ALL THE REST —  July 23
  

Polination

We have been looking at some of the flora and fauna of Central America. There are many differences between the forests of temperate regions and those of the tropics. At first glance these differences appear rather insignificant, but a closer look shows how these subtle differences allow for an amazing difference in the numbers and varieties of plant and animals. God has provided all the living things of the earth with the necessary abilities to survive in their unique environment.

Today and tomorrow we will look at another seemingly small difference between the temperate deciduous forests and the tropical rainforests. In the temperate forests there always seems to be a breeze or wind. One also finds plants of the same species growing close together and in groups. Because of this many of the plants of the temperate forests are wind-pollinated. Most tropical rainforest plants rely upon animals for pollination. The lack of wind in tropical rainforests and the greater distance between individuals of a plant species are two factors that make wind pollination inefficient. Insects, birds and mammals pollinate these tropical plants inadvertently by transferring pollen from flower to flower in their quest for nectar or pollen.

Bird pollination is found throughout the world with the exception of Europe and Asia north of the Himalayas. It occurs most commonly, however, in the tropics. Hummingbirds are an important groups of bird pollinators. Hummingbirds are found only in the Americas. Flowers pollinated by birds are usually brightly colored in reds, oranges or yellows. (As mentioned a short time ago birds are one of the few animals that se in color.) The flowers are held away from the foliage, produce copious, watery nectar and are often more strongly constructed to support the weight of the bird. Most bird-pollinated flowers are odorless as birds lack a good sense of smell.

Some flowers are pollinated by bees. These are probably the major type of flower found in the tropical rainforests. These flowers are usually brightly colored and possess guide marks which often are visible only in ultraviolet light. Bees, as mentioned last week, can see ultraviolet light and these markings help guide the bee to the nectar. The flowers also contain a "landing pad" or foothold for the bee. Several species of orchids mimic the appearance and scent of female bees and wasps and are pollinated when the male attempts to mate with the flower.

Another flying animal is responsible for pollination and seed dispersal in the tropics. A few bats feed on fish, animal blood or other bats. Most bats, however, feed on nectar and pollen, insects, or fruit. Bats are nocturnal, have a keen sense of smell and most have poor eyesight. They are attracted to flowers which give off a musty or sour scent. The flowers generally open only at night and are pale in color. The flowers are strongly constructed to support the claws and weight of the bat. They are bell-, brush- or ball-shaped and hang clear of foliage or are located on exposed trunks or branches where bats can reach them.

Our God is an awesome God. He has designed a very complicated and balanced world. Every detail is taken into account by the Architect of nature. The color, shape, fragrance and position of a flower are all important in God's design. The presence or lack of wind is taken into account in His creation. Nothing is too small, too insignificant to escape His planning. Tomorrow we will look at several more examples of animal pollination in the tropics. Monday we will end the Central American theme with a closer look at hummingbirds. 

A cheerful heart is good medicine,
but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.
Proverbs 17:22 (NIV)

"What sunshine is to flowers, smiles are to humanity. These are but trifles, to be sure; but, scattered along life's pathway, the good they do is inconceivable."

Joseph Addison

 

Even More Lawyer Jokes

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The lawyer's son wanted to follow in his father's footsteps, so he went to law school. He graduated with honors, and then went home to join his father's firm. At the end of his first day at work he rushed into his father's office, and said, "Father, father, in one day I broke the accident case that you've been working on for ten years!" His father responded: "You idiot, we lived on the funding of that case for ten years!"

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What's the difference between a lawyer and a catfish?

One is an ugly, scum sucking bottom-feeder and the other is a fish..

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A man was sent to Hell for his sins. As he was being taken to his place of eternal torment, he passed a room where a lawyer was having an intimate conversation with a beautiful young woman. "What a ripoff," the man muttered. "I have to roast for all eternity, and that lawyer gets to spend it with a beautiful woman." Jabbing the man with his pitchfork, the escorting demon snarled, "Who are you to question that woman's punishment?"

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What's the difference between a lawyer and a leech?

A leech quits sucking your blood after you die.

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How many defense attorneys does it take to change a light bulb?

How many can you afford?

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Two college ball players were taking an important final exam. If they failed, they would be on academic probation & not allowed to play in the big game the following week. The exam was fill-in-the-blank.

The last question read, "Old MacDonald had a ________."

Putty Duh was stumped. He had no idea what to answer. But he knew he needed to get this one right to be sure he passed.

Making sure the professor wasn't watching, he tapped Tiny on the shoulder. "Pssst. Tiny. What's the answer to the last question?"

Tiny quietly laughed. He looked around to make sure the professor hadn't noticed, then he turned to Putty Duh. "Putty, you're so stupid.
Everyone knows Old MacDonald had a FARM."

"Oh yeah," said Putty Duh. "I remember now."

He picked up his No. 2 pencil and started to write the answer in the blank. He stopped. Tapping Tiny's shoulder again, he whispered, "Tiny, how do you spell farm?"

"You are really dumb, Putty Duh. That's so easy. Farm is spelled E-I-E-I-O."

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The Operation

A man who had just undergone a very complicated operation kept complaining about a bump on his head and a terrible headache. Since his operation had been an intestinal one, there was no earthly reason why he should be complaining of a headache.

Finally his nurse, fearing that the man might be suffering from some post-operative shock, spoke to the doctor about it.

The doctor assured the nurse, "Don't worry about a thing. He really does have a bump on his head. About halfway through the operation we ran out of anesthetic."

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TRUE FACT ...

Humans begin laughing at two to three months of age. Six year olds laugh about 300 times per day, while adults laugh from 15 to 100 times per day.

SOURCE: NYT, Dr. William F. Fry, Stanford University

You always find something in the last place you look.

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~ ASK ~

 
In 1962 a 14-year-old by the name of Robert White wrote to President John F. Kennedy’s personal secretary requesting the President’s autograph. Within a few weeks Evelyn Lincoln honored the boy’s request by sending him a facsimile signature in the mail.

That began a relationship of correspondence that lasted 33 years. Impressed with White’s passion for presidential history, Mrs. Lincoln gave him thousands of documents and mementos. She saved whatever could be saved (including even the doodles JFK drew during meetings). Today, Robert White, now 51, boasts the largest private collection of Kennedy memorabilia, over 50,000 items.

Receiving begins with the courage to ask.

--Greg Asimakoupoulos, Naperville, Illinois,
Spirit (Southwest Airlines Flight Magazine, November 1999)

Matthew 7:7-11, James 4:2 

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You want something but don't get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask God. James 4:2 (NIV)