Animal Architecture: Built by Beasts and Created by Creatures

Pyramids, skyscrapers, towers, and cathedrals are just a few of the structures we can stand in awe of around the world. Throughout history people have built on the land for purposes such as home dwellings, religious monuments, military encampments, political assembly, memorial edifices, and more.Humans are not, however, the only creatures who dabble in architecture. Many other creatures in the animal kingdom build a home on, and occasionally in, the land. Rockford, Illinois natives may agree there is always construction around the city but they may not be aware of the construction happening beyond the city streets. The structures built by non-hominids or “animal architecture” is often overlooked for its intricate infrastructure and craftsmanship or perhaps craftsanimalship is a more appropriate word. The sophistication of their nests, burrows, and habitats are quite amazing considering there were no blueprints.

At Severson Dells Nature Center, about 15 minutes from the heart of Rockford, Illinois, onlookers can observe ants, termites, paper wasps, beavers, muskrat, ground bees, squirrels, caddis flies, ant lions, crayfish, snails, mice, turtles, and birds. Staff writer, Dan Richards, of New York’s magazine Popular Photography in an April 2014 issue stated that, “Animal architecture demonstrates that, as with human habitation, it's all about real estate. As in, location, location, location. Single-family versus multiple dwellings.”


House For a Mouse

The mice native to Illinois are the deer mouse and white-footed mouse (Living With Wildlife in Illinois). These nocturnal creatures set up camp by burrowing and tunnelling (Dunn, 2014). “Deer mice are common in open habitats such as pastures, agricultural fields, and field borders and are sometimes found near buildings. White-footed mice are common in forest edges and may inhabit homes built in or near wooded areas” (Living With Wildlife in Illinois). “Deer mice nest in burrows dug in the ground or construct nests in raised areas such as brush piles, logs, rocks, stumps, under bark, and in hollows in trees. Nests are also constructed in various structures and artifacts including old boards and abandoned vehicles. Nests have been found up to 79 feet (24 m) above the ground in Douglas-fir trees” (Encyclopedia of Life).


Termite Towers

The real masterminds of building are the “social insects” which include structures like “the beehive, the wasp nest, the ant mound, and the termite hill which can look like skyscrapers eight meters tall, domes, pyramids and even crumbly balls suspended in trees” (Dunn 2014). According to Pests.Guru (2017) website, termite towers are made of sand, soil, wood chips and other natural materials that they can get their feelers on and everything is held together by the saliva of the termite workers. Research scientist, Marianne Alleyne from the Department of Entomology at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign states that termite towers are constructed with ducts and air pockets to optimize air circulation and moisture (Allyne 2014).

Picture: http://www.enn.com/image_for_articles/41363-1.jpg/medium

Picture:https://www.google.com/search?biw=1366&bih=662&tbm=isch&sa=1&q=termite+habitat+northern+illinois&oq=termite+habitat+northern+illinois&gs_l=psy-ab.3...59006.61965.0.62019.18.9.0.0.0.0.0.0..0.0....0...1.1.64.psy-ab..18.0.0.em7morui3GY#imgrc=nBuYiGb8LXpOFM:


Wasp Nests

Bees and wasps alike follow a governmental regime much like a monarchy therefore one might assume that the insect citizens merely take their orders from some chunky crown-bearer when in fact “there is no master plan, just the unconscious actions of many individuals following simple rules that, when acted out in concert, can produce the enormous nests of termites, the cavernous lairs of ants and even the intricate honeycombs of bees” (Dunn, 2014).

