Can gather in thousands
Can swim, fly, and dive
Dives in water in a minimum of 3 feet
They risk breaking their wings by diving
They are blue footed
They mate by whoever has the best dance and whoever has the bluest feet gets the blue
Thursday, October 28, 2010
The Blue Footed Boobies
Can gather in thousands
Can swim, fly, and dive
Dives in water in a minimum of 3 feet
They risk breaking their wings by diving
They are blue footed
They mate by whoever has the best dance and whoever has the bluest feet gets the blue
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Guppy Simulation
Introduction:
1. If being flashy and colorful attracts predators, why do you think guppies are so colorful?
Guppies are very colorful so they can attract female guppies and mate.
2. After viewing the guppy gallery, pick the fish you find most interesting. What is the fish’s scientific name, origin and average size? Describe the coloration of the fish you chose.
Common Name: Guppy or Millions Fish
Scientific: Poecilia reticulata
Origin: Brazil
Ave. Size: 1.4" or 3.5 cm
Coloration: Navy blue base, mottled pink, orange, and green. It has a green fin and bright fanned out tail.
3. After viewing the predator gallery, pick the fish you find most interesting. What is the fish’s common name, scientific name, and origin?
Common Name: Pike cichild
Scientific: Crenicichla alta
Origin: Trinidad and Latin America
4. View the guppy’s habitats, what habitat conditions would affect the predator populations?
If the habitat is a deep stream, then the predator populations will be very high. In a small dam habitat, predator populations would be little to none because there would be no room for predator movement. In a medium-small damthere would be a bearable predator population because there would be more room for predators to move around. Only small predators such as the rivulus could prosper in a shallow stream habitat.
Endler’s Discovery and Variations of Guppy’s in Pools
5. Who is John Endler? What did he study and where did he study it?
John Endler is an evolutionary biologist who studied Trinidad's wild guppies, probably in Trinidad. He studied guppie distribution, size, color, and spot sizes.
6. For each of the three stream areas, describe the guppy coloration:
Pool 1: The average male coloration would be very bright with lots of colors and large spots. There were very few predators, so guppies are able to have as flamboyant colors as they want.
Pool 2: In this pool there is a moderate predator population, so the average color is medium on the body and tail with medium spots.
Pool 3: There is very dull coloration in the guppies here because there is a high predator population. This means the guppies need to keep the colors and vibrancy to a bare minimum.
7. Develop your own hypothesis about guppy coloration. The hypothesis should answer the questions: Why do guppies in different areas of the stream have difference in coloration? (You can choose from the list on the simulation, or make up your own)
If there is a higher predator population in one area, then the guppies need to have a drabber/duller coloration because they will be eaten if they stand out too much.
If there is a lower predator population in another area, then the guppies can have very bright colors because they won't be eaten as frequently.
If the predator population is medium then so is the guppy coloration because they may be eaten or they may not.
8. Describe how predators influence guppy coloration.
Predators influence the guppy coloration by making it brighter or drabber. If the predator population is high, then the guppy coloration is dull. If the predator population is low, then the guppy coloration is vibrant.
9. Was your hypothesis correct, use your data to justify your answer.
Yes it was correct because the data showed exactly what we had predicted. The coloration of the guppies was brighter with a smaller predator population. The coloration was also duller with a higher predator population. Lastly, when there was an even predator/guppy population there was medium coloration.
10. What does it mean that “male guppies live in a crossfire between their enemies and their would be mates”?
It means that male guppies live in situations where certain things are conflicting. For example they can either have a good fitness by being very bright and mating. Or they can be very dull and be able to camouflage from their predators. They can have one or the other, not both. So to be able to mate they are in danger of being spotted and becoming prey. By being dull they are in danger of not attracting a mate.
