Thanks Ms. Bree

I just wanted to thank one of many great teachers out there~ Ms. Bree Reynolds! I had a blast in this class. All the snorkeling and food was great. Thank you for being such a great and understanding teacher. Congratulations on your growing family and Happy Holidays! :)

Fish Resources

The assignment given to us was to read a few of the many articles that relates to our fish resources in the CNMI. "There will be virtually nothing left to fish from the seas by the middle of the century if current trends continue, according to a major scientific study." This statement is exactly what Saipan is going through. One of the main source of food that we rely on are the fishes and it is really needed during 'Lent Season'. Commercial fishing is a business that relies, by definition, on the killing of fish. The more fish caught, the more successful. Not only does if help as a business on island, but having fish as a dish, has always been a part of a tradition as well. As far as I can remember, at almost all major gatherings, fish was always served. I was told that because it came from the ocean (and not our pockets), it helps when we have big gatherings.

"The benefits of marine-protected areas are quite clear in a few cases; there's no doubt that protecting areas leads to a lot more fish and larger fish, and less vulnerability," he said. I appreciate that such a study is being done to help protect our resources. I also agree with the "Catch-and-release" fishing, instead of "Catch-and-keep" fishing. At least for the sport of fishing.

All the Quizzes...

noreply-heQUIZ RESULTS FOR Castro : Marine Biology : Chapter 19 : The Oceans and Human Affairs : ... - Do not reply to this email. The sender's email address is listed below as Student eMail … Nov 28
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Fish Morphology Assignment

it was done in class with my partners Francine and Victoria....

Fish of the Marianas

~ALL Critical Thinking Questions~

Chapter 2
2.) Why are most oceanic trenches found in the Pacific Ocean?-->An oceanic trench is a linear depression of the sea floor caused by the subduction of one plate under another. These trenches are associated with earthquakes and volcanoes. They are generally parallel to a volcanic island arc. Examples include are the Mariana Islands which are located in the Pacific Ocean. Oceanic trenches typically extend 3 to 4 km below the level of the surrounding oceanic floor. The deepest ocean depth to be sounded is in the Challenger Deep of the Mariana Trench at a depth of 10,911 m (35,798 ft) below sea level.earthquake.usgs.gov/learning/glossary.php?term=oceanic%20trenchen.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mariana_Trench

Chapter 4
1.) During the day, algae carry out both photosynthesis and respiration, but at night, whent here is no light, they can only perform respiration. Small, isolated tide pools on rocky shores are often inhabited by thick growths of seaweeds, which are algae. Would you expect the amount of oxygen in the water to differ between night and day? How?
-->Yes, I would expect the amount of oxygen in the water to lessen at night. With no solar energy, autotrophs (plants, algae, and seaweed) don't produce oxygen.

Chapter 5
1.) Scientists use the particular structure of nucleic acids and other chemical differences to separate the archaea from the bacteria. Can you think of other characteristics that could be used to distinguish not only between these two domains but also between them and Protists?
-->The two prokaryotic domains, Bacteria and Archaea, have important differences, including the chemistry of their cell walls and plasma membranes, and the cellular machinery that manufactures proteins. They are the simpliest and most primitive form of life that we know. Protists are mostly aquatic primary producers that lack the specialized tissues of plants. They range in size and compllexity from single cells to large multicellular seaweeds.

Chapter 6
2.) Only very few flowering plants have invaded the oceans, but those that have are very successful. What are some possible reasons for the small number of marine flowering plants? How do those that have taken the step manage to thrive in some environments?
-->There are only a few species of flowering plants that live in the ocean. An example is the Seagrass flowers, whose closest relatives seem to be members of the lily family, which shows that seagrasses evolved from land plants. But they have very well adapted to life in the marine environment. Instead of attracting insect for pollination, the pollen is carried by the water currents. Tiny seeds result from successful fertilization. These seeds are dispersed by water currents and perhaps in the feces of the fish and other animals that browse on the plants.

Chapter 8
1.) Hagfishes and lampreys are the only living representatives of a very ancient group. Why do you suppose there are still some of these jawless fishes around? --> Jawless fishes are know to be the most primitive fishes living today. I suppose they have exsited this long due to their feeding habits. They feed mostly on dead or dying fishes. This resource is simply impossible to run out off.2.) A deep-water shark, new to science, is collected for the first time. The specimen is studied in detail, but its stomach is empty. How could you get a rough idea of its feeding habits? The specimen is a female, and its reproductive tract is found to contain 20 eggs. Can you tell the type of developement characteristic of this species?--> In order to determine the feeding habits of this new specimen, you can study the jaws. Not all of the nearly 350 living species of sharks conform the same body plan, but the majority are known to contain rows of numerous sharp, often triangular teeth. This feature helps since sharks are known to be adapted for predatory feeding. Also to keep in mind, that there are sharks (whale sharks) that are filter feeders. This is could very well help explain an empty stomach. Because this specimen is yet to be unknown, it is hard to study the type of developement characteristic of the 20 eggs found. There are two different types of sharks that may very well affect the developement. One is oviparous and the other is viviparous. In an oviparous shark, the yolk is needed to provide energy for at least several months of development. Without this amount of time, the eggs won't be fully developed. And in a vivparous shark, nutrition is provided by direct contact with the reproductive tract of the female.3.) Individuals of some species of bony fishes change sex, some to maintain more males than females, others more females than males. What are the advantages and disadvantages of each situation? Are there any advantages and disadvantages in having an equal number of males and females?-->One advantage of maintaining more males than females is that there will be more chances of having a dominant male. Since a dominant male is needed to triger these changes (protandry and protogyny). A disadvantage of this situation will be that with less female, there will be less chances of reproduction. Whereas, this would be an advantage of having more females than males. And as for having an equal number of males and females, I think that there will be no advantages or disadvantages, since everything will turn out to be average.

Chapter 14
1.) What factors might account for the fact that the vast majority of atolls occur in the Indian and Pacific oceans and that atolls are rare in the Atlantic?-->One main factor that accounts for the fact that the vast majority of atolls occur in the Indo-West Pacific region, is that the trade winds, which is the steadiest winds on earth, blow from latitudes of about 30 degrees toward the equator. Atolls are strongly influenced by these winds. They are also usually found far from land, rising up from depths of thousands of meters or more. The Pacific Ocean is the world's deepest ocean. And it is known to have alot of volcanic activity which atolls gets its start when a deep-sea volcano erupts to build a volcanic island. Reef corals also require warm water. And there are more warm surface currents in the Indian and Pacific Ocean than in the Atlantic Ocean.2.) Scientists predict that the ocean will get warmer and the sea level will rise as a result of an intensified greenhouse effect. How might this affect coral reefs?-->Yes, our planet Earth is in fact warming up, an effect known as global warming. It is predicted that the ocean currents may change. This change will affect the already stressed ecosystems such as mangrove forests and estuaries will be flooded; coral reefs may not grow fast enough to keep up with the rising sea levels.3.) There are only a few reefs off the northeast coast of Brazil, even though it lies in the tropics. How would you explain this?-->The northeast coast of Brazil lies in tropics, which is common for reef-building corals. But there are only a few reefs located in this area. There is also the Amazon River which is known to be the largest river in the world. Most corals do not do well near river mouths. This is not only because of the lowered salinity but also because rivers bring in a lot of silty sediment, which is generally unfavorable to corals.

