burst open along the volcano’s western flank. “Crater A” measured 1,000 meters across and set off a pyroclastic flow of toxic gas and hot rocks that spread 12 km, devastating the towns of Pueblo Nuevo and Tabacón. In doing so, it killed 87 people. Arenal plays a large role in Costa Rica's power production. Lake Arenal, which rests at the base of the Arenal Volcano, supplies 12 percent of the country's hydroelectric energy.

Look at these amazing views...

Poas Volcano The Poás Volcano National Park is located in the Central Highlands of Costa Rica. Rising up to 8,885 ft (2,708 m), Poás remains one of Costa Rica’s largest and most active volcanoes. At almost a mile in diameter (1.6 km), the crater’s rain-fed, sulfuric pool bubbles and emits smoke. Although the last major eruption was in 1910, the volcano remains steadily active to this day, and visitors can still see geysers exploding into the air — some reaching as high up as 820 ft (250 m).

Located 1.5 hours from San José, Poás is a popular day trip for travelers staying in the country’s capital. The 68-mile (108 km) round-trip journey navigates along coffee and flower farms, many of which line areas of the park. The best time to visit is during the morning hours from January to April.

Weekends are usually crowded and clouds normally roll in around mid-afternoon, making it difficult to enjoy the scenery. On a clear day, however, it’s possible to see both the Pacific and Atlantic coasts from the summit, as well as its gurgling, steaming crater.

Photo gallery...

Irazú Volcano The Irazú Volcano is located in the Central Highlands of Costa Rica. It is the tallest volcano in the country, reaching upwards of 11,260 ft (3,432 m), and has several active craters.

The largest of these craters is 900 ft (275 m) deep, while the smallest crater, dubbed Diego de la Haya, dips some 300 ft (91 m) beneath the surface. Its mineral-rich lake can transform color, often fluctuating between emerald green and crimson red. On a clear day, the Pacific and Caribbean coasts are visible from the summit.

The Irazú Volcano National Park is set on 5,705 acres (2,300 ha) of immaculate montane forest, most of which is comprised of primary, secondary, and cloud forest. From San José, you can head east 14 miles (23 km) to the nation’s former capital, Cartago. From here, it’s 24 miles (39 km) to the Irazú Volcano National Park. The roads are in good condition and signs mark the route in.

Turrialba Volcano The Turrialba Volcano National Park is located in the Central Highlands of Costa Rica along the southeast corner of the Central Volcanic Corridor. The summit peaks at 10,919 feet (3,328 m), and on clear days the view includes the Atlantic coast and the Barva, Poás, and Irazú volcanoes.

Turrialba's last major eruption occurred in 1866. However, fumarolic activity (smoke and gas that often includes carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, hydrochloric acid, and hydrogen sulfide) remains constant from the highest peak. There are three well-defined craters located at the top, the deepest of which is 164 feet (50 m) in diameter.

A bright night sky...

TOPIC 4

Forests of Costa Rica Holdridge Life Zones Map

BACKGROUND The geographical position, the proximity of the oceans, and the orography define the environmental conditions for a variety of environments to exist, in which the vegetation over the years has developed and today it is admired as forests.

This richness and diversity has been studied by many researchers, who adopted non-tropical classification systems to "classify forests". However, it was with the proposal of the ecologist Leslie Holdridge, that a vegetation classification system was established for the country.

Using this life zone classification system, a description of the 12 life zones is presented, together with a reference to the tree species. These cover the types of forests classifying them into: humid, very humid, dry, pluvial forests, and páramo, according to the height above sea level in which they are located, average annual rainfall and temperature.

Forest Ecosystems One of the most used systems for classifying forests is the Holdridge Life Zones, which divides Costa Rica into 12 life zones and 12 transition zones, based on environmental factors such as humidity, precipitation and temperature; the result is the division of the country into different types of forest. According to this classification, the five main forests in terms of extension in Costa Rica are:

Credit: Christian Birkel and Joni Dehaspe, (University of Costa Rica.)