According to the Encyclopedia of Insects, “a nest may be defined as any modification of the environment by adult insects that provides shelter for the rearing of their offspring...nests may be very large and architecturally complex and may house the colony for many years under homeostatically controlled physical conditions.” (Jeanna, 2009). Paper wasps, which can be found on the Severson Dells campus, get their name because their structures appear to be made of paper (Orkin). Paper wasps are excellent construction workers because they utilize all of their senses. Do you know any construction workers who use their mouth to gage the consistency of cement? Wasps rely on their antennae and “forelegs to help manipulate” their nests as sensory perception is vital for evaluating the size of their structures. Just as people have jobs so does each insect have a role to play. “The builders regulate the overall rate of activity, for it is they who have direct contact with the construction site and can determine the level of demand for materials. Foragers gain information about demand for their material as they seek builders to unload to” (Jeanna, 2009). The end result is a nest that looks similar to a honeycomb shape cavities that are visible to the human eye as the nests generally do not have an outer shell or covering. In fact, according to the Orkin Man, “[the nest] somewhat resembles an umbrella and is the reason they may be called umbrella wasps.” Additionally, the nests are often built in “sheltered areas, such as door frames, window sills and the eaves of houses” (Orkin). The August of 2016, paper wasps found a home at my own house. Pictures courtesy of myself, Arial Larson, are provided below. Additional permissions provided by Midwest Control of Rockford.



Ground Bees

When we think of bees, we often think of a visible hive hanging from a tree limb when in fact, “only 70% of all the 20,000 species of bees nest underground” (Cornell University, 2017). The well known but endangered hive dwelling bee is the honey bee. Ground bees include alkali bees, bumble bees, leafcutter bees, mining or digger bees and sweat bees (Terminix). The nests of ground bees can still be visible above ground, appearing as piles of dirt with a hole in the center. Some ground bees have a preference to build in “sandy soil” which the terrain around Severson Dells has a lot of. The ground bees make burrows that are “at least 6 inches deep into the earth, and may have vertical, horizontal or slanted tunnels depending on the species” (Terminix). Pictured below is a basic ground hive structure of a mining bee (http://www.bumblebee.org/otherbees.htm)



Picture:https://entomology.cals.cornell.edu/sites/entomology.cals.cornell.edu/files/resize/shared/images/photo%201-250x188.jpg

References

Allyne, M. (2013). The termite mound: A not quite true bioinspiration story. Word Press. Retrieved from https://insectsdiditfirst.com/category/respiration

Animal architects: Structures that shelter, house, and feed animals. (2016) Naturlistoutreach. Youtube. Retreived from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Sc2sOIXhOc&feature=youtu.be

Encyclopedia of Life. Deer mouse [as cited in Sullivan, Janet. 1995. Peromyscus maniculatus. In: Fire Effects Information System, [Online]. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, Fire Sciences Laboratory (Producer). Available: http://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/ [2017, July 27]. Retrieved from http://eol.org/pages/311573/details#habitat.

Dunn, R. (2014). The evolution of architecture. Scientific American, 311(5). Retreived from the Academic Search Complete database.

Ground bee information (2015). Terminix. Retreived from https://www.terminix.com/pest-control/bees/types/ground.

Ground nesting bees in your backyard (2017). Department of Entomology at Cornell University. Retrieved from https://entomology.cals.cornell.edu/extension/wild-pollinators/native-bees-your-backyard

How do termites build their ‘dwellings?’. Pests Guru: All About Pests on Plants and Home. Retreived from http://pests.guru/termites/mound/how-do-they-do-it.html

Jeanne, R. L. (2009). Nest building. In V. H. Resh, & R. T. Carde (Eds.), Encyclopedia of insects (2nd ed.). Oxford, UK: Elsevier Science & Technology. Retrieved from http://rlrc-proxy.elgin.edu:5000/login?url=http://search.credoreference.com/content/entry/estinsects/nest_building/0?institutionId=4078

Larson, A. (2016, Auguest). Facebook post on paper wasps. Retreived from https://www.facebook.com/search/str/Arial%2BLarson%2Bpaper%2Bwasp%2Bnest/keywords_blended_posts?filters_rp_author=%7B%22name%22%3A%22author_friends%22%2C%22args%22%3A%22%22%7D&esd=eyJlc2lkIjoiUzpfSTY5NjAwMzEyOjEwMTAwMjM4MjIwNjgxMzM3IiwicHNpZCI6eyI2OTYwMDMxMjoxMDEwMDIzODIyMDY4MTMzNyI6IlV6cGZTVFk1TmpBd016RXlPakV3TVRBd01qTTRNakl3TmpneE16TTMifSwiY3JjdCI6InRleHQiLCJjc2lkIjoiODhjMTA3NGJjMWJhOTRmYjJkN2ZhOTI1Mjg2ZjhiZDYifQ%3D%3D

Living with wildlife in Illinois. University of Illinois Extension. http://web.extension.illinois.edu/wildlife/directory_show.cfm?species=mice.

