Squidward Dissection

Every Friday my Biology class seems to be getting into the routine of doing a dissection. These hands on examinations are very extravagant and such a great way for me to learn more about these animals, espectially with such neat creatures. The goal of this lab was to investigate and identify the external and internal components of our squid to help us further learn about this animal. Looking at the external elements of this organisnm uplcose was super COOL! because I have only ever seen this type of a cephlapod in movies. After observing the external part of the squid we then proceeded to slice open the outer layer with a scalpel carefully avoiding puncutring any of the internal parts before spreading it apart. Locating the different internal components of the squid we were able to connect what we had learned in class with this Kinesthetic experience. For example we learned about the ink jet in class and how it allows the squid to camoflaouge and escape from predatory animals. During the disection we were able to find the funnel in which the ink shoots out of. On another group's squid and fully comprehend how it excretes the ink. Some other cool things we learned in class with the help of notes and videos was that the squid has a highly developed brain and advance vision making it one of the smartest creatures in the sea.

These dissections have truly helped me understand more about these organisms and how they survive because it shows me the special adaptations and formations in which anmimals use in their everyday lives. They have made me realize that I am a hands on learner who needs to visualize lessons in order to comprehend them fully. Overall the dissection was worth while even though it turned the classroom into a smelly learning envrionment. I CAN'T WAIT TO SEE WHAT WE GET TO DISSECT NEXT!!!!!

1) The squid I dissected had 2 arms and 8 tentacles.

2) The arm is better for grabbing prey and holding onto them, as well as latching onto surfaces like cave walls.
Tentacles are shorter and quicker which is why they help more with locomotion.

3. Water comes out the back of the funnel propelling the squid forward.

4)Two external features that are adaptations for the squid's predatory life include tentacles which help the squid grasp things and feed on things. Another adaptation is the waterjet helps for proulsion and movement.

 

5) Suids and mollusks share a body cavity (colem) and botha re bilaterally symmetrical.

1) The squid has 2 gills. Marking them is the green arrows.



2) The inc sac empties into the waterjet. The function is to distract and escape predators acting as a defense system.

3. The function of the pen is to stabilize the squid when swimming. Without the pen the squid would loose its shape and eventually collapse.



4.Waste exits through the anus then the water jet..

Earthworm DIssection

Annelid (earthworm) Dissection

Last Friday on November 30th our Biology 11 class was given the chancee to dissect earthworms. Between each pair we got one worm and we had to pin it down and carefully slice it open so we could investigate and explore the inner core of the earthworm . Having us observe the inside of real earthworms was an interactive and exciting way for us to learn more about how the digestive, nervous, circulatory and reproductive systems work and what they really look like. After doing this dissection I found that I had a better understanding of segmented worms and it was a good learning tool in addition to the information we had learned in class. In class we had learned about the different parts of the digestive system such as the mouth, the esophagus, the pharynx, the crop, the gizzard, the intestine and the anus. When we opened up the worm we were able to see all of these parts and the track that the food and soil it ate would travel. We had also learned about it's circulatory system in class. We found out that they have five "hearts" or pairs of aortic arches and these we found inside the body as well. In our notes we learned the biological role of earthworms and how they are composters that help turn organic matter into fertile soil. When we opened the worm my partner and I opened up the intestine and we could see the soil that was travelling towards the anus and being turned into a fertilizer. At first I found cutting open an earthworm a little bit gross but seeing all the knowledge we had learned happening inside this body really helped me understand the information more.

1. The pumping organs of an earthworm are pairs of aortic arches, or hearts.

2. The earthworms food enters through the mouth, goes into the pharynx, enters the area between the pharynx and the crop which is called the esophagus, then it enters the crop where the food is stored for a little while, next it is broken up in the gizzard, then it goes through the intestine where it's body absorbs the nutrients and lastly the waste passes through the anus.
3. There is one pair of ganglia above the pharynx which act as the brain of the earthworm and are connected to the rest of the body by the ventral nerve chord.




4. The two parts of the earthworms excretory system that we saw were the nephridia and the anus.



5. To find out if an earthworm eats soil you can open up the intestine and see what is inside of it.



6. The setae help with the earthworm's movement through their dirt environment. Without the setae they wouldn't be able to move very well.



7. The earthworm's digestive system is able to absorb all the nutrients from the food it eats and turn the soil and other waste into a fertilizer.
8. If we were to dissect the earthworm to the posterior end we would have seen the remainder of the intestine, the anus, the rest of the ventral nerve chord and some of the nerves coming off of it. 