1 - Very humid tropical forest 2 - Very humid premontane forest 3 - Lower montane rain forest 4 - Premontane rainforest 5 - Tropical humid forest

Another of the classification systems is that of vegetation macro types, elaborated in 1986 by Gómez and Herrera, which defines 53 vegetation macro types for Costa Rica, according to geographic regions (North Pacific and Central Valley, mountain ranges, South Pacific and Atlantic); These include commonly used names such as tropical rainforest, cloud forest, evergreen forest, deciduous forest, and humid forest.

Life zone classification system according to Holdridge It is based on the relationship between climate and vegetation, based on long-term studies of climate and vegetation patterns in many tropical places. The system proposed by Holdridge, raised innovations such as (Holdridge, 1963; Tosi, 1997 cited by Watson and Tosi, 1999).

The expression of the heat factor through bio temperature.

Using a logarithmic progression in the increments of heat and precipitation to obtain significant changes in the units of natural vegetation.

Determining the relationship between bio temperature and potential evapotranspiration (moisture) and the relationship between moisture and actual evaporation, the direct relationship between actual evaporation and biological productivity Naturally, there are groups of ecosystems or plant associations, which share similar characteristics such as temperature ranges, precipitation, and humidity, in such a way that balanced divisions of the climatic parameters to group them. To these groupings of associations Holdridge (1967) cited by Watson and Tosi (1999), called them life zones.

Therefore life zones are sets of associations, regardless of which each group includes a chain of different landscape or environment units, which can range from swamps to mountain tops.

Distribution of the life zones present in Costa Rica Tropical dry forest: presents a range of precipitation between 800 and 2100 mm of average annual precipitation. This life zone is represented in Guanacaste, Tempisque river valley.

Tropical moist forest: In this life zone the station seca varies from one place to another, being between 0 and 5 months in duration (Bolaños et al, 2005). This formation is frequently located in the Pacific regions as Atlántica (coastal plains), in much of the Upala region, San Carlos, as well as in the high parts of the Nicoya Peninsula.

Very humid tropical forest: presents a precipitation range that fluctuates between 4000 and more than 6000 mm of mean annual precipitation (Bolaños et al, 2005). Under such a high rainfall regime, it cannot be indicated that there is a welldefined dry season, on the contrary what occurs are periods ,where the rains decrease (the so-called veranillos), for which there are no months dry because there is no water deficit in the soil for the plants.

Premontane humid forest: The precipitation range for this area1 of life varies - Very humidbetween tropical1200 forestand 2200 mm, as an annual average, there is a period dry cash Very humid premontane forest from 3.5 to25-months (Bolaños et al, 2005).

In this area there 3are extensive areas rain of volcanic - Lower montane forest soils, fertile where the original forest has mostly Premontane disappeared,4 - for example rainforest the Central Valley (Fournier, 1980).

5 - Tropical humid forest

Subalpine pluvial páramo: In this life zone, the range of precipitation varies between 1800 and 2300 mm per year on average. The temperature is low, reaching below zero values ​in some months of the year. A period is presented dry for approximately 2 months (Bolaños et al, 2005).

Premontane rainforest: It is characterized by presenting a precipitation higher than 4000 mm per year, however in some parts of the country they exceed 7000 mm in annual average (Bolaños et al, 2005). This life zone is located in the Talamanca mountain range and Volcanic Mountain Range, Central Atlantic slope and Tilarán Mountain Range.

Lower montane humid forest: The range of precipitation oscillates between 1400 and 2000 mm as an annual average.

Presents an effectively dry period moderate between 2 to 4 dry months (Bolaños et al, 2005). The location in the country would be the vicinity of Zarcero, Ochomogo, and all towns located between 1400 and 2100 meters above sea level. In its natural condition, the forest in this life zone is low, with two strata, sparse, with abundance of epiphytes, evergreen.

Very humid lower montane forest: The range of precipitation oscillates between 1850 and 4000 as an annual average, it is very characteristic of this life zone the presence of mist for long periods during the day and during the year (Bolaños et al, 2005).

For this characteristic it is called a cloud forest or fog.

Lower montane rainforest: Average annual rainfall in some locations exceeds 8000 mm, there is excessive humidity relative to the haze. It is considered a moderately dry period not greater than 3 months (Bolaños et al, 2005).