Adapations and Biology of Birds

"Mariana Common Moorhen / Gallinula chloropus guami / Pulattat "-->The Mariana Common Moorhen, also known in the native language as Pulattat, is the only remaining wetland bird species in the Mariana Islands. The distinguishing physical characteristics of adult birds include a red bill and frontal shield, white undertail coverts, a white line along the flank, and long olive-green legs with large unwebbed feet. Males and females are nearly identical in appearance and are difficult to distinguish from each other. Moorhens in the Mariana Islands are found primarily at freshwater manmade and natural wetlands that are both seasonal and permanent. Occasionally, they are recorded in brackish water wetlands. Wetlands that support about equal amounts of emergent, submergent, and/or floating vegetation and open water are more suitable to moorhens for feeding, nesting, and loafing than wetlands that are predominately open water or that support mostly emergent wetland vegetation. In the Mariana Islands, moorhens have been recorded at golf course wetlands, commercial fish ponds, sewage treatment plants, wetlands created for the mitigation of wetland loss, but rarely at rivers and streams. Mariana Common Moorhens feed on a variety of plant and animal matter that may be located in the water, in and adjacent to wetland vegetation, and along the shoreline. Moorhens in the Mariana Islands move from seasonal to permanent wetlands during the dry season (January to April) and then move back to seasonal wetlands during the rainy season (July to November). They also fly between islands to utilize seasonal and permanent wetlands.http://www.fws.gov/pacificislands/wesa/moorehenmariaindex.html
***Compared to: "Micronesian Megapode / Megapodius laperouse / sasangat or sasangal"-->The Megapodiidae are part of a family within the order Galliformes (chicken-like birds) found only in the Australasian region. The family is comprised of seven genera found in Australasia (Australia, New Guinea and surrounding islands, eastern Indonesia, the Nicobar Islands, the Philippines, Micronesia, Vanuatu, and Niuafo`ou of the Tonga Islands). The Micronesian Megapode is generally a bird of the forest. The Micronesian Megapode is a pigeon-sized bird with an average weight of about 12.25 ounces (3.8 grams). It has a dark gray-brown to black body plumage and an ash gray head with a slightly darker, short, rough crest. The flight feathers and short tail are grayish-black, and the wings are short and round. The bill is yellow with the upper mandible clove-brown to black at the base. The feathers around the eye, ear, and throat are very sparse or absent revealing red skin and a red throat patch. The heavily built legs and feet are yellow with the joints of toes and/or all the upper surface dark gray-black. Megapodes are sometimes called “incubator birds” because they rely on solar energy, volcanic activity, or microbial decomposition as a heat source for incubation. They are also characterized by laying large eggs without an air chamber. Chicks lack an egg tooth at hatching and kick their way out of the egg. Megapode chicks are precocial (feathered, able to walk, and able to regulate their body temperature) at hatching and the adults do not care for the young. The Micronesian Megapode seems to be an omnivore, taking a variety of plant and animal foods available on the forest floor, including seeds, beetles, ants, other insects, and plant matter. http://www.fws.gov/pacificislands/wesa/megapodeindex.html~Describe at least 4 adaptations for each animal and contrast these adaptations to animals of the same class on land. How is the physiology different between the animal and another from the same class on land?-->The Mariana Common Moorhen, or also known as Pulattat, and the Micronesian Megapode both belong to the class aves. Class aves (birds) are bipedal, warm-blooded, egg-laying vertebrate animals. Yet, their way of living differs in many ways. For instance, the pulattats are known to be found primarily at freshwater manmade and natural wetlands. Occasionally, they are recorded in brackish water wetlands. And the Micronesian Megapode are generally known as a bird of the forest. Both birds feed on a variety of plants and animals. But the pulattats commonly feed on plants and animals that may be located in the water, in and adjacent to wetland vegetation, and along the shoreline. While the Micronesian Megapode feed on what is available on the forest floor, including seeds, beetles, ants, other insects, and plant matter.

Adaptations and Biological of Reptiles

Green Sea Turtles:..-->Chelonia mydas, commonly known as the green turtle is a large sea turtle belonging to the family Cheloniidae. It is the only species in the genus Chelonia. The range of the species extends throughout tropical and subtropical seas around the world, with two distinct populations in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Anatomically, there are a few characteristics that distinguish the green turtle from the other members of its family. Unlike the closely-related hawksbill turtle, the green turtle's snout is very short and its beak is unhooked. The horny sheath of the turtle's upper jaw possesses a slightly-denticulated edge while its lower jaw has stronger, serrated, more defined denticulation. The dorsal surface of the turtle's head has a single pair of prefrontal scales. Its carapace is composed of five central scutes flanked by four pairs of lateral scutes. Underneath, the green turtle has four pairs of infra-marginal scutes covering the area between the turtle's plastron and its shell. Mature C. mydas front appendages have only a single claw (as opposed to the hawksbill's two), although a second claw is sometimes prominent in young specimens.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Green_sea_turtle#Anatomy_and_morphology~Describe at least 4 adaptations for each animal and contrast these adaptations to animals of the same class on land. How is the physiology different between the animal and another from the same class on land?

Adaptations and Biological of Mammals

Dolphins:..

--> Dolphins are found worldwide, mostly in the shallower seas of the continental shelves, and are carnivores, mostly eating fish and squid. They have a streamlined fusiform body, adapted for fast swimming. The basic colouration patterns are shades of grey with a light underside and a distinct dark cape on the back. It is often combined with lines and patches of different hue and contrast. The head contains the melon, a round organ used for echolocation. In many species, the jaws are elongated, forming a distinct beak; for some species like the Bottlenose, there is a curved mouth which looks like a fixed smile. Teeth can be very numerous (up to two hundred and fifty) in several species. The dolphin brain is large and has a highly structured cortex, which often is referred to in discussions about their advanced intelligence. Unlike most mammals, dolphins do not have hair, but they are born with a few hairs around the tip of their rostrum which they lose after some time, in some cases even before they are born. The only exception to this is the Boto river dolphin, which does have some small hairs on the rostrum. Their reproductive organs are located on the underside of the body. Males have two slits, one concealing the penis and one further behind for the anus. The female has one genital slit, housing the vagina and the anus. A mammary slit is positioned on either side of the female's genital slit.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dolphin
***Compared to:
~Describe at least 4 adaptations for each animal and contrast these adaptations to animals of the same class on land. How is the physiology different between the animal and another from the same class on land?