11. Why do you think guppies in different areas of the stream have different coloration?
The higher predator population in one area, the guppies need to have a drabber/duller coloration because they will be eaten if they stand out too much. The lower predator population in another area, the guppies can have very bright colors because they won't be eaten as frequently. The predator population is medium then so is the guppy coloration because they may be eaten or they may not.
12. What would happen to mostly drab guppies that were placed in a stream with very few predators?
They probably would be overpopulated because they would not have a high chance of being eaten by a predator anyways since they are so drab, but now that there are so few predators there would be an abundance of drab guppies.
13. What would happen to brightly colored guppies that were placed in a stream with many predators?
Their population might diminish because their flamboyancy would attract predators, and since there are a lot of predators, there will be very few guppies. Since they will all be eaten.
1. If being flashy and colorful attracts predators, why do you think guppies are so colorful?
Guppies are very colorful so they can attract female guppies and mate.
2. After viewing the guppy gallery, pick the fish you find most interesting. What is the fish’s scientific name, origin and average size? Describe the coloration of the fish you chose.
Common Name: Guppy or Millions Fish
Scientific: Poecilia reticulata
Origin: Brazil
Ave. Size: 1.4" or 3.5 cm
Coloration: Navy blue base, mottled pink, orange, and green. It has a green fin and bright fanned out tail.
3. After viewing the predator gallery, pick the fish you find most interesting. What is the fish’s common name, scientific name, and origin?
Common Name: Pike cichild
Scientific: Crenicichla alta
Origin: Trinidad and Latin America
4. View the guppy’s habitats, what habitat conditions would affect the predator populations?
If the habitat is a deep stream, then the predator populations will be very high. In a small dam habitat, predator populations would be little to none because there would be no room for predator movement. In a medium-small damthere would be a bearable predator population because there would be more room for predators to move around. Only small predators such as the rivulus could prosper in a shallow stream habitat.
Endler’s Discovery and Variations of Guppy’s in Pools
5. Who is John Endler? What did he study and where did he study it?
John Endler is an evolutionary biologist who studied Trinidad's wild guppies, probably in Trinidad. He studied guppie distribution, size, color, and spot sizes.
6. For each of the three stream areas, describe the guppy coloration:
Pool 1: The average male coloration would be very bright with lots of colors and large spots. There were very few predators, so guppies are able to have as flamboyant colors as they want.
Pool 2: In this pool there is a moderate predator population, so the average color is medium on the body and tail with medium spots.
Pool 3: There is very dull coloration in the guppies here because there is a high predator population. This means the guppies need to keep the colors and vibrancy to a bare minimum.
7. Develop your own hypothesis about guppy coloration. The hypothesis should answer the questions: Why do guppies in different areas of the stream have difference in coloration? (You can choose from the list on the simulation, or make up your own)
If there is a higher predator population in one area, then the guppies need to have a drabber/duller coloration because they will be eaten if they stand out too much.
If there is a lower predator population in another area, then the guppies can have very bright colors because they won't be eaten as frequently.
If the predator population is medium then so is the guppy coloration because they may be eaten or they may not.
Guppy Simulation Summary
% of Brightest Guppies | % of Bright Guppies (10 generations) | % of Drab Guppies (10 generations) | % of DrabbestGuppies (10 generations) | |
Trial 1 Guppy: Even Mix | 50% | 25% | 12% | 14% |
Trial 2 Guppy: Even Mix | 24% | 48% | 17% | 11% |
Trial 3 Guppy: Even Mix | 23% | 13% | 16% | 48% |
Trial 4 Guppy: Mostly Bright | 64% | 26% | 5% | 4% |
Trial 5 Guppy: Mostly Drab | 3% | 8% | 27% | 63% |
Predators influence the guppy coloration by making it brighter or drabber. If the predator population is high, then the guppy coloration is dull. If the predator population is low, then the guppy coloration is vibrant.
9. Was your hypothesis correct, use your data to justify your answer.
Yes it was correct because the data showed exactly what we had predicted. The coloration of the guppies was brighter with a smaller predator population. The coloration was also duller with a higher predator population. Lastly, when there was an even predator/guppy population there was medium coloration.