Montane very humid forest: This life zone presents a range of precipitation between 1800 and 2300 mm per year on average (Bolaños et al, 2005). In the country, this life zone is located in the Irazu Volcano only. The vegetation is dominated by the Quercus genus, Alnus acuminata (jaul) and the families Lauraceae, Melastomataceae, Araliaceae, Asteraceae mainly.

Montane rainforest: This life zone presents a range of precipitation between 2200 and 4500 mm per year on average (Bolaños et al, 2005). This formation is located in the Cordillera de Talamanca and in the Irazú Volcano. The vegetation is very similar to the previous life zone.

TOPIC 5

Medicinal plants The knowledge and use of medicinal plants in Costa Rica comes from three human groups: the indigenous group, the Caucasian group and the Afro-Costa Rican, through time they have formed a rich and varied traditional medicine.

In Costa Rica 133 medicinal plants are marketed, 82% of which are produced locally (extraction or cultivation), with a production of 170 tons of raw material. The 53% percent of the plants traded are native species, some of them are cultivated.

SOME MEDICINAL PLANTS ARE:

Juanilama (Lippia alba).

It has a strong lemon-like fragrance, and like lemon, it has significant health benefits.

This medicinal plant has healing properties, which are used to combat colic and cholesterol problems, it is an excellent eliminator of fat from the body. It is also widely used as a sedative and antispasmodic in intestinal problems, it is effective for the treatment of colitis and ulcers and with it you can cure a cough.

Zarzaparrilla (Smilax spp).

It’s used for treating anemia, purifies the blood, is antirheumatic and protects from digestive disorders.

Saragundí (Sena reticulada).

This plant has been used to treat fever, rheumatism, skin infections, venereal diseases, among others. The part of the plant that is used is the leaves.

Sábila (Aloe vera).

Its leaves are green, thick and fleshy, this plant has

been

very

useful

for

the

cosmetic,

pharmaceutical and food industries. It has unique therapeutic properties and is applied as an ointment to the skin and gums.

Cola de caballo (Equisetum).

It is one of the most popular medicinal herbs in the world, and with good reason, due to the health properties of horsetail. Appropriately, it is considered a natural anti-inflammatory, it’s used also for treating kidneys, as well as a rich source of vitamins and minerals.

Calzoncillo (Passiflora).

The flowers are very large and showy, with five creamy or reddish petals, and numerous purple outer filaments. It is a perennial vine plant, up to eight meters long, with numerous branches.

It is an excellent natural remedy to combat insomnia, whose sedative effects were already appreciated by Incas and Aztecs. In addition, it relieves muscle fatigue, migraine and mild anxiety states.

Hoja de sen (Senna).

Consumed as an infusion, it is also purifying, detoxifying and diuretic. A natural supplement for digestive system treatments that has been incorporated into low-calorie eating routines.

Beyond its benefits that it offers us, it is important not to exceed consumption and take a medical check-up.

Diente de león (Taraxacum officinale).

Dandelion is an annual herbaceous plant, small in size, but with high medicinal and nutritional value. For many it is a weed, but the truth is that it is precious, especially when its seeds blow away with the wind. The flowers are yellow and hermaphroditic, these close at night and on gray or rainy days.

In popular medicine it is used for various recipes and compositions with other herbal remedies, mainly as hepatic / biliary antirheumatic, spasmolytic, antiphlogistic and antiscorbutic diuretic. The leaves contain a large amount of vitamin A, C and iron.

Hombre grande ( Quassia amara).

It’s a plant that helps treat diseases of the digestive system, diabetes and even skin blemishes. Also it’s used for treating blood pressure and blood sugar.

Manzanilla (Chamaemelum nobile).

The flowers and leaves are used to treat a large number of conditions: digestive disorders (stomach pain, indigestion, dyspepsia, colic, diarrhea), kidney and bladder disorders,menstrual pain.

1 - Very humid tropical forest 2 - Very humid premontane forest 3 - Lower montane rain forest 4 - Premontane rainforest 5 - Tropical humid forest

TOPIC 6

MUSHROOMS From the Latin fungus, a fungus is a eukaryotic organism that belongs to the Fungi kingdom. The mushrooms form a polyphyletic group (there is no common ancestor to all members) and are parasites or live on decaying organic matter. (Perez & Gardey,2010, párr.1).

