Landscape 1:
The Grasse River in Canton splits at an island before reaching the bridge. I found it interesting because there are ten or more significant size deciduous trees growing on the island, which suggests to me that it could have been relatively recently that the water found its way through the turf, creating an island. Because this island is so close to the land to the right, I predict that this island formed through soil erosion and avulsion.
This type of island is interesting because it provides the natural world with a variety of niches. First, the separation from the mainland could act as a significant buffer from predators for birds and other flying or swimming organisms that can comfortably access the island at will. This characteristic could make the trees on the island a more secure nesting location, since many terrestrial organisms will not have an option to access the island. Second, the isolation could cause a divergence in biodiversity. The significant changes in habitat characteristics allow for more water access (all edges touch the water), which would encourage more water tolerant plants to grow. Since space is limited, shade-tolerant plants may also flourish over time once trees cover the sky. These changes would create more niches for animals to find shelter in, creating a separate, self-sustaining habitat in close proximity to (but protected from) the mainland.
Additionally, the water flow of the river is affected due to the presence of an obstacle in the center of the river, affecting the river flow and creating varying pockets of aquatic conditions that may allow for certain aquatic organisms to colonize as its niche.