9. Earthworms are hermaphroditic, they contain both eggs and sperm. When they are ready to be released from the body the eggs exit through the female genital pores and e sperm go through the male genital pores. Each worm has a clitellum which protects the eggs in a cocoon structure. When an earthworm wants to reproduce they attach to another worm and exchange sperm, which travels into the seminal receptacles of its mate

Flat Worms

Flatworms

Genus: Pseudoceros

Species: dimidiatus

Authority: von Graff, 1893

Family: Pseudocerotidae

Order: Polycladida

Location: Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

Genus: Pseudoceros

Species: jebborum

Authority: Newman & Cannon, 1994

Family: Pseudocerotidae

Order: Polycladida

Location: Honokohau, Hawai'i

Genus: Pseudoceros

Species: gratus

Authority: Kato, 1937

Family: Pseudocerotidae

Order: Polycladida

Location: Palea Point, O'ahu, Hawaii

Vancouver Aquarium

Aquarium Field Trip!!!!

I hope it’s not just me but this aquarium trip has got me so stoked I could barely sleep on the night of. On a chilly November 22/ 2012, my class ventured off on a field trip. as everyone knows at Fleetwood Park we do not receive many field trips so when we do, we must treasure them and make the best of them. "Bickering, Screaming, Hollering" were only of the few words i would have used to describe the hours bus ride to the Aquarium.

As we entered the Aquarium you could tell you were in a world of sea, not from all the tanks with big snakes, fish, jelly fish etc. but the smell and breeze of the animals rushed right into my nose as if this is where i strive to be.

In Biology class, we have moved on from fungi to different types of marine animals such as cnidarians. We learnt about the four phyla and what some look like. I believe the purpose of the trip was to incorporate that visual aspect. Not only did we get to see real living and breathing cnidarians, we got to further expand our knowledge about them. We also learnt how to protect these animals and got to see with our own eyes how they move. With the "Wet Lab" my class got to touch some starfish, sea cucumbers and sea urchins. My all-time favourite animal during this exercise had to be the sea cucumber. As they say don’t judge a book by its cover this sea cucumber stunned me with the soft squishiness of its body. The look of this cucumber is very miss leading. as you glance amongst the sea cucumber it seems as if the points on its back would be very hard and would hurt to the touch. In Fact the whole sea cucumber felt like Jello!!!

On scene, we were given a scavenger hunt to fulfill by the end of the day. It had various questions that asked us to explore the entire aquarium. The array of different animals, including monkeys, was breathtaking. I watched the Beluga show and not only did I learn about Belugas, I got to see tricks and get tips on saving the environment. I never knew such a small change could make such a big impact in the health of marine life and other animals.

What we learn in Biology class is to not only test our knowledge and skill or memorizing a magnitude of terms.  but also to open our eyes to the world through learning about basic organisms such as lichen, to more complex organisms like the tiger. We also learn to create awareness, a basis to teach future generations on how to sustain out earth. I believe that the aquarium hits that goal because I was moved by the knowledge I read about sustainability and how I can take part in saving our planet and making spreading my look on how to save the world to teach others.

SCAVENGER HUNT!!! :)

Describe the symbiotic relationship between Clown Fish and Anemone:
 

Clown fish have have very similar cells as an anemone; therefore, they can not be stung. The Clown Fish in exchange use the anemone as a habitat. In return, the clown fish cleans the anemone and lures in potential prey.

Why do Sea Otters spend so much time cleaning their coats?
 

Inorder to stay warm in the chilly water, sea otters constantly clean their pelt therefore trapping air acting as blubber. Only a clean fur can have this outer "skin" of air.

Before the 1900s, here could you find Sea Otters? When were they reintroduced?

Many were found in either Alaska or Amchtka Island. Because of their gorgeous pelts, they were hunted and neared extinction The sea otters were then protected and mated until their reintroduction in 1969- 1970.

What colour were the sea anemones next to the Sea Otters' tank?

The sea anemones are this beautiful bright green colour.

What is your favourite invertebrate and describe what adaptations it has for survival.

My favourite invertebrate would have to be the jellyfish. I enjoy the various looks and colours they have. The one to the right reflects light and creates a rainbow surface on their epidermis. The one below is the Japanese Sea Nettle. It is known to "sneeze" from expelling a harpoon like spear into the attacker's body.

 

What is the scientific name for a Belgua? How many are there in the aquarium?

The scientific name is Delphinaplerus Leucus and currently, two inhabit the tank.







Find the potbelly seahorses. Describe how the move.

Unfortunately the potbelly seahorse tank was taken out but instead we found a different species of seahorses; however, the movement seems to be the same. They extend their tail then curl it back it. This propels their selves forward.





