Tuesday, December 11, 2007
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.
"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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~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.
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.
***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?
--> 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
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
~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
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
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
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