Some of the characteristics of this group is that their cell walls are made up of chitin. And the feeding of fungi is known as osmotrophy. But also, another feature is that the eatable mushrooms provide protein and vitamins such as pumpkin mushrooms (Boletus edulis), chanterelles (Lactarius deliciosus) and mushrooms (Agaricus bisporus). Some people use it in food preparation to act as a yeast for the fermentation of bread and beer.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES OF MUSHROOMS In addition, they cause a favorable antiatherogenic effect, that is, they collaborate with the prevention of heart diseases, thanks to the fact that they prevent the arteries from hardening. In our country: In Cocos Island, a total of 139 species of fungi have been registered so far, belonging to 85 genera and 46 families. (Cooke y Bonar, 1961, párr.1).

In the region of Gandoca-Manzanillo and Sixaola there has registered, so far, a total of 80 species of fungi belonging to 60 genera, 39 families, 18 orders, two divisions (Ascomycota and Basidiomycota). (Riquezas de especies, s.f, párr.1).

TOPIC 7

L I C H E N S O F C O S T A R I C A Lichens are not mosses nor are they plants as is popularly believed. They are organisms that are classified in the Kingdom of Fungi, and they also have a great variety of shapes and colors that allows them to live in a great variety of substrates and places. (Umaña, s.f, paragraph 3).

That is why it is difficult to define what they are; however, there is a clear definition of this type of living being. Lichens are a self-sustaining association between a fungus and an algae and/or cyanobacterium.

In lichens, the algae or cyanobacteria (scientifically called photobiont or phycobiont) is the energy producer, which through photosynthesis produces sugars and oxygen. On the other hand, the algae benefits from the fungus (mycobiont), because it protects it from adverse environmental conditions, such as loss of moisture, and provides it with the carbon dioxide that is produced in respiration. The necessary minerals generally come from atmospheric dust, rainwater and what the fungus can absorb from the substrate. Lichens can live in many different habitats, for example; páramo, tropical cloud forest, tropical rainforest and tropical dry forest.

As commented before, lichens are included in the Fungi Kingdom, since for their identification and taxonomic classification the fruiting body of the fungus is taken into account, which is a structure formed by the fungi where the spores that come to be are produced like seeds in plants. The fruiting bodies have a great variety of shapes and colors. (Umaña, s.f, paragraph 6).

This amazing group has a very interesting morphology, just with their external appearance can be distinguished in three large groups that are the following: crustacean lichens, foliose lichens and fruit lichens.

Crustacean lichens (have a crust shape); they live intimately united to the substrate, for example, on the surface of rocks or crust like the species of the genus Graphis sp. Sometimes they penetrate the substrate and their growth is very slow, a few millimeters per year. . (Umaña, s.f, paragraph 8) Foliose lichens (they are similar to leaves); They have a flattened and lobed shape, they are fixed to the substrate by means of special structures called rhizines, for example, the genera Sticta and Peltigera.

Fruticulosus lichens (they have a bushy shape); they are attached to the substrate by a very narrow base (for example, Cladonia didyma). These are fast growing forms (up to 1-2 cm per year).

Many lichens do not fit neatly into one of the above growth forms; as is the case of gelatinous lichens, with a high capacity to store water. Other growth forms are generally small lobes.

Some have vertically elongated fruiting bodies. Many species of Coenogonium, a fairly common genus in humid tropical rainforests, have a filamentous shape. (Umaña, s.f, paragraph 11).

WHERE CAN WE FIND THEM?

They are distributed worldwide, from the polar circles to the desert areas, and from the sea coasts to the jungles and humid forests. Several factors affect its distribution; water, temperature, light and the diversity of substrates.

They can grow on a wide variety of substrates (trees, fallen logs, rocks, mosses, soil, leaves, even on plastics and metals). Those that live in humid forests are generally on leaves or on the bark of trees, while those that live in dry or cold areas are generally terrestrial or grow on rocks.

Where can we find them?

They are distributed worldwide, from the polar circles to the desert areas, and from the sea coasts to the jungles and humid forests. Several factors affect its distribution; water, temperature, light and the diversity of substrates.