10. What does it mean that “male guppies live in a crossfire between their enemies and their would be mates”?
It means that male guppies live in situations where certain things are conflicting. For example they can either have a good fitness by being very bright and mating. Or they can be very dull and be able to camouflage from their predators. They can have one or the other, not both. So to be able to mate they are in danger of being spotted and becoming prey. By being dull they are in danger of not attracting a mate.
11. Why do you think guppies in different areas of the stream have different coloration?
The higher predator population in one area, the guppies need to have a drabber/duller coloration because they will be eaten if they stand out too much. The lower predator population in another area, the guppies can have very bright colors because they won't be eaten as frequently. The predator population is medium then so is the guppy coloration because they may be eaten or they may not.
12. What would happen to mostly drab guppies that were placed in a stream with very few predators?
They probably would be overpopulated because they would not have a high chance of being eaten by a predator anyways since they are so drab, but now that there are so few predators there would be an abundance of drab guppies.
13. What would happen to brightly colored guppies that were placed in a stream with many predators?
Their population might diminish because their flamboyancy would attract predators, and since there are a lot of predators, there will be very few guppies. Since they will all be eaten.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Biodiversity
What are ways in which preserving biodiversity locally might have a global effect?
When we are not cutting down trees and using other resources we don't need the trees from rain forests which is global. "Rain forests, for example, contribute both to the process of soil formation and help to regulate the climate through photosynthesis – both producing oxygen and absorbing carbon dioxide. Wetlands act as sponge-like reservoirs in dry weather and help to filter and purify water. Coral reefs and mangrove swamps protect the land that they surround by reducing the effects of erosion."-link http://www.ypte.org.uk/environmental/biodiversity/2 If you were in a rainforest, your local rainforest, the act of preserving it will effect the world globally so that there will be more trees to inhale the carbon dioxide which will help get rid of the massive amounts of carbon dioxide!
How does habitat destruction and loss of species effect more than just one area?
When a habitat is destructed and there is a loss of species this could in fact harm the food chain of other places with the lack of food which would then spread to not enough food and that causes a reaction in many areas according to what the species eats and where they get their food from.
How does preserving biodiversity enhance the life of people?
When preserving biodiversity this enhances the life of people because since things are like cycles they usually end up with humans at one point or another. For example, the ocean contains many life forms that feed off of another and usually end up with fish which we eat that which can enhance our food so our life too!
When we are not cutting down trees and using other resources we don't need the trees from rain forests which is global. "Rain forests, for example, contribute both to the process of soil formation and help to regulate the climate through photosynthesis – both producing oxygen and absorbing carbon dioxide. Wetlands act as sponge-like reservoirs in dry weather and help to filter and purify water. Coral reefs and mangrove swamps protect the land that they surround by reducing the effects of erosion."-link http://www.ypte.org.uk/environmental/biodiversity/2 If you were in a rainforest, your local rainforest, the act of preserving it will effect the world globally so that there will be more trees to inhale the carbon dioxide which will help get rid of the massive amounts of carbon dioxide!
How does habitat destruction and loss of species effect more than just one area?
When a habitat is destructed and there is a loss of species this could in fact harm the food chain of other places with the lack of food which would then spread to not enough food and that causes a reaction in many areas according to what the species eats and where they get their food from.
How does preserving biodiversity enhance the life of people?
When preserving biodiversity this enhances the life of people because since things are like cycles they usually end up with humans at one point or another. For example, the ocean contains many life forms that feed off of another and usually end up with fish which we eat that which can enhance our food so our life too!
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Gases and Climate Change
1.Combustion Demo
Hypothesis of Combustion Demo: If the rubbing alcohol ignites properly, then the blue flame will come out then have some black in the bottle. Observation of combustion Demo: The bottle flew across the table 8 feet to the right and blue flame exploded out of the cap of the bottle and inside the bottle is a coat of black from the flame.
