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.