Sea Floor Spreading

w3.salemstate.edu
www.windows.ucar.edu
What is sea floor spreading?
-->Sea-floor spreading is the process in which the ocean floor is extended when two plates move apart. As the plates move apart, the rocks break and form a crack between the plates. Earthquakes occur along the plate boundary. Magma rises through the cracks and seeps out onto the ocean floor like a long, thin, undersea volcano. library.thinkquest.org/17457/platetectonics/4.php
What are some of the major land forms that are created from plate movement?
-->A long chain of mountains forms gradually on the ocean floor as magma piles up along the crack. This chain is called an oceanic ridge. library.thinkquest.org/17457/platetectonics/4.php
How were the Mariana Islands formed?
-->A theory known as plate tectonics presumes that the Asian continent and the North and South American continents are moving and that the Lithosphere (crust) of the continents are composed of different material. The edge of these plates are believed to be moving in such a manner that one moves under the other and the cataclysmic forces that result push material upward to form islands. www.cnmi-guide.com/history/formation
What evidence exists today that the plates are still moving and that the islands are ancient volcanoes?
-->Plate tectonics is a theory of geology that has been developed to explain the observed evidence for large scale motions of the Earth's lithosphere. That facts that the fitting together of the coasts of the continents on the opposite sides of the Atlantic Ocean, the similarity of geologic formations and fossils found on the opposite sides, a geologically active mid-ocean ridge running along the central Atlantic between the opposite coasts, bottom sediments that get thicker the farther one travels from the ridge, and rocks on the sea floor on one side of the ridge show magnetic bands that are mirror images of rocks found on the opposite side of the ridge. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plate_tectonics#Plate_tectonic_theory
What is an atoll?
-->An atoll is an island of coral that encircles a lagoon partially or completely. Darwin (an English Naturalist) reasoned that a fringing coral reef surrounding a volcanic island in the tropical sea will grow upwards as the island subsides, becoming an "almost atoll" (barrier reef island). The fringing reef becomes a barrier reef for the reason that the outer part of the reef maintains itself near sea level through biotic growth, while the inner part of the reef falls behind, becoming a lagoon because conditions are less favorable for the corals and calcareous algae responsible for most reef growth. In time, subsidence carries the old volcano below the ocean surface, but the barrier reef remains. At this point, the island has become an atoll. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atoll
en.wikipedia.orgwikiAtoll
Why are atolls mainly found on the Pacific?-->Atolls are the product of the growth of tropical marine organisms, so these islands are only found in warm tropical waters. Volcanic islands located beyond the warm water temperature requirements of reef building organisms become seamounts as they subside and are eroded away at the surface. An island that is located where the ocean water temperatures are just sufficiently warm for upward reef growth to keep pace with the rate of subsidence is said to be at the Darwin Point.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atoll

Coral Reefs Part 1

As coral reefs are built, they go through different stages of growth. Throughout development, coral reefs characteristically sink into the water. Each of the following three stages describes a step the reef goes through while it sinks.
~Fringing Reefs~-->The fringing reef is the 1st stage of coral growth, being close to the island. When larvae is attached to sublittoral hard bottom and as corals grow, a fringing reef is formed along the coast. It can be found around the Caribbean Sea. Fringing reefs are close to shore so the water in which they live in gets run off and a mixture of nutrients and pollution from the land.
~Barrier Reefs~
-->Barrier reefs are the 2nd stage in coral reef development where the island has begun to sink. Corals then grow upwards and a lagoon will separate the barrier reef from land. They can be found around Australia, such as the Great Barrier Reef. They are farther out so they have access to water from the lagoon and the deeper ocean.
~Atolls~ -->Atolls are the last geological stage of sinking volcanic island. They are circles of corals with a lagoon in the center. In this stage, island has been completely been submersed in water. Its submersion explains why there is a lagoon in the center. Hundreds of atolls are speckled across the South Pacific.
The sun is the source of energy for the coral reef ecosystem. Plant plankton, called phytoplankton; algae; and other plants convert light energy into chemical energy through photosynthesis. As animals eat the plants and other animals, energy is passed on through the food chain. Reef building corals work together with microscopic algae, called zooxanthellae, that lives in their tissue. The zooxanthellae provide oxygen and food to the coral through photosynthesis. The coral polyp gives the algae a home, and the carbon dioxide it needs through respiration. Besides zooxanthellae, algae and seagrasses are the main types of plants in the coral reef ecosystem. These plants give food and oxygen to the animals that live on the reef. Seagrasses are especially important because they provide shelter for juvenile reef animals like conch and lobster.Coral reefs only make up about 1% of the ocean floor, but they house nearly 25% of life in the ocean. Animals use coral reefs either as a stopping point, like an oasis, as they travel the deep blue sea, or they live as residents at the reef. The corals themselves are the most abundant animal on the reef. They are tiny organisms are called polyps, that attach themselves to the hard reef and live there forever. The reef is like a giant apartment building in New York City and the coral polyps live together in each apartment. Corals are closely related to sea anemones and sea jellies, and use their tentacles for defense and to capture their prey. Corals can be a variety of colors, white, red, pink, green, blue, orange and purple, due to natural pigments and the zooxanthellae in their tissues.Other animals that live on the coral reef include sea urchins, sponges, sea stars, worms, fish, sharks, rays, lobster, shrimp, octopus, snails and many more. Many of these animals work together as a team like the coral polyp and zooxanthellae. This teamwork is called symbiosis. One example of symbiosis on the reef is the anemonefish and sea anemone. The sea anemone’s tentacles provide protection and safety for the fish and their eggs, while the fish protects the anemone from predators, such as butterflyfish. Sometimes anemonefish even remove parasites from their home anemone. http://www.jochemnet.de/fiu/OCB3043_39.htmlhttp://library.thinkquest.org/25713/reef_types.html#fringinghttp://www.nceas.ucsb.edu/nceas-web/kids/biomes/coral.htm

Corals Reef Part 2

--The southern coast of Saipan contains several beautiful beaches where extensive reef development has occurred through time. The CNMI Monitoring Program conducts surveys on the reefs adjacent to Obyan, Boyscout, and Coral Ocean Point beaches. These reefs are fortunate for their favorable environmental setting consisting of; 1) protection from prevailing NE swells (low exposure), and 2) adjacent, small watersheds consisting of raised limestone rock, with relatively low amounts of terrigenous sediments washing into the marine environment during storms. These environmental conditions have led to the development of lush, three-dimensional reef structures that exist today. The living reef (the top few centimeters of the reef structure) has been exposed to various natural disturbances over the years. These include large crown-of-thorns starfish populations (COTS) (1969, 1985, 1995, 2004-6) and frequent typhoons.we believe the reef to be resilient based upon the relatively high levels of coralline algae, which are the preferred substrate for new coral settlement, and large number of new coral recruits.
-->Lau Lau Bay contains some of the most diverse yet threatened reefs in the entire CNMI. The protected nature of the bay has allowed thriving reefs to development over the past 5,000 years, resulting in amazing, three dimensional reef structure today. This reef structure is valued by divers and fishermen alike because of its beauty and fish habitat that it provides. The protection and isolation of the bay also means that these reefs are more susceptible to disturbances (typhoons and pollution).
http://www.cnmicoralreef.net/ns/laulau2.html