Combustion: Carbon dioxide comes from the breathing of living things. Nitrous oxide comes from the tropical forest. Methane comes from the remains of ruminants and termites. Water Vapour is the gaseous form of water.
2.Carbon Dioxide Gas Demo
Hypothesis Carbon Dioxide Gas: If the fizzing baking soda and the vinegar that formed the CO2 gas the flame will then make it turn blue and orange. Observation of Carbon Dioxide: The fizzy stuff carbon dioxide put out the flame because the candle needs oxygen to live and carbon dioxide doesn't have oxygen. Post on about article: I think it is very interesting about the global warming that Oceans have long been considered to be a sink for atmospheric carbon. And if it is releasing CO2 as a result of warming temperatures, the CO2 should be decreasing in the oceans. This kind of shocking to me that there is so much carbon dioxide in the world and I havn't even notice it probably because I don't think about it. I am definitely am more aware of it.
3.Hydrogen Gas Demo
Hypothesis Hydrogen Gas: The flame wil ignite because the hydrogen gas has oxygen inside of it. Observation of Hydrogen Gas: The Metal zinc was put into the Hydrogen and a chemical reaction was caused and the fire stayed until all of the zinc solid was gone and had made a bubbling sound. It is interesting that hydrogen is not an energy source, but a energy carrier. I never thought hydrogen was so flammable either.
4. Air Pressure Demo
Hypothesis Air Pressure: If the air pressure in the can will stop vapouring when it is out into the icebath. Observation Air Pressure: My hypothesis was correct niching happened the vapor stopped once put into the ice bath. Hypothesis Air Pressure: Once the can is turned right side up and put into the ice bath there will be a sizzle steam. Observation Air Pressure:The air pressure squeezed the can and crushed it. Differences between tests: the air pressure was trapped when the hole in the can when it hit ice water. We created a vacuum. The fact that "Researchers have found that changes in air pressure over the past 50 years bear the fingerprint of human influence." It is sad to me because we could you could have made a difference and yet we haven't and we are paying for it heavily now. It is interesting though, that air pressure has such an effect on the world.
Hypothesis of Combustion Demo: If the rubbing alcohol ignites properly, then the blue flame will come out then have some black in the bottle. Observation of combustion Demo: The bottle flew across the table 8 feet to the right and blue flame exploded out of the cap of the bottle and inside the bottle is a coat of black from the flame.
Combustion: Carbon dioxide comes from the breathing of living things. Nitrous oxide comes from the tropical forest. Methane comes from the remains of ruminants and termites. Water Vapour is the gaseous form of water.
2.Carbon Dioxide Gas Demo
Hypothesis Carbon Dioxide Gas: If the fizzing baking soda and the vinegar that formed the CO2 gas the flame will then make it turn blue and orange. Observation of Carbon Dioxide: The fizzy stuff carbon dioxide put out the flame because the candle needs oxygen to live and carbon dioxide doesn't have oxygen. Post on about article: I think it is very interesting about the global warming that Oceans have long been considered to be a sink for atmospheric carbon. And if it is releasing CO2 as a result of warming temperatures, the CO2 should be decreasing in the oceans. This kind of shocking to me that there is so much carbon dioxide in the world and I havn't even notice it probably because I don't think about it. I am definitely am more aware of it.
3.Hydrogen Gas Demo
Hypothesis Hydrogen Gas: The flame wil ignite because the hydrogen gas has oxygen inside of it. Observation of Hydrogen Gas: The Metal zinc was put into the Hydrogen and a chemical reaction was caused and the fire stayed until all of the zinc solid was gone and had made a bubbling sound. It is interesting that hydrogen is not an energy source, but a energy carrier. I never thought hydrogen was so flammable either.