They can grow on a wide variety of substrates (trees, fallen logs, rocks, mosses, soil, leaves, even on plastics and metals).

Those that live in humid forests are generally on leaves or on the bark of trees, while those that live in dry or cold areas are generally terrestrial or grow on rocks.

Applications Some lichens have nutritional and medicinal properties, as well they are used as indicators of the health of the environment. (Umaña, s.f, paragraph 14).

For instance, in Japan, foliose lichens that are known as iwatake, are eaten in salads or fried. Moreover, in medicine they are used in antitumor, antifungal, antiinflammatory and also antibiotic drugs.

In addition, they are used in the measurement of air quality, since they can live for many years and are sensitive to polluted air. They have also been used in architecture, colorants, perfumes, and cosmetics.

FUNCTION IN NATURE

Lichens containing cyanophytes fix nitrogen from the atmosphere and provide it to the soil, forming part of the nitrogen cycle in ecosystems.

As a result, they have been used to provide an initial substrate for the development of new seedlings; furthermore, to provide a habitat for a number of animals that take refuge in them. Also, they are important as food in animals, for example, the Norway mouse feeds on some species of the genus Usnea, the caribou of the genus Cladonia, while sheep in Libya feed on foliose lichens.

Likewise, lichens are food and shelter for a large number of invertebrates, including psocoptera (book lice), mites and moth larvae. And they play a very important role in the photosynthesis process, many lichens grow epiphytic on trees and shrubs and contribute to the water and nutrient cycle of ecosystems.

Lichens containing cyanophytes (blue-green algae) fix nitrogen from the atmosphere and incorporate it into the soil. (Umaña, s.f, paragraph 18).

MAMMALS.

TOPIC 8

In accordance with Máxima Uriarte (2019), They are cold-blooded animals that have mammary glands, there are a large number of 5,487 mammals to be exact.

One of the characteristics of mammals usually raise their young, once they are born for a time to see if they can fend for themselves, they can also self-regulate their body temperature, that is, they can be kept both in the cold and in the heat and they can regulate constantly.

This can be found on any surface whether it is plains forests mountains, jungles, tropical, deserts and polar regions.

Homeotherms.

Those that can self-regulate their temperature All mammals have a double, closed and complete circulatory system, with a heart divided into four chambers.Most mammals are viviparous, that is, they have fertilization, the only exceptions are the platypus and Echidnas that lay eggs and marsupials.

Pulmonary respiration mammals breathe oxygen thanks to the lungs in the case of aquatic animals such as dolphins and whales can be submerged for a long time but must come to the surface it is not like fish that can stay in the water and breathe its structure Bone is that it is made up of bones, that is, skeletons have an advanced nervous system, their system is highly developed, this allows them to respond to environmental stimuli and process information.

All mammals have certain common anatomical and physiological characteristics, such as having a single dental bone contained in the jaw.In the case of terrestrial animals, the limbs end in legs, which can have hooves, claws, hooves or nails depending on the characteristics of the animal.In the cases of aquatic mammals (seals, killer whales) the limbs end in hydrodynamic fins, while in flying mammals (bats) they end in membranous wings.

The excretory system separated from the genital mammals does not have a cloaca, they have an excretory system and it is separated and also has a membrane called Diafragma that separates the respiratory system and the digestive system.

PARENTAL CARE.

Mammalian species tend to take care of their young once they are born for long enough so that they can fend for themselves, although the time of parental care varies from species to species.

Costa Rica has a great variety of biodiversity unlike other countries, it has a small area, but nevertheless there are more than 500,000 species which are equivalent to 6% of the world's biodiversity, you can find exotic species that in other parts of the world They are difficult to observe, such as the tapir, the largest mammal in Costa Rica has a weight of about 180 to 330 kilograms. Mammals are of the utmost importance in the country's biodiversity areas, therefore, when managing and conserving protected areas, they must be considered.

