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.