Paper wasps. Orkin website. Retreived from https://www.orkin.com/stinging-pests/wasps/paper-wasps

Mining, mason, and carpenter bees. (2017). Retreived from http://www.bumblebee.org/otherbees.htm

Richards, D. (2014). Built by beasts. Popular Photography, 78(4), 60-65. Retrieved from http://ezproxy.elgin.edu:5000/login?url=https://search.proquest.com/docview/1509428730?accountid=10715.

What’s in a Name? A Facebook by Any Other Name Would Still Be Trademark Infringement: Facebook Inc. Sues for Trademark Infringement. Again.

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Berry Good For You

The summer is winding down. Fall is nearly here and before you know it, it'll be Thanksgiving. But why wait till then to pass the cranberries? Some of you may have heard that cranberries are good for you. As an avid cranberry products conesuir, I've decided to delve into some scholarly journals and see what the deal is with this tart little berry.

The history of cranberries in our country goes back to the early settlement days when the Native Americans introduced the colonists/pilgrams to this magical fruit that was revered for its healing powers in an array of ailments from arrow wounds, blood and intestinal complaints, to preventing scurvy. Not to mention it's wide use for dying purposes.

Within one of the Health Source Databases provided through my university library online, I found an article referencing the 105th General Meeting of the American Society for Microbiology in Atlanta, stating that "cranberry juice reduces the infectivity of intestinal viruses." Otherwise known as urinary tract infections, or UTIs. So what does this mean? Well, according to an article by Susan Freinkel (2000), "cranberries contain a number of antioxidents...including a class of antioxidants called proanthocyanidins, or condensed tannins, which are concentrated in the seeds and deep crimson skin of the fruit." These antioxidants "block the culprit bacteria (like E. coli) from setting up shop." They mimic cells that are already lining the urinary tract therefore instead of "binding to the cells where they will multiply," the bad guys cling to the cell-posers and get flushed out with the urine. So basically the "condensed tannins keep the [bad guys] from sticking." However, researcher Amy B. Howell (1998) - whose research was largely sponsered by OceanSpray - suggests it is important to note that cranberry juice won't help for an infection that's already moved in; at this point, antibiotics may be necessary. Still, that's a pretty amazing ability from a little berry.

But wait, there's more!

Cranberries do more for you than prevent infection-causing bacteria from adhering to the bladder walls. According to "Cranberries: Antioxidant Benefits Behind the Tartness," one cup of whole cranberries "provides 13 milligrams of vitamin C and four grams for fiber." Additionally, antioxidants called anthocyanins, which give these berries their scarlet hue, may help fight against certain cancers and cardiovascular diseases. This article references an animal study conducted at the University of Wisconsin at LaCrosse which proffers that "cranberry juice may improve blood flow by inhibiting blood clotting and increasing blood vessel diameter...compared the antioxidant levels in 21 [different] fruits [and] ranked cranberried number one in polyphenols, the phytonutrients credited with the hearthealth benefits of grapes." Ted Wilson, a nutritional physiologist at LaCrosse, says "in terms of antioxidant activity, cranberry juice is comparable to, if not better than, red wine."

So not only is cranberry an everyday criminal bacteria fighter, but they come from a family with good connections. "Cranberries are close kin to blueberries and their European cousins, bilberries and lingonberries," says Freinkel (2000). This clan aquired high critical acclaim for their "wealth of antioxidants" and their superhero abilities in warding off "cancers, heart disease, and other ailments."