In Costa Rica, mammals have been monitored in different protected wild areas, as a result a variety of species have been recorded, such as the puma, the coyote, the collared peccary and the tapir or tapir. Traces have mainly been found in areas of montane cloud forest and very humid tropical forest, such as in the cloud forest path of the Barva volcano, in the very humid forest path of route 32, in the El Ceibo sector, which are within the limits of the Braulio Carrillo National Park and occasionally in the Poas volcano, in these places mammals such as the jaguar, tapir, manatee, mountain pigs, spider monkeys have been recorded, it should be noted that they are species that are in danger of extinction (Duran & Tapia, 2019)

The extinction of some of these mammals is due to the transformation of their ecosystems due to climate change, unscrupulous hunting, urbanization and agriculture, an example of this is the jaguar that has been reduced because it cannot find its food and The villagers hunt it because they consider it a danger, another example is the manatee since people usually marry them to feed on them, in the case of the tapir it is affected by droughts since they require humid places, in the case of the spider monkey It is affected by deforestation because different sites are displaced (Naranjo, 2019).

TOPIC 9

TURTLE SPECIES IN COSTA RICA

GREEN TURTLE In Costa Rica, the Green Turtle has a healthy number of eggs per nest, up to 110. Its main food source consists mainly of seagrass and algae. (Tortugas Marinas Costa Rica, 2016) BAULA TURTLE OR LAUD TURTLE The Baula Turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) is the largest sea turtle.

The record belongs to a BaulaTurtle, which had a length of 256 centimeters and a weight of 916 kilograms. (Tortugas Marinas Costa Rica, 2016) LORA TURTLE The Kemp's ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea) has a body size of up to 70 cm, with a weight between 40 and 50 kg. The animals lay around 110 eggs per nest. (Tortugas Marinas Costa Rica, 2016) CAREY TURTLE The Hawksbill Turtle is the rarest species found in Costa Rica.

Although there is a resident colony that inhabits the Golfo Dulce, due to its size and endangered status, it is difficult to see. (Tortugas Marinas Costa Rica, 2016) HEADED TURTLE OR CAGUANA A peculiarity is that it has a relatively large head in relation to the body, reddish brown in color, a shell with 5 lateral scutes and cream color. In Costa Rica it is mainly located on the Caribbean coast where they are observed between May and August. (Tortugas Marinas Costa Rica, 2016) PACIFIC GREEN TURTLE The Pacific Green Turtle is considered rare. Its characteristics are similar to that of its cousin, the Green Turtle. The weight of an adult sea turtle can be 126 kg. The hatchlings are dark brown to black in color. (Tortugas Marinas Costa Rica,2016)

The turtles that are in danger of extinction would be: The green turtle, the olive ridley turtle and the loggerhead turtle are considered endangered. While the hawksbill turtle and the leatherback turtle remain critically endangered. (GovisitCosta Rica, 2003-2021) SPAWN OR HATCHING OF SEA TURTLES The best times and areas to see the spawning or hatching of Sea Turtles are different, depending on the species and the region. For example, Kemp's ridleys nest along the Pacific coast throughout the year, however, it is during the Rainy Season that they are most seen. In this case, during June and July they are seen to nest, and during the end of July, August, September and October to November they are seen to hatch. For example, in Tortuguero, to see the turtles hatch, it is preferable to visit the area during the months of September and October. During September, it is when you can see both events, both nesting as well as spawning or hatching. To see the hatching specifically, and to see the small sea turtles hatch, it is preferable to do it during September and October. The first months, i.e. July and August, are when the turtles nest, which is an interesting event in itself, but the turtles take about 2 months to hatch. The same happens in the Caribbean in Barra de Pacuare, where the months of June and July are excellent to see hatching, and May, June and July to see the Leatherback or Leatherback Turtles nest. (Mis Vacaciones en Guanacaste, 2018)

Feeding: Depending on the species, sea turtles like to eat algae, jellyfish, squid, barnacles, sponges, and sea anemones. (World Wildlife Fund, 2021) Interesting data: 1. In a single nesting season, females lay 65-180 eggs.

2. Six of the seven species of sea turtles have hard shells, but the leatherback is the exception, as its shell is more flexible and similar to leather.

3. The leatherback turtle is also the largest species of sea turtle.

4. Sea turtles can live for a long time, around 50 years or more. (World Wildlife Fund, 2021)

TOPIC 10

Birds

Costa Rica has more than 870 species of birds, in its territory it has a figure higher than that of countries such as the United States and Mexico.

