Harry Potter and the Old Ones

On the other side, when the first ray of sunlight in the morning penetrates the tree canopy and hits the ground, the team is ready to go.

Before departure, as usual, Professor Caldwell first convened all members for a brief safety briefing, emphasizing again the importance of maintaining visual contact between the team and reporting positions regularly when working in the field.

Then there are a bunch of clichés about caring for the environment and taking away the waste you generate in plastic bags.

While Tiera was fiddling with the campfire boredly, Cardwell had already led the team about half a kilometer deep into the central oasis.

Because the ground was too dense with bushes, vines and tall trees, their traveling speed was far slower than in the desert, not to mention that they needed to take samples anytime and anywhere.

As they went deeper, Professor Caldwell and others first encountered a vast fern area. The plants here were quite lush, but not very tall, forming a green ocean under their feet.

These ferns have attracted the attention of researchers with their unique growth patterns and shapes. Their leaves are wide, slightly wavy at the edges, and the green smooth surface shines with a metallic-like sheen under sunlight.

"It's amazing." Professor Caldwell bent down and gently pinched the leaves of the ferns and said, "Few plants have leaves that develop such a reflective structure, but Skylar appears here. ·Professor Ashley’s thesis has done research in this area. Plants evolve reflective structures often related to their survival strategies, perhaps to attract pollinators, protect themselves from too much direct sunlight, scare herbivores, or in certain situations situation, attracting prey.”

"Of course, in this case, it is more likely to prevent sun damage. The specific reasons need to be analyzed in conjunction with the hydrological distribution of groundwater resources here." Professor Caldwell added, but soon, he He also realized that he seemed to have said a little too much. He paused and said, "Okay, according to the plan, Milkan and Beckman, you two stay, and the others will go deep with me. After you collect the samples, you will go back the same way. Go back to camp."

"Okay!" Milkan immediately put down his backpack and took out the sampling tool.

"Okay, Professor." Beckman agreed.

Professor Caldwell left the two team members behind to record and sample the ferns in detail, while the rest moved on.

As Professor Caldwell and other team members continued to penetrate deeper into the central oasis, the density of the forest gradually increased, and it became increasingly difficult for sunlight to penetrate the dense canopy and reach the ground. The air is filled with the smell of moisture and fresh earth——

But there are no animal sounds.

Logically speaking, in addition to insects, such a large forest ecosystem should also have at least small mammals, birds, and even medium and large carnivores, but——

No.

Neither Professor Caldwell nor other scientific expedition teams found any mammals or birds in their exploration here.

At this time, their path was blocked by a clear stream. The stream was crystal clear and the river bed was covered with colorful pebbles. Professor Caldwell signaled the team to stop temporarily and conducted a short survey and sampling of the creek——

In this creek, Professor Caldwell's team found a variety of aquatic plants and some small fish. Hydrologists immediately took samples to analyze the water quality and recorded the impact of the flow on surrounding vegetation.

After taking samples, they walked along the stream looking for the best place to cross.

After finding a narrower stream crossing point, they followed several bulges from the river and carefully stepped through the water step by step. The moist air and the coolness of the splashing water made people feel slightly invigorated. .

Even after crossing the river, many people in the team turned around, bent down, and splashed cold water on their faces.

After crossing the river, the scene ahead suddenly opened up, and they found themselves in a huge natural forest glade, where the light was bright and even. There was a huge rock in the center of the clearing, surrounded by various wildflowers and herbs.

Under the humus next to the rock, they found a rare beetle, whose shell shined with a metallic luster in the sun. This discovery made the team extremely excited. Freddy Dallaire, who specializes in insect ecology, Immediately took a photo and took a small box to remove the beetle.

Here the team took a break and took advantage of the opportunity to make quick environmental observations and biodiversity records.

As the leader of the team, Professor Caldwell took out a handheld GPS positioning device to confirm their specific location, and conducted brief radio communications with Milchan and Beckman who stayed in the fern area to ensure their safety and safety. Inform them of their current location.

In the afternoon, as the temperature and humidity increased, the team entered a denser evergreen forest belt. The plant coverage here is extremely high, resulting in very limited light on the ground, forming a dark and humid microenvironment.

Huge ferns and moss-covered boulders can be seen from time to time among the vegetation, adding a primitive and mysterious atmosphere to the forest.

During further exploration, team members discovered some small caves and rock wall crevices, which may be the habitat of some small mammals and reptiles. Professor Caldwell excitedly ran over to investigate and take samples, but——

To his disappointment, he found only a few centipedes and the beetles he had observed earlier.

As the exploration deepened, Rosalyn Joyce, who majored in environmental studies, began to collect soil samples, preparing to analyze the soil composition and nutrient levels in this area after returning. These soil organic matter can obtain many results, such as soil pH and trace elements. content, soil microbial communities and possible animal remains, etc.

During his exploration, ecologist Jason Wells discovered a mushroom he had never recorded before, with a bright blue cap that contrasted sharply with the green of the forest. He carefully used the tools to collect samples and planned to return to the laboratory for more in-depth research.

The afternoon sun began to become more intense, and the dazzling sunlight pierced the thick canopy of the trees. The high temperature in the afternoon caused a dull vapor to rise in this closed forest.

Professor Caldwell instructed the team to stop temporarily in a relatively flat open space and arrange a short rest and meal time to replenish their strength and discuss the next action plan.