Virtual Lab Dissections

~Crayfish~
http://universe-review.ca/I10-82-crayfish.jpg
a.) Digestive System: The digestive tract consists of the foregut, which includes an enlarged stomach, part of which is specialized for grinding; the midgut, which extends from the foregut; and the hindgut, which leads to the anus and functions in water and salt regulation (Miller and Harley, 1992; Snodgrass,1965). The digestive gland secretes digestive enzymes and aids in the absorption of the products of digestion (Pennak, 1989). http://www.science.mcmaster.ca/Biology/Harbour/SPECIES/CRAYFISH/CRAYFISH.HTM#Digestiveb.) Circulatory System: The circlatory system of the crayfish is centred around a muscular heart with dorsal, anterior, and posterior arteries leading away from it . Branches of these vessels empty into the sinuses of the hemocoel (the large tissue spaces containing blood). The ventral sinus collects the blood, the blood travels through the gills, and then returns to the pericardial sinus surrounding ther heart (Miller and Hurley, 1992; Snodgrass, 1965). http://www.science.mcmaster.ca/Biology/Harbour/SPECIES/CRAYFISH/CRAYFISH.HTM#Digestivec.) Nervous System: The crayfish nervous system is composed of a ventral nerve cord fused with segmental ganglia, and the supresophageal and subesophageal ganglia (Miller and Harley, 1992). Giant neurons in the ventral nerve cord function in escape responses (Bliss, 1990). The supraesophageal and subesophageal ganglia control the head appendages in response to sesory input recieved from receptors (Miller and Harley, 1992). http://www.science.mcmaster.ca/Biology/Harbour/SPECIES/CRAYFISH/CRAYFISH.HTM#Digestived.) Excretory System: The excretory organs are also called the antennal glands because they are located at the base of the second antenna. They exrete the waste products of blood filtration; ammonia is the primary waste product (Miller and Harley, 1992). Ammonia is also excreted across the gill surfaces and by diffusion across thin parts of the exoskeleton (Snodgrass, 1965) http://www.science.mcmaster.ca/Biology/Harbour/SPECIES/CRAYFISH/CRAYFISH.HTM#Digestivee.) Reproductive System: Crayfish have separate male and female sexes (dioecious) and the gonads are located in the dorsal portion of the thorax (Miller and Harley, 1992). Mating occurs just after the female has molted, usually in the spring. The male deposits sperm near the openings of the female gonoducts (at the base of the 3rd periopods) and uses the two modified pleopods to guide the sperm into the female sperm receptacle. http://www.science.mcmaster.ca/Biology/Harbour/SPECIES/CRAYFISH/CRAYFISH.HTM#Digestivef.) Integumentary System: This crustacean has a hard exoskeleton that protects and supports the body. The crayfish has 8 jointed walking legs, a segmented body, 2 pairs of sensory antennae, and compound eyes. It has 2 large pincers or claws called chelipeds. If a crayfish loses a leg, the leg will regenerate (regrow). The head and thorax are fused, forming the cephalothorax. Using gills, a crayfish breathes oxygen that is dissolved in water. Juvenile crawfish are light tan, but adults are deep red. http://www.enchantedlearning.com/subjects/invertebrates/crustacean/Crayfishprintout.shtmlg.) Body Plan: The body of the crayfish is divided into two regions: the cephalothorax, which has sensory, feeding, and locomotor functions; and the abdomen, which has locomotor and visceral functions (Miller and Harley, 1992) http://www.science.mcmaster.ca/Biology/Harbour/SPECIES/CRAYFISH/CRAYFISH.HTM#DigestiveDescription of its unique habitat, diet and what distinguishes it as a mollusk, echinoderm, or arthropod.--> Crayfish live in streams, rivers, swamps, ponds, and other freshwater habitats. Most crayfish are strictly aquatic but some live in semi-aquatic environments. The semi-aquatic crayfish burrow into the soil to get to water (so that they can breathe). Crayfish are omnivores; they eat plants, animals, and decaying organisms. They are nocturnal (most active at night) and eat fish, shrimp, water plants, worms, insects, snails, and plankton. Larval crayfish are very tiny; they eat plankton. Their color depends on diet. As a crayfish grows, it often molts (loses its old shell and grows a new one). It eats the old shell. http://www.enchantedlearning.com/subjects/invertebrates/crustacean/Crayfishprintout.shtml
~Clam~

http://kentsimmons.uwinnipeg.ca/16cm05/1116/33-21-ClamAnatomy-L.jpg
a.) Digestive System: A clam has food brought in through a siphon system and then to its mouth. It then goes to a digstive gland and to its intestine. Wastes via the anus.
b.) Circulatory System: A clam has a heart, blood, and blood vessels.
c.) Nervous System: A clam has no formal nervous system, but has a series of ganglia that conduct impulses.
d.) Excretory System: A clam has an excretory system with an anus. It has an organ called the nephridium that gets rid of wastes.
e.) Reproductive System: A clam is either male or female and reproduces sexually with a large organ called a gonad.
f.) Integumentary System: A Mollusk has a soft, thick, fleshy body. It can be very small or as big as six feet across.
g.) Body Plan: A clam has a soft, thick, fleshy body. It can be very small or as big as six feet across.Description of its unique habitat, diet and what distinguishes it as a mollusk, echinoderm, or arthropod.
http://www.mcwdn.org/Animals/Mollusks.html
~Starfish~
http://www.esu.edu/~milewski/intro_biol_two/lab__13_echinoderm/images/aster_diagr_organs.jpg
a.) Digestive System: Starfish digestion is carried out in two stomachs: the cardiac stomach and the pyloric stomach. The cardiac stomach, which is a sack like stomach located at the center of the body may be everted—pushed out of the organism's body and used to engulf and digest food. Some species take advantage of the endurance of their water vascular systems to force open the shells of bivalve mollusks such as clams and mussels by injecting their stomachs into the shells. With the stomach inserted inside the shell, it digests the mollusk in place. The cardiac stomach is then brought back inside the body, and the partially digested food is moved to the pyloric stomach. Further digestion occurs in the intestine and waste is either excreted through the anus on the aboral side of the body, or if the anus is absent (as in brittle stars), waste is excreted through the mouth. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Starfish#Digestion_and_excretion
b.) Circulatory System: Circulation occurs in three places: the perivisceral coelom (basically, the space inside the body but outside the various organs), the water vascular system (of which the tube feet are the most obvious part), and the hemal system (which actually looks something like a circulatory system). The hemal system is shown below. There are hemal channels forming rings around the central part of the body around the mouth (the oral hemal ring), closer to the upper surface (the aboral hemal ring), and a third ring around the digestive system (the gastric hemal ring). These are connected by the axial sinus. There are also radial hemal channels running down the rays next to the gonads (which are also located in the rays). A dorsal sac attached to the axial sinus pulsates, sort of like a very inefficient heart (inefficient because it lacks a one-way valve system). The hemal system seems mostly organized to distribute nutrients from the digestive tract.
http://www.vsf.cape.com/%7Ejdale/science/digest.htm
c.) Nervous System: Echinoderms have rather complex nervous systems, but lack a true centralized brain. All echinoderms have a nerve plexus (a network of interlacing nerves), which lies within as well as below the skin. The esophagus is also surrounded by a number of nerve rings, which send radial nerves that are often parallel with the branches of the water vascular system. The ring nerves and radial nerves coordinate the starfish's balance and directional systems. Although the echinoderms do not have many well-defined sensory inputs, they are sensitive to touch, light, temperature, orientation, and the status of water around them. The tube feet, spines, and pedicellariae found on starfish are sensitive to touch, while eyespots on the ends of the rays are light-sensitive. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Starfish#Digestion_and_excretion
d.) Excretory System: None.
e.) Reproductive System: Starfish are capable of both sexual and asexual reproduction. Individual starfish are male or female. Fertilization takes place externally, both male and female releasing their gametes into the environment. Resulting fertilized embryos form part of the zooplankton. Some species of starfish also reproduce asexually by fragmentation, often with part of an arm becoming detached and eventually developing into an independent individual starfish. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Starfish#Digestion_and_excretion
f.) Integumentary System: (structure ie skin, exoskeleton, shell, etc.)
g.) Body Plan: Most starfish have five arms, however some have more or fewer; in fact some starfish can have different numbers of arms even within one species. The mouth is located underneath the starfish on the oral or ventral surface, while the anus is located on the top of the animal. The spiny upper surface covering the species is called the aboral or dorsal surface. On the aboral surface there is a structure called the madreporite, a small white spot located slightly off-center on the central disc which acts as a water filter and supplies the starfish's water vascular system with water to move. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Starfish#Digestion_and_excretion
Description of its unique habitat, diet and what distinguishes it as a mollusk, echinoderm, or arthropod.
~Squid~

