WHAT IS A BOG?

Bogs are unique ecological communities found in most climatic zones of the world from the high latitudes to the equatorial region.

The word "bog" has been used as a definition of soft, spongy ground since prior to 1450 (Barnhart, 1988). But a better definition is: a nutrient-poor, acid peat land.

The three primary nutrients needed by plants are nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. In most plant communities these nutrients are recycled. They leach from the decaying vegetation and the soluble nutrients are then again available to the currently active vegetation. In bogs, nutrient recycling is slow and limited by their chemical and biological properties. This causes the soil and water to be very acidic and nutrient poor. Although  bogs receive water from precipitation and/or groundwater, it does not flow in and out of them easily, causing low oxygen levels.

Bogs have an acidic, sterile environment for vegetation to grow, and therefore only about two dozen families of plants are found there. Many plants are carnivorous, because they can obtain the nitrogen and phosphorus they need by eating insects.

The pitcher plant is the largest insectivorous plant in the bog. Its prominent feature is leaf curled in the shape of a pitcher. The hollow cup is partly filled with water and digestive enzymes. The "pouring spout" of the pitcher is a landing platform for insects attracted by its red venation and nectar glands on the outside of the plant. As the insect crawls closer to the edge of the pitcher, it loses its footing on the slippery, downward-sloping hairs and plunges into the liquid. Enzymes or bacteria begin working almost immediately, while the stiff hairs prevent the escape of the unlucky insect.

The sundew is another insect-eater. Each of its tiny leaves is covered with shiny, sticky tentacles that capture small insects. When a midge or mosquito lands on one of the red leaves, its feet become ensnared in the gummy liquid. Within two minutes, the tentacles, stimulated by the struggles of the insect, begin to curl around the victim.