WIESBADEN, GERMANY.- The Museum Wiesbaden presents "North America’s Wildlife and Native People," on view through June 29, 2003. America, land of unlimited opportunities and contradictions. Global power, hightech industries, and skyscrapers, but also endless plains, pristine forests and spectacular landscapes. No surprise that Europeans always have been fascinated by this continent. What, however, is it that makes North America so special, what are the characteristics of its wildlife and how did humans make a living in that environment? Travel with us across the Atlantic and discover amazing animals in their respective habitats. You will also encounter American Indians and how they used to live. Some of it can only be reconstructed since the past 500 years have changed this continent like no other.

 

Geological History of North America

 

Following the breakup of the supercontinent Pangaea, 150 Mio years ago, the northern continent Laurasia broke apart as well. North America started drifting westwards and the Northern Atlantic formed. North and South America were connected from time to time, but separated 40 Mio years ago. The recent connection was established approx. 3.5 Mio years before present.

 

Cretaceous time

During much of the Cretaceous the central part of North America is covered by a semi-enclosed sea. The remaining landmasses are the home of famous dinosaurs, such as the carnivorous Tyrannosaurus or the herbivorous Triceratops. Above, pterosaurs with a wingspan of up to 11 m (35 ft) are the largest flying animals in earth’s history.

 

Pleistocene time

 

During the ice age, Canada and the northern United States were covered by a thick ice shield. Because of the lower sea level, the Bering Strait was partially dry, forming a land bridge to East Asia. At the foothills of the still young Rocky Mountains mammoths, giant deer and saber-toothed tigers were roaming. Searching for new hunting grounds, humans from Asia reached America for the first time.

 

Climate of North America

 

A well known and dreaded weather phenomenon in the Great Plains are the summer tornadoes. Wind speeds in the center can reach up to 500 kilometers per hour and are the highest on earth.

 

Ecosystems of North America

 

Mountains

 

In contrast to Europe the two main mountain ranges are oriented from north to south. The Appalachians in the east and the Rocky Mountains in the west form a wedge and strongly influence the climate of the Great Plains.

 

Forests

 

Large continuous forest areas are restricted to the North (coniferous forest), the Rocky Mountains and the western Appalachians. The latter are a popular tourist destination in autumn during the so called "Indian Summer".

 

Prairie

 

The Great Plains were covered by vast areas of grassland communities supporting a characteristic fauna and flora. Today they are one of the biggest agricultural areas of the world. Genuine prairie is restricted to relatively small areas.

 

Desert

 

Large areas of the southwestern US are dry steppe and desert. Tourist attractions such as the Grand Canyon and the Sonora desert with its famous Saguaro cacti and many western movies made this region well-known.

 

Comparison North America – Europe

 

Europeans are usually impressed by the vastness and relatively low population density of North America. With more than 40 countries in Europe a border is quickly reached, whereas in North America one can drive for days without crossing a national border.

 

Even though Europe is only a part of Eurasia and not a continent of its own, the following comparison is used to point out some interesting differences.

Population growth

 

Prior to European colonization North America was inhabited by approx. 7-18 Mio. people. Due to immigration and territorial takeover by Europeans the total population multiplied, while Native Americans lost most of their territories. By 1900 the native population had declined by approx. 95%.