http://www.utmb.edu/nrcc/UFAW%20squid.jpg
a.) Digestive System: Squid, like all cephalopods, have complex digestive systems. Food is transported into a muscular stomach, found roughly in the midpoint of the visceral mass. The bolus is then transported into the caecum for digestion. The caecum, a long, white organ, is found next to the ovary or testis. In mature squid, more priority is given to reproduction and so the stomach and caecum often shrivel up during the later stages of life. Finally, food goes to the liver (or digestive gland), found at the siphon end of the squid, for absorption. Solid waste is passed out of the rectum. Beside the rectum is the ink sac, which allows a squid to discharge a black ink into the mantle cavity at short notice.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Squid#Digestive_system
b.) Circulatory System: The circulatory system is open, except in Cephalopoda and usually includes a dorsal heart with one or two atrias and one ventricle. This is situated in a pericardial cavity. An anterior aorta and other vessels and many blood spaces (hemocoels) exist in the tissues.
http://marinebiology-shine.blogspot.com/2007_10_01_archive.html
c.) Nervous System: The giant axon of the squid, which may be up to 1 mm in diameter, innervates the mantle and controls part of the jet propulsion system.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Squid#Digestive_system
d.) Excretory System: Squid have three hearts. Two branchial hearts, feeding the gills, each surrounding the larger systemic heart that pumps blood around the body. The hearts have a faint greenish appearance and are surrounded by the renal sacs - the main excretory system of the squid. The kidneys are faint and difficult to identify and stretch from the hearts (located at the posterior side of the ink sac) to the liver. The systemic heart is made of three chambers, a lower ventricle and two upper auricles.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Squid#Digestive_system
e.) Reproductive System: In female squid, the ink sac is hidden from view by a pair of white nidamental glands, which lie anterior to the gills. There are also red-spotted accessory nidamental glands. Both of these organs are associated with manufacture of food supplies and shells for the eggs. Females also have a large translucent ovary, situated towards the posterior of the visceral mass.Male squid do not possess these organs, but instead have a large testis in place of the ovary, and a spermatophoric gland and sac. In mature males, this sac may contain spermatophores, which are placed inside the mantle of the female during mating.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Squid#Digestive_system
f.) Integumentary System: The integumentary system of a squid is enclosed in the mantle, which has two swimming fins along each side. These fins are not the main source of their motility. The skin of the squid is covered in chromatophores, which allows the squid to change color to suit its environment. The underside of the squid is also found to be lighter than the topside, in order to provide camouflage from both prey and predator (countershading).Under the body are openings to the mantle cavity, which contains the gill and openings to the excretory and reproductive systems. At the front of the mantle cavity lies the siphon, which the squid uses for locomotion through means of jet propulsion. This is done by sucking water into the mantle cavity and quickly expelling it out of the siphon in a fast, strong jet. The direction of the siphon can be changed in order to suit the direction of travel.Inside the mantle cavity, beyond the siphon, lies the visceral mass of the squid, which is covered in a thin skin. Under this are all the major internal organs of the squid.
http://taylorsinsight.blogspot.com/
g.) Body Plan: Like all cephalopods, squid are distinguished by having a distinct head, bilateral symmetry, a mantle, and arms. Squid, like cuttlefish, have eight arms and two tentacles arranged in pairs.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Squid#Digestive_system
Description of its unique habitat, diet and what distinguishes it as a mollusk, echinoderm, or arthropod.
-->Squids live in the ocean - a few, most notably the giant squid and the colossal squid live out in the colder open ocean. Many of the smaller species of squid rely on color changing patterns in order to communicate with each other and to attract prey as well. Squids are considered to be one of the most successful and highly complex of all invertebrates.
http://taylorsinsight.blogspot.com/

Genetics/ Cell Cycle Questions (currently under construction)

1. What is DNA?

DNA - the Blueprint of Life

Every living organism contains within itself the information it needs to build a new organism. This information, you could think of it as a blueprint of life, is stored in the organism's genome. The genome is made up of a material called DNA, which stands for deoxyribonucleic acid. If you take a really, really close look at the DNA molecule you will see that it looks like an ordinary ladder, although somewhat twisted. The steps that connects the two strands in this ladder are composed of four different molecules of the same type, called nucleotides. In DNA they are A, T, C and G; where A stands for adenine, T for thymine, C for cytosine and finally G for guanine.

2. What are the 4 bases?

The steps that connect the two strands in this ladder are composed of four different molecules of the same type, called nucleotides. In DNA they are A, T, C and G; where A stands for adenine, T for thymine, C for cytosine and finally G for guanine.

3. What 2 peices of information did the scientists need to solve the elusive structure of DNA?

In the late 1940's, the members of the scientific community were aware that DNA was most likely the molecule of life, even though many were skeptical since it was so "simple." They also knew that DNA included different amounts of the four bases adenine, thymine, guanine and cytosine (usually abbreviated A, T, G and C), but nobody had the slightest idea of what the molecule might look like.