The Consumer Reports on Health from this August (2010) says berries help support memory. "Blueberries and strawberries contain polyphenols, substances that might reduce inflammation in blood vessels in the brain." Indeed, the report identifies an unpublished study of "3,774 people in Chicago that linked the regular consumption of strawberries to a slightly slower rate of cognitive decline in women as they got older." Berries aren't just beneficial to women. The article, "Drink to a Healthy Heart" from Men's Health (2007) says that "cranberry juice cocktail helps save your arteries." The article draws on a Canadian study in which 30 men drank two 8-ounce glasses of cranberry juice everyday for three months and discovered their levels of oxidized LDL cholesterol was decreased by 21%.

Antioxidants also work wonders for the skin. Carmindy, a make-up artist on TLC's "What Not To Wear," and author of several books says "for radiantly beautiful skin, eat foods rich in antioxidants, like blueberries, acacia, and green tea" (p. 20).

On the flip side, not everyone is camping out by cranberry bogs. Freinkel (2000) quotes Jerry G. Blaivas, a urologist at Weil Cornell Medical School in New York City who said there have not been enough credible studies to persuade him to endorse cranberry juice. In my own research I have found scholarly articles that present what has been discovered about cranberries and indeed there is strong evidence to attest to the characteristics of these berries, but some of the linkage to human health is weak. Moreover, Dr. Ruth Jepson of the University of Stirling in Scotland as quoted in the article "Cranberry-Juice Home Remedy May Really Help," says that cranberry juice "can be costly and add calories" and that cranberry supplements are also problematic because they "come in different strengths and that optimal dose and duration of use are unclear...tablets may also not have same biological effect as cranberry juice because of ingredients potentially diminished or destroyed in manufacturing."

The constant debate over whether the consumption of cranberries really helps to ward of disease seems yet to be determined. Within my research only animal studies attest to the immense benefits. Therefore it may be some time yet before we obtain stronger evidence. Regardless, I feel it can't hurt to invest in this berry since there is no debate that fruit is good for the body.

"Cranberries are only available fresh from September to December," says the article "Cranberries: Antioxidant Benefits Behind the Tartness." They'll stay fresh for up to two weeks when stored in the refrigerator or a year if stored in the freezer (best in their original bag). Cranberries will retain their nutrients for up to nine months and can be used in recipes while in there frozen state, no need to thaw, just rinse and use. For an alternatve the article suggests dried cranberries, though some of the vitamin C is lost during the processing most of their antioxidants remain intact. Also, there is white cranberries. They are the same berries, merely harvested early. These beries are milder and a spokesperson for Ocean Spray says they "contain comparable amounts of proanthocyanids as red cranberries but not as much anthocyanins (which gives cranberries the dark red color and other health benefits)." So ya win some, ya lose some.

So lets not wait till the end of November to put the spotlight on this fruit. Ocean Spray's website offers many cranberry-infused recipes to enjoy them all year round. I'll be seeing you down the juice isle!


References

(2001). Cranberries: Antioxidant benefits behind the tartness. Environmental Nutrition, 24(11). Retrieved from Health Source database: Nursing/Academic Edition.

(2005). Research briefs: Cranberry juice benefits the gut. GP:General Practitioner. Retrieved from Health Source database: Nursing/Academic Edition. www.asm.org.

(2008). Cranberry-juice home remedy may really help. Tufts University Health & Nutrition Letter, 26(2). Retrieved from Health Souce database: Nursing/Academic Edition.

(2010). Consumer reports on health. FoodSense, 6.

Acosta, C. (2010). Crazy busy beautiful: Beauty secrets for getting ready fast (1st ed.). New York: HarperCollins.

Duthie, S. J., Jenkinson, A, Mullen, W., Pirie, L., Kyle, J., Yap, L. S., Christen, P., & Duthie, G. G. (2006). The effects of cranbery juice consumption on antioxidant status and biomarkers relating to heart disease and cancer in healthy human volunteers. 45, DOI:10.1007/s00394-005-0572-9.

Freinkel, S. (2000). Give thanks for cranberries. Health (Time Inc. Health), 14(9). Retrieved from Health Source database: Nursing/Academic Edition.

Goulding, M. (2007). Drink to a healthy heart. Men's Health, 22(10). Retrieved from Health Souce database: Nursing/Academic Edition.