Algae

If you had to take a bet on which animal would survive the longest, which organism would you bet on? The squid has very good attacking and escaping methods, along with reproducing. The worm has adapted well because of its digestive and reproductive abilities. Squids have also lived longer than segmented worms by millions of years. They have found ways to adapt to their specific environment such as underground and deep in the ocean. The squid is the most successful organism against the worm…

Snorkeling Honolua Bay, Maui, Hawaii Honolua Bay is a part of Honolua-Mokuleia Marine Conservation District. It is an incredible spot with a breathtaking underwater world and picturesque landscapes around. Honolua Maui is adored by snorkelers from all corners of the world for its amazing formations of corals, a plethora of colorful fish including famed Humuhumunukunukuapuaa and Green Hawaiian Sea Turtles. Honolua Bay Map Honolua Bay is quite big. The water may be accessed from the beach, by…

The Crown of Thorns starfish (Acanthaster Planci) Anjali Barnes 2016 Ms. Lee 9X Acanthaster planci Introduction The Crown of Thorns starfish, or Acanthaster Planci, is one of the largest threats to the Great Barrier Reef. The starfish, also known as COTS, can have up to 21 arms, each with hundreds of toxic spines. They move by expanding and contracting these feet, and feed on hard coral. Abiotic features are non-living or physical factors and can have a large effect on the Great Barrier Reef…

The article “Forecasted Coral Reef Decline in Marine Biodiversity Hotspots under Climate Change” examines the suitability of habitats for coral reef development and growth concerning mainly the factor of thermal tolerance. Coral reefs are home to many species and these habitats are key for maintaining biodiversity, yet under climate change this highly diverse system is very vulnerable, especially to changing sea surface temperatures. A slight increase in sea surface temperature can lead to mass…

Acropora Millepora is just one of the many types of coral species in the world that are affected by coral bleaching. As the previous section looked at the organismal level of these particular species, this section will now take the perspective at the population level. Population ecology is defined in the book of Environmental Science as “ the study of factors that cause populations to increase or decrease” ( Friedland 151). These factors may include what enables species to thrive in a certain…

An organism discovered on the Japanese seashore behaves as a predator and a plant in a bizarre lifecycle that may bring biologists closer to understanding how chloroplasts became part of plant cells, according to a study from the University of Tsukuba. Before understanding how this mysterious single-celled organism works, it had to be given a proper scientific name. Analysis of its cellular structure and genetic profile showed that it is most closely related to organisms assigned to the genus…

Dolphins are one of the most interesting animals in the marine life. From the way they communicate with each other, to their friendly way around other animals or humans, these animals are pretty well known in the marine world. The name dolphin comes from the Greek word delphis which means “fish with a womb”. Dolphins belong to the taxonomic category “Odontoceti” which also means “toothed whale”. Dolphins match these characteristics of an “Odontoceti”, such as, they have teeth and a single…

Although home aquariums make a beautiful addition and present many health benefits to families, they can also bring added danger. As the emergence of marine toxins increase, medical professionals advise aquarium enthusiasts to be mindful of a little-known risk that comes with purchasing and maintaining coral. In specific, zoanthids, which contain a hidden poison called palytoxin. Over the years, the media has released several case studies regarding individuals and families who have become…

Today we planted around 100 mangrove plants in tidal swamp. The area has been taken over by invasives recently, which outcompetes the mangroves that are so vital to the ecosystem. The mangroves provide habitat for many species of birds and fish, unlike the invasive plant. Destroying mangrove habitat for poorly planned rice farms allowed invasives to take over and seriously harm mangrove populations, which means there’s less habitat and more erosion. This is an example of how the placement of…

Recently, Betta splendens, otherwise known as bettas or Siamese fighting fish, have grown into one of the most popular ornamental fish (Monvises et al. 2009). More and more fish enthusiasts are adopting betta fish, meaning the fish are being kept in aquariums away from their evolutionarily fundamental habitats. These fish are originally from rice paddies and swampy areas in Thailand and other Southeast Asia countries (Jaroensutasinee and Jaroensutansinee 2001). Consequently, they have evolved in…