In order to solve the elusive structure of DNA, a couple of distinct pieces of information needed to be put together. One was that the phosphate backbone was on the outside with bases on the inside; another that the molecule was a double helix. It was also important to figure out that the two strands run in opposite directions and that the molecule had a specific base pairing.

As in the solving of other complex problems, the work of many people was needed to establish the full picture.

4. What are the specific base pairs?

The four specific base pairs are adenine, thymine, & guanine, cytosine.

The base-pairing mystery had been partly solved by the biochemist Erwin Chargoff some years earlier. In 1949 he showed that even though different organisms have different amounts of DNA, the amount of adenine always equals the amount of thymine. The same goes for the pair guanine and cytosine. For example, human DNA contains about 30 percent each of adenine and thymine, and 20 percent each of guanine and cytosine.

With this information at hand Watson was able to figure out the pairing rules. On the 21st of February 1953 he had the key insight, when he saw that the adenine-thymine bond was exactly as long as the cytosine-guanine bond. If the bases were paired in this way, each rung of the twisted ladder in the helix would be of equal length, and the sugar-phosphate backbone would be smooth.

5. How does the pairing rule effect the shape and structure of DNA?

Each rung of the twisted ladder in the Helix would be of equal length, and the sugar- phosphate backbone would be smooth.

6. What does the DNA do during cell division?

It is able to “unzip” into two pairs.

7. How many base pairs does E. Coli have? How long does it take to replicate? How is the DNA packaged in the cell?

4 million, once every 20 minutes 3 million, Its is curled up in a condensed fashion.

8. How many base pairs does Human DNA have? How long does it take to replicate? How is the DNA packaged in the cell?

12-24 in 23 distinct chromosome pairs.

Cell Diffusion (currently under construction)

Using Word and Excel to publish your results answer the following questions and complete the following experiment.

What is diffusion?
* The movement of molecules from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration.

What is osmosis?
* The movement of water across a selectively permeable membrane, such as the cell membrane, which allows only certain molecules to pass through.

Can you demonstrate these two processes using a gummy bear?

Write a hypothesis and a prediction.

Set up an experiment, identify your controls, variables and what you are going to measure.

List your steps, in a logical and specific order

Create a data table in Excel for your observations. Import this into Word. Convert the data table into a graph. Import this into Word as well.

Write an explanation of your results and conclusion. Use your data to support your explanation.

Upload your assignment.

Photosynthesis and Cellular Respiration

Photosynthesis is the process where green plants use sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water to make food and oxygen.Respiration is the process where cells use this food to release stored energy.

Photosynthesis: 6CO2 + 6H2O + energy --> 6O2 + C6H12O6

Cellular Respiration: 6O2 + C6H12O6 --> 6H2O + 6CO2 + energy

- Sunlight produces the energy source for Photosynthesis. It uses water and carbon dioxide to make glucose. Cellular Respiration is the opposite of Photosynthesis. It breaks down glucose, using oxygen which creates water and carbon dioxide.

Results are: O2+C6H12O6->H2O+ATP+CO2

Managaha Meeting

Lab @ TiNiAN!

Today, I am an "Algae Expert"...

*My illustration of an Algae...

There are three types of Algae, Green Algae, Brown Algae, and Red Algae.

Most green algae (phylum Chlorophyta) live in freshwater and terrestrial environments. Only around 10% of the estimated 7,000 species are marine; many of these marine species are unicellular. This, however does not mean that multicellular green algae are uncommon in the sea. Certain species dominate in environments with wide variations in salinity such as bays and estuaries and in isolated tide pools on rocky coasts. Most multicellur green algae have a simple thallus compared to the other two groups of seaweeds. Their pigments and food reserve are the same as those in plants, so it is thought that land plants evolved from green algae. Chlorophyll in both green algae and plants is not normally masked by any other pigments, and green algae typically have a bright green thallus.

The color of brown algae (phylum Heterokontophyta, class Phaeophyta), which actually varies from olive green to dark brown, is due to a preponderance of yellow-brown pigments, particularly fucoxanthin, over chlorophyll. Almost all the approximately 1,500 known species are marine. Brown algae are often the dominant primary producers on temperate and polar rocky coasts and include the largest and most complex seaweeds. The brown algae have yellow-brown pigments in addition to chlorophyll. They include the largest and structurally most complex seaweeds. The simplest brown algae have a finely filamentous thallus, as in the widely distributed Ectocarpus. The thallus is flat and branched in Dictyota and fan-shaped and lightly calcified in Padina. Both are tropical and subtropical. The thallus of most species of Desmarestia is found in cold waters. It ranges from the Antarctic, where it is one of the dominant species, to temperate shores elsewhere.

There are more species of marine red algae (phylum Rhodophyta) than of marine green and brown algae combined. Among other features they have red pigments called phycobilins, which mask chlorophyll. Most species actually are red, though some may have different colors depending on their daily exposure to light. The group is essentially marine; only a few of the approximately 4,000 species live in fresh water or soil. Red algae inhabitat most shallow-water marine environments. Some are harvested for food and for the extraction of varius products.



Parts of a Cell (algae):


1) Nucleus: The organelle of eukaryotic cells that contains the chromosomes.

2) Chloroplast: The organelle where photosynthesis takes place.

3) Flagellum: A long, whip-like organelle that is usually involved in locomotion.

4) Pellicle: (noun) A thin skin or film, such as an organic membrane or liquid film.

Now, that we are both experts on algae...please take the time to answer the questions below.

3 Questions:

1. How are algae and plant cells alike?


2. What kind of algae is most dominant?


3. How many types of algae exist?



Thank You, or like we say the island way, Si Yu'us Ma'ase...

Ocean Currents (Map)

Lau Lau Beach view from below...

LauLau Bay View from the top...

Lau Lau Bay
Located at the southeastern part of the island, Lau Lau Bay offers secluded white sand beaches and crystal clear water. An excellent spot for scuba diving, snorkeling or just swimming...

Amelia Earhart (By: Dr. Thomas F. King) extra credit

Dr. Thomas F. King, a leading cultural consultant for the United States Cultural Resource Management, did a power point presentation on "The Search for Amelia Earhart". Dr. Thomas F. King was greatly inspired by his works of research. He shared many of his research expedition with his group. Dr. King and his group returned to Nikumaroro Atolls between July 2007 and August 2007, to continue their research studies on Amelia Earhart. Dr. King had a very interesting and clear introduction to start off his presentation. He elaborated on issues and possible theories about the CNMI's connection with Amelia Earhart. However, there were no prove or evidence that the CNMI has a connection in the disappearance of Amelia Earhart.

Above all of those, Dr. King talked about the seven sites they studied relatively to Amelia Earhart's disappearance. He shared the experimentation they had with a pig. I was curious what really happened to the pig but, after he shared some thoughts about the pig experimentation everyone burst out with laughter.

