Crustacean

Long Island Sound through several field trips to Cove Island Park, where the students become immersed in the various habitats it provides. They work with educators from Sound Waters to collect and identify different types of mollusks, fish, and crustaceans for the classroom saltwater aquarium. The children’s knowledge of marine life allows them to construct food webs and identify the interdependencies of ocean life. Each child becomes an expert on a fish of their choosing and prepares a digital…

As the amount of anthropogenic CO2 has been rising in the atmosphere, this has meant a natural rise in the levels of CO2 in the oceans. This rise can have a large effect on the natural biogeochemical cycles of the oceans. The largest effect will be seen through the acidification of the oceans. When CO2 is dissolved in seawater it increases the concentration of hydrogen ions in the ocean, which then decreases the overall pH, causing acidification. This acidification can have a detrimental effect…

A mutualistic relationship: The Manta Ray and Remora Fish The Remora Fish uses the Manta Ray as a form of transport by attaching them to their stomach. While doing so, they eat away at the small crustacean parasites (Copepods) and the epidermal tissue on the Manta Ray’s skin. Thus, the Manta Ray also benefits as the Remora Fish cleans away its bacteria. As both of these organisms benefit from either one’s services, their relationship is mutualistic…

For Native Hawaiians the entire universe and all things in it, including spirits, were natural. The land of the Hawaiian people had an abundant amount of natural resources to create materials and food to survive. The bones of their ancestral spirits were buried deep into the ground that generated food and possessed the spiritual energy to sustain families. Herb Kawainui Kane, an author and artist-historian with special interest in Hawai 'i and the South Pacific, states “Aumakua (Ancestral…

The goal of the habitat management plan for the green heron, (Butorides virescens) is to improve population. (Management actions cite) Though the green heron is a common specie in New England, but it is not frequency spotted on the campus of University of Massachusetts (UMass) because there is too much human and wildlife interaction for such a solidary bird, like the green heron. There is a lot of disturbance and loss of wetland forested areas that destroys the ideal habitat for a green heron.…

“Wealth moves like a shark over the rock-bound crustaceans of the poor and working classes”. The economic state of our nation thrives off of the positions of the poor working class, middle class, and the wealthy. A cycle takes place in this situation and that is exactly how “the rich get richer. And the poor get poorer”. Would you like to know which class system you fit into? It’s pretty easy. Ask yourself these common questions that define who we are; not just economically. How is your level…

Brum-brum-brum-brum-brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr! That is the sound of a chainsaw destroying animal and plant life after the collapse of a towering kapok tree in the Amazon. The Amazon rainforest is a massive ecosystem that scientists are still trying to uncover today. Deforestation is widespread across the world's forests. Deforestation started in the Mesolithic Period some 15,000 years ago when trees were cleared for livestock (Britannica). Deforestation has been an ongoing debate for a number of…

It’s common to feel sleepy after Thanksgiving dinner: This sleepiness is typically caused by the amino acid tryptophan, which is found in turkey. Tryptophan increases the production of serotonin: Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that can affect a variety of things, including your mood, memory and sleep. When a food containing tryptophan is consumed with carbohydrates, even more serotonin is created, which is why sleepiness is common following dinner. While eating turkey and some kind of…

Endangered eel: Anguilla Japonica Anguilla Japonica, most commonly known as the Japanese eel is classified as an endangered species whose habitat surrounds the coasts of Japan. Based on various credited sources, an analysis was performed in order to determine the likelihood of this eel to go extinct. Biological components and statistical data were taken into account and based on the observed results, it is logical to hypothesize that within a span of years this eel can go extinct. Nonetheless,…

The Galapagos Islands is best experienced on foot. There are many hiking trails such as the Darwin Trail on Genovesa Island that lead visitors to the habitats of the extraordinary wildlife, the summit of extinct volcanoes and to some of the most beautiful beaches and lagoons on the planet. Hiking the Darwin Trail Galapagos Is Birdwatcher’s Dream Hiking the Galapagos offers unprecedented contact with the wildlife that is rarely seen in the wild. A Galapagos Island cruise is your best option…