Therefore, it is one of the most famous countries for bird watching. (GovisitCostaRica, 20032021)

Exotic species Silly bird: They have a characteristic racket-shaped tail, which they move from side to side as if to hypnotize us, which is why they have earned the name of clock bird in other countries. However, it differs from the rest of the species, by presenting an intense blue ring that separates its black crown from the sides of the head.

Habitat: its habitat includes humid forests, seasonal forests, shady secondary growths, clearings with scattered trees, plantations (such as coffee plantations) and shady gardens. It can be seen most commonly alone, but also in pairs.

Feeding: The booby bird feeds on fruits depending on the season, but mainly on invertebrates from the ground or vegetation, such as insects, centipedes, worms and spiders; many times they follow the ants.

Nesting: Their nesting is something particular, they do not make a nest as we normally know them, but rather they dig burrows in banks or walls of earth to lay their eggs in a terminal chamber, which are generally three to four, and lay between March and May. (GovisitCostaRica, 2003-2021)

Yiguirro: The brown blackbird or yigüirro can measure approximately between 22 and 24 cm. The two sexes have identical plumage, yellowish brown color, a little lighter in the throat and belly. The iris is reddish-brown in color, the bill is yellowish and the legs are brownish.

Juveniles have black spots on the chest and beige spots on the wings, in addition, the color of their irises is more brown than in adult individuals.

Habitat:This bird prefers open places and can be found in gardens, cultivated areas, potreros with isolated trees, areas of secondary growth; it does not enter the interior of the dense forests.

Feeding:The yigüirro feeds on various kinds of fruits that it takes from trees. It also walks a lot on the ground digging with its beak and picking up worms, snails, worms, insects, and perhaps small lizards. A good way to attract him near our house is by offering him bananas or papaya on a table.

Nesting: As the rainy season approaches, the males of the yigüirro sing for much of the day. Among our people, there is a belief that with these songs the bird is "calling for the rains", but what happens is the beginning of the nesting season, between March and July, where the males when singing proclaim a territory in which together with their partner will raise their chicks. In this place, the male will not tolerate the presence of other yigüirros and will even attack intruders such as squirrels.

(GovisitCostaRica, 2003-2021)

Hummingbirds: These little guys are very smart.

A hummingbird has the largest brain in the bird world in proportion to its body size.

Feeding:Hummingbirds feed on nectar from flowers and should eat about 3 times their body weight per day. They mainly eat sugar but they also get protein from small insects.

(GovisitCostaRica, 20032021)

Hábitat:Hummingbirds are found almost in the entire national territory but there are some birdlife areas where they can be observed more, these are: Highlands, Tropical Dry Forest and Tropical Humid Forest of the Caribbean.

Endangered species.

1.Toucans

2.The osprey

3.Quetzal bird

C O N C L U S I O N In conclusion, biodiversity is a necessary good for everyone, it must be protected, conserved and respected, it is important since all living organisms need others to survive but they also need the soil, water and air that depend on the life of the planet, the most important thing is that every human being feels responsible and committed to biodiversity, since it is the great culprit of the destruction of biodiversity, because when seeking benefits what it generates is to destroy nature, to prevent such destruction, methods of nature conservation, use of renewable energies, and recycling must be implemented, since diversity contributes to many aspects of human wellbeing, which is why Costa Rica is rich in biodiversity and famous for conserving the environment due to its important position in the tourism scene.

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(24 de abril de 2021). Obtenido de Go Visit Costa Rica: https://www.govisitcostarica.co.cr/trave lInfo/weather.asp Asuaire Travel . (s.f.). Obtenido de https://asuaire.com/blog/costarica/biodiversidad-en-costa-rica Mexico, G. d. (14 de mayo de 2015).

Centro de investigacion en alimentos y desarrollo. Obtenido de Centro de investigacion en alimentos y desarrollo: https://www.ciad.mx/notas/item/1209la-importancia-de-la-biodiversidad

DIGITAL MAGAZINE

NOV-DEC 2021

Biodiversity represents the variety of flora and fauna life that exists on the planet

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