Over all, Dr. King did a great job on his presentation on "The Search for Amelia Earhart" and I also learned a lot about Amelia Earhart and her navigator, Fred Noonan. This presentation was very clear and comprehensive as well. Dr. King and his crew did a great job so far and still is continuing "The Search for Amelia Earhart". We hope that Dr. King will return to the CNMI with great news that Amelia Earhart and Fred Noonan's unsolved mystery SOLVED!

**Multiple Intelligence Quiz

1st Lab Activity @ San Antonio Beach (August 25, 2007, Saturday)

This was our first Lab Activity for Marine Biology class. This lab took place at San Antonio Beach. It was still new to us of what to do but we found a lot of different and interesting species. One species that was new to the NMC aquarium is a species caught by Joann and I which happens to be a round sea cucumber which looks more like a rock. The scientific name is Holothuna (Thymiosycia) Hilla.

Below is the list of species that we caught:

CB, Harley and Joann; Stenaopus Hispidus (Cleaner shrimp) id; Masahide
CB, Harley and Joann; Echinothrix Calanans (Sea Urchia) id; Harley
CB, Harley and Joann; Synapta Macusatag (Sea Cucumber) id; Harley
CB, Phillip; Neoniphon Sanmara id; Phillip
CB, Victoria, Lynette, Maryann, Frances, Charmaine, Eva, and Justo; Synapta Macusatag (Sea Cucumber); id; Victoria
CB, Phillip; Canthigaster Solandri (Solanders Sharp Nose Puffer) id; Taylor
CB, Joann and Lorna; Asteronotus Cespiposus (Lumpy Asteronotus) id; Joann
CB, Lorna and Joann; Holothuna (Thymiosycia) Hilla (Seacumber) id; Lorna
CB, Kathy; Stichopus Chloronotus (Stichopodide) id; Kathy
CB, Xu Dan and Frances; Brushtail tang zebrasomoscopus

GrOttO

After the PauPau Beach Lab on Saturday, September 15, 2007 I headed straight to GrOttO to view this amazing cave. Upon our arrival there we did not expect the party to have already begun when it is planned for Sunday, September 16, 2007. The boys were already there setting up there place in the Pavillion. & I was shocked to see how beautiful GrOttO has been renovated. I was amazed to see pavillions there and a beautiful sight was set up for the lookout. They also have a restroom which is so convenient for the public. So we stayed and BBQ at the new pavillions. The top was just the beginning. But going down to the cave I was really amazed of how beautiful it looked. No, it is not my first time there but it is in quite a while. The stairs were really antique kind of look which blended into the forest but at the same time giving us a sense of safety. The party continued on until Sunday.... These two days of BBQ and hangout at GrOttO was beautiful. You should take a look and maybe you might want to have a BBQ with your family too. It is Beautiful, convenient and safe- family oriented... So go on & plan that beautiful weekend for a getaway to GrOttO where the sound of waves and bird chirping can ease your mind from all the traffic and drama.

2nd Lab Activity @ Obyan Beach (September 01, 2007)

We still laughing hard after Mt. Laulau Hike almost killed us....

3rd Lab Activity @ Mt. Laulau Bay (September 08, 2007)

4th Lab Activity @ PaUpaU BeaCh*-*(September 15, 2007)

Today was a BuZee daY... I woke up to a day of what we call a "RuSh hoUr". Upon my way to school I saw my fellow classmates @ the traffic light & went straight to PaUpau beaCh. when we arrived it was about 1:30 pm & it was packed! So we found a pavillion & settled down... To the right of the pavillion facing the beach is a 'runoff'... we took some pictures of the runoff & some rocks as well. The rocks was gathered from the beach & taken in to shore where we took pictures of it. The rocks has a lot of algae on it which makes it have a green & slimy texture outside of its rocky surface... what was the cause of this rocks to have algae on them is the runoff that we witnessed at Paupau Beach. It was a drainage system built to have runoff water flows along with dirt, chemicals, and other things that are threatening to the ocean. As I mentioned earlier, the algae are growing on the rocks down the shore. There we were able to find great amounts of algae that are living on the rocks. These rocks are in the ocean water where creatures such as fish, corals, and other important organisms of the marine life are living. Algae is very dangerous and toxic especially when it is already on the rocks. When algae is living on the rocks the corals won't be able to grow on it. The effects of algae are such as: Marine Life are threatened, and if algae grows on the rocks then, corals will not be able to reside there, and Corals will die if it is covered with algae.

~Currents~

1. Explain how currents contribute to the distribution of marine organisms around the planet.

~ The ocean currents control the water temperature as it is circulated continually throughout the oceans. Currents have an effect to the distribution of marine organisms around the planet.

2. The primary factor influencing ocean currents is temperature regulation. What might happen to the ocean currents (and has happened in the past) as global warming increases?

~ It is very possible to experience another ice-age due to global warming.

3. Explain how density changes cause currents.
Use google image to find a world map. Copy and paste into paint and use the drawing tools to create the currents and label them.

~ The water will become more dense when the water changes its temperature. Therefore, the colder water will ascend to the surface as this movement helps cause currents.

Virtual Chemistry Labs

Sour Foods Experiment:

Question:

*What is it that makes some foods taste so sour?

Hypothesis: (use info provided on the main web page before you open the lab)

*Foods are sour when they have high concentration of loose hydrogen atoms. (Atoms are tiny particles that make up us and everything we see around us. Atoms link together to make molecules).

Procedure: (write down the steps you took and supplies u used)

What atoms are in sour foods?

1. Click each label below the cups to make a numbered cup for each food bottle (number cups 1 through 5- having 5 food bottles & 5 cups total; 1 for each food)
2. After labeling the cups, add 5 drops of food to each cup-matching bottle number with cup number.
3. Then, add I drop of dye to each numbered cup by clicking on the cup with the dye bottle.
4. After adding 1 drop of dye to each cup, the color of the dye shows the high concentration of loose hydrogen atoms in the food.
5. Drag cups around so that they are in order from high concentration to low concentration of loose hydrogen atoms.
6. After dragging the cups to make them in order the online lab displays that by looking at the color of the dye it is obvious which number foods are most sour and which number foods are least sour. Cup ranges from cup#3, cup#4, cup#1, cup#2, cup#5 which ranges are from most sour to least sour foods.
7. By clicking on the cup it displays what foods are in each cup which are: cup#3 is lemon juice, cup#4 is vinegar, cup#1 is orange juice, cup#2 is milk, and cup#5 is water. We now know that lemon juice & vinegar have high concentration of loose hydrogen atoms and orange or apple have an intermediate concentration of loose hydrogen atoms and milk, water, & banana have a low concentration of loose hydrogen atoms.

Data: (use pictures, data tables, graphs, etc..)

Results: (what happened and why)

cup#3 is lemon juice, cup#4 is vinegar, cup#1 is orange juice,

cup#2 is milk, and cup#5 is water

*This experiment showed which foods have a high and low concentration of loose hydrogen atoms. The results are that lemon juice & vinegar have high concentration of loose hydrogen atoms, and oranges have an intermediate concentration of loose hydrogen atoms, and milk & water have a low concentration of loose hydrogen atoms. As a result the lemon juice was the most sour food and the water was the least sour food.