Find and write down the name of an organism that looks like the human nervous system organ.

The Pacfic Stinging Nettle because of all its nematocysts that look very similar to the nerves that make up the human nervous system. 

 

 



Find a Starry Flounder. What two interesting adaptations does it have?

This type of fish are flat thus making it easier to camouflage itself in the sand along with it's colouring. He can hide from predators and lurk for prey.





Find the Moon Jellies. Describe their movement. What adaptations do the have for feeding on plankton. 

You can say that moon jellies waft through the water by tensing and relaxing their "head".  This allows plankton to be sucked into the moon jelly and digested for nourishment.

 

Find the Pacific Octopus. What purpose do the white suction cups on it's arms have? Why is it known as one of nature's best predators? 

The suction cups are used for moment and to grab a hold of prey. Its considered one of nature's best predators because of its ability to hide in small places and camouflage itself.

               

What are the different types of feeding types in the Stellar Sea Loins?

Stellar Sea Lions eat squid and fish. In order to obtain a meal, they hunt but chasing the prey in large groups.

 

Take a walk to the Amazon Rain Forest. Find the Caiman. Where did it come from 

The Caiman is found in countries such as Brazil, Argentina, Bolivia and Paraguay.

Describe the colour of the of the crocodile. Why do you think that this is good survival strategy?

The colour appears to be green, grey and a brownish colour. This would be excellent for camouflaging itself for not only protection, but also for stalking prey.

What is the name of the largest fish in the aquarium?





They call them Arapaima. 

They can grow up to an astonishing

3 meters long

Find the vegatrain fish in the Amazon flooded forest. What is it's name? What does it eat?

The Red Hook Silver Dollar. Its meal is the seeds off of riverside shrubs.

When are the piranhas the biggest threat to humans?

When we are forced to remove the hooks from the piranhas mouth. Don't want to lose a finger!

 

 

Find the sharks. How many bones do they have?

Sharks amazingly have no bones. They have cartilage instead of bones.

Name other organisms that live in the tank with the sharks.

Green Sea Turle, Blacktip Reef Shark, 

 

White Spotted Bamboo shark, Stringray,

 

 Laced Moray, Common Bluestripe Snapper, 

Redtail Butterfly fish, Yellowface Angelfish
 and the Indo-Pacific Sergeant.




Find the scientific name for the Giant Red Sea Urchin. Describe an adaptation the urchin has for survival in its aquatic environment. 



The scientific name is Strongylocentrotus 

Francisconus.

The adaptation is the spikes on the outer part of the urchin. This wares away predators.

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

How do Archerfish find their food?

Once they detect an insect, the shoot a jet blast of water and drowns them. Then the munch up their meal. Unique!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fhBZ40jIo4Q WATCH :)

Find the name of the Sea Turtle in the Tropic Zone.

The Sea Turtle's scientific name is Cheloina Mydas.





Fungi walk

Dear Blogger Mates,


My Biology 11 class is now beginning to learn about the different types of animals as part of our invertebrate unit. We will be learning about lots of exciting, extrordinary types of animals. As a further study and more hands on activities took place Ms.Iannone my Biolody 11 teacher thought it would be a great chance for us to travel an actual eco-system and have a more hands on look and feel of how and where the funguses etc live and what kind of environment and position they take part in. She took us to the Fleetwoood Park Forest just across the field of our school to explore and have a miniature scavenger hunt to find as many fungi as we could on the list of funguses she handed to us. as we traveled the forest Matthew and I found a whole ton of extrordinary types of fungi. from jelly to fungi that looks like stairs. since fungi is very susceptible to pollution i suspected we would find nearly nothing since pollution in the world  is at a very high amount right now. Instead i found endless amounts of dieerent fungis. Although these fungi are very amusing and eye catching they may not loook harmfull but some funguses can cause hospitalization or sometimes even death and in goofy situations the santa clas mushroom can cause the same hallucinations as the ones you would have recieved if you have consumed the drug "mushrooms". at the beginning of this unit when we found out we may have to touch fungi i was sickened because unlike some people i do not like fungi but as we learn more about the fungus and fungi the less im afraid and as of now im completely fine with touch fungi. Fungi is a very cool source of information from being such a tiny little growth fungi is unremarkable. Growing all over the world, fuingi can look like anything. colours that some Fungus contains is beautiful from bright neon to deep darker colors this lichen looks like a beautiful painting someone has painted. As i keep talking about fungi i may want to tell you that talk to an expert beforte mushroom picking and fungi touching because although some fungi will look  harmless i n could be the death cap your touching which causes over 90% of mushroom related deaths in a year. Saying all of this here are some photos on fungus.