4. Air Pressure Demo
Hypothesis Air Pressure: If the air pressure in the can will stop vapouring when it is out into the icebath. Observation Air Pressure: My hypothesis was correct niching happened the vapor stopped once put into the ice bath. Hypothesis Air Pressure: Once the can is turned right side up and put into the ice bath there will be a sizzle steam. Observation Air Pressure:The air pressure squeezed the can and crushed it. Differences between tests: the air pressure was trapped when the hole in the can when it hit ice water. We created a vacuum. The fact that "Researchers have found that changes in air pressure over the past 50 years bear the fingerprint of human influence." It is sad to me because we could you could have made a difference and yet we haven't and we are paying for it heavily now. It is interesting though, that air pressure has such an effect on the world.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Ten Years of the Chernobyl Era Questions
1) If the chemicals were different in the explosion (not really nuclear,) how do you think this would have changed the explosion in history?
2) Why couldn't people eat crops during this time for the residents of nearby countries?
3) How do you think this explosion could have been prevented from happening?
4) What was the number of deaths in Ukraine? How do you think these deaths could have been prevented?
5) Do you think it was a good idea to have a competition to determine a long-term solution to cover the explosion cite?
2) Why couldn't people eat crops during this time for the residents of nearby countries?
3) How do you think this explosion could have been prevented from happening?
4) What was the number of deaths in Ukraine? How do you think these deaths could have been prevented?
5) Do you think it was a good idea to have a competition to determine a long-term solution to cover the explosion cite?
Monday, August 30, 2010
Love Canal Debate (Questions)
1) Are you sure that this area is fully isolated from any contact with humans, houses, and animals?
2) Would you live right next a once toxic dump that seeped toxic mud into peoples' basements?
3) Do you trust in the protective layering and cap on the Love Canal?
4) Do you have any relatives with birth defects?
5) Do you care about Love Canal?
6) Why are you a citizen,scientist,OC petroleum, environmentalist, or Mayor of Love Canal?
2) Would you live right next a once toxic dump that seeped toxic mud into peoples' basements?
3) Do you trust in the protective layering and cap on the Love Canal?
4) Do you have any relatives with birth defects?
5) Do you care about Love Canal?
6) Why are you a citizen,scientist,OC petroleum, environmentalist, or Mayor of Love Canal?
8-30-10 Catalyst
1.) What caused the toxic waste to begin being pushed to the surface?
There was a blizzard that caused snow to be under the "clay pit." Their spring had come early, and the snow turned to water. And the water started going through it and started oozing out as black mud filled with chemicals.
2.) What are some of the health hazards associated with the chemicals dumped there?
No one was sure about what was in the mud, or the health risks and long-term affects. But deadly dioxins were found. Health hazards such as birth defects and un clean drinking and bathing water was what the mud created. Also, cancer, liver problems, clef pallet, and usually these birth defects are many at a time. This was the beginning of frustration.
3.) Besides humans how are other parts of the ecosystem affected by this?
The Love Canal created a grassland area on top of the chemicals, animals that live in grasslands might have been fooled by the top grass layer of the toxic dump. Also, the mud started moving north ending up into the creeks. And, animals could be using the mud filled creek as a home or drinking water.
There was a blizzard that caused snow to be under the "clay pit." Their spring had come early, and the snow turned to water. And the water started going through it and started oozing out as black mud filled with chemicals.
2.) What are some of the health hazards associated with the chemicals dumped there?
No one was sure about what was in the mud, or the health risks and long-term affects. But deadly dioxins were found. Health hazards such as birth defects and un clean drinking and bathing water was what the mud created. Also, cancer, liver problems, clef pallet, and usually these birth defects are many at a time. This was the beginning of frustration.
3.) Besides humans how are other parts of the ecosystem affected by this?
The Love Canal created a grassland area on top of the chemicals, animals that live in grasslands might have been fooled by the top grass layer of the toxic dump. Also, the mud started moving north ending up into the creeks. And, animals could be using the mud filled creek as a home or drinking water.
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