Explanation:

The hypothesis was proven to be true because the results were that foods with high concentration of loose hydrogen atoms are most sour and the foods with low concentration of loose hydrogen atoms are least sour. The lemon juice & vinegar have high concentration of loose hydrogen atoms, and oranges have an intermediate concentration of loose hydrogen atoms, and milk & water have a low concentration of loose hydrogen atoms. Therefore, the lemon juice was the most sour food and the water was the least sour food.

Virtual Lab Reports:

1.) What are acids and bases?
Acids are compounds that include hydrogen and can dissolve
in water to release hydrogen ions into solution. Bases are a sodium
hydroxide.
2.) What is a molecule?
Molecules are made up of tiny particles that make up everything
around us.
3.) Why is pH important in the ocean?
pH is important in the ocean because it is saturated with an important organic molecule for organisms like corals, crustaceans, and mollusks called calcium carbonate.
4.) What is an ion?
An atom or group of atoms that is electronically charged.

Holes in bread experiment:

Question:

What molecules make the holes in bread?

Hypothesis:

1. Have you ever noticed the holes in bread?
2. Look at some bread and get the holes in it.
3. Find out what molecules make this holes.(molecules are tiny particles that make up everything around us)

Procedure:

Steps:

1. Add 3 scoops of yeast to the tube. (Yeast is how we make bread)

2. Add 3 scoops of sugar to the tube. (sugar is food to the yeast)

3. Fill the tube three fourths full with warm water, by doing so we are adding 8 drops of water to the tube.

4. Use the stick to stir the yeast & sugar into the water. Keep stirring until the water is the same color as the yeast. Give time because the reaction in the tube takes a little time.

5. Shine the flashlight on the side of the tube. (look for tiny bubbles streaming up the side of the tube- the bubbles are very small)

Data:

Results:

What’s going on in the tube? Yeast is a living thing that feeds on the sugar molecule. It breaks the sugar molecule apart into new molecules. Sugar molecule >Carbon dioxide gas molecules=alcohol molecules (the carbon dioxide gas molecules make tiny bubbles)

Explanation:

The chemical reaction in the tube also happens in bread. Yeast added to bread dough breaks apart the sugar molecules in flour. The carbon dioxide gas molecules make bubbles, just like in the tube. The carbon dioxide gas bubbles are trapped in the bread dough and leaves holes when the bread is baked.

Virtual Lab Reports:

1.) What gas causes the bubbles?
Carbon dioxide gas molecules.
2.) How was the gas produced?
The yeast was feeding onto the sugar molecules, therefore
breaking the sugar molecules apart into new molecules, which is
the carbon dioxide gas molecule.
3.) How does CO2 get in the ocean?
When there is very little sink. Sink is what mops up carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Therefore without sink, carbon dioxide
will continue to get into the ocean.

Lunar Eclipse (extra credit)

The night of August 28, 2007 was magnificently beautiful! The lunar eclipse was an amazing scene. I viewed the lunar eclipse from the best site on the island of Saipan which was at Banzai cliff in Marpi (northern side of the island). While I was at Kanat Tabla (central part of the island) it was also a clear view from where I was seated outside the house. As it started my driver & I dragged all the way to Marpi me being afraid I might miss this amazing view. As we were on the highway my head was stuck out my window just watching the moon turn bloody red. It started from the left side of the moon and worked its way toward to the right as it was covered red. When we arrived at Banzai Cliff it was completely dark that I felt blind ( i was afraid something bad might happen) I could not see anything besides flashlight and car lights. There were a couple of cars already parked and some people where at the tip of the cliff viewing this magnificent view. My hubby and I sat at the back of the car and enjoyed this beautiful moon change (it was so romantic... lol :) The moon started from the left turning red towards to the right, and when the moon was bloody red, it suddenly disappeared for a few seconds than appeared back on and worked its way from right to left appearing with the normal light of the moon. The sky was so so sooo beautiful I only wished I had a telescope. The stars were so bright and when I looked behind towards to the other side of the island it was filled with lights the stars can hardly be seen. I was glad to go all the way to Marpi even though gas prices are ridiculous on the island. The stars were really shining, it was so bright and beautiful! This night is a night to remember till I die & I will share this experience with my children, family, and friends....

The Shape of Life (movie)

1) What organism is thought to be the first multi-cellular animal?

• sponge

2) How is it the same and different from animals today?

• The similarities are that the ancient sponge has a heart, have preys for it's food, and reproduces as well.
• The differences are that the cells of the sponge come together (resurrects), it has no mouth, brain, head, and the ancient sponge does not only pump for food but also pumps for sex life as well.

3) How do scientists know it's an animal?

• Because the ancient sponge has a heart, can reproduce, and captures prey for its food like how other animals do.

4) What evidence do scientists have to prove that other animals (multi-cellular) evolved from this organism?

• scientist have done research and testing and found out that the ancient sponge have DNA.

5) What more do you want to know?

• it's fascinating that the ancient sponge is a part of every living organism. This movie "The Shape of Life" made me very curious of this simple organism we call Sponge. I would like to learn more about this unique creature!

* The Shape of Life movie is an interesting one. I had no idea what organism would be the first multi-cellular animal to evolve. I've never thought it to be the ancient "Sponge", it being so plain and simple. I was guessing of an organism so complex... This movie is a great review in learning about the first multi-cellular animal to evolve. (I recommend this movie for academic purposes as well as for the fun of learning!~ Make Learning FUN!!!)

"Tide Questions"

1. What is tidal range?

A Tidal range is the difference in height between a high tide and the next low tide.

2. What causes high and low tides?

The gravitational force between the earth and the moon causes both high and low tides. A high tide is when the water on the oppostie side of the moon tends to lag behind the rigid earth, since they are attracted less strongly than average. A low tide is where the force on the water match the average pulls of the moon on the eath closely during right angles to the moon.

3. What causes Spring and Neap tides?

Tides with large range that occurs around times of the full moon are called Spring tides. While Neap tides are tides with a small range that occur when the moon is in quarter.

4. How does tidal range effect the types of organisms and the shape and size of the organisms?

Because of the tidal range, marine organisms tend to dry out
or desiccate, when exposed to air. In coping with this problem,
they either run or hide, or clam- up, or they simply allow themselves to dry up. Crabs and snails simply run and hide to stay wet and cool. Other creatures who can't run and hide, such as clams and periwinkles use the "clam- up" method to create a seal to hold water during the low tide. Other creatures who can't run, hide, or clam- up such as chitons and seaweeds simply dry up as the tide goes down and quickly recover as water wets it tissues when the tide comes in. These organisms also come in different shapes and colors to help them survive. Like the tropical snail, it has ridges on it's shell to help keep it cool and the white color on the snails help to reflect from the sunlight. Every creature's physical features and methods help them to stay alive and safe.

Tide Chart