Galapagos Adaption

The Frigatebird is a bird commonly found on the Galapagos Islands. One of the more noticeable features of the bird is the red balloon that covers it's chest. This balloon is used for attracting a mate and is only found on the males.

Another

Guppies

1. If being flashy and colorful attracts predators, why do you think guppies are so colorful?
I think guppies are colorful because they use their coloration to attract a 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.
Scientific Name: Poecilia Ruticulata
Origin: Brazil
Average Size: 1.4"
Coloration: The coloration consists of a clash of blues, yellows, black, and red.

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: Fat Sleeper
Scientific Name: Dormitator Maculatas
Origin: South North America, Bahamas, and Latin America

4. View the guppy’s habitats, what habitat conditions would affect the predator populations?
The conditions that may affect the predators could be the focus of the Guppy population, the presence of a dam, or the overall population of the Guppies in the stream.

5. Who is John Endler? What did he study and where did he study it?
Professor John A. Endler is an ethologist and evolutionary biologist noted for his work on the adaptation of vertebrates. He is most cited for the study of Guppies. He most likely studied Guppies for he wanted to learn why there are trends in coloration.

6. For each of the three stream areas, describe the guppy coloration:

Pool 1: Brightly colored with large spots

Pool 2: Medium coloration on body and tail, with medium-sized spots

Pool 3: Drab coloration, very small spots concentrated near tail


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)
Guppies have different coloration depending on the concentration of predators and the need for camouflage.

8. Describe how predators influence guppy coloration.
Predators influence coloration by having the Guppies change their coloration to better hide themselves with camouflage.

9. Was your hypothesis correct, use your data to justify your answer.
It was correct as the more predators there were, the more drab (camouflaged) Guppies there would be.

10. What does it mean that “male guppies live in a crossfire between their enemies and their would be mates”?
It means that the brighter the Guppy is, the more likely the Guppy will find a mate, and the predator will find the Guppy and vice versa.

11. Why do you think guppies in different areas of the stream have different coloration?
I think Guppies in different areas have different coloration because there are often more predators at the end of the stream than at the beginning. This means there is a larger need for Guppies to be camouflaged in areas with larger amounts of predators and vice versa.



12. What would happen to mostly drab guppies that were placed in a stream with very few predators?



13. What would happen to brightly colored guppies that were placed in a stream with many predators?

Biodiversity

1. Local preservation can affect the global environment in a number of ways including killing a population of migrating fish that are a supply of food across the world or a local extinction can affect reproduction with a population of the same species across continents.

2. Habitat destruction can affect multiple areas by causing a newly invasive species to migrate to a new habitat thus destroying the native species and the ecosystem.

3. The preservation of biodiversity can affect people by providing food that allows them a healthy lifestyle, clothes that protect against the elements, and an ecosystem that is well structured.

Ten Years Of Chornobyl Questions

1.) What was the cause of the meltdown?
2.) What is the current state of the city?
3.) Why are no residents allowed in the area?
4.) Are there any inhabitants In the area?
5.) Is there any talk of any people moving back into the city any time soon?

5 Questions

1. What evidence do you have to support your views?
2. Why do you believe .04% of contamination is a danger to resident?
3. What areas of the region are unsafe?
4. Do you believe the Greater Niagra River is in danger by the water that is being pumped into it?
5. What are you final views on the current state of Love Canal?

Love Canal Reflection

1. Heavy snowfall was met by an early spring making for an excess of moisture bringing about the toxins on the surface of the ground and in residential basements.
2. Health hazards caused by the chemicals include cancer, birth defects, or liver disease.
3. Another effected part of the ecosystem are the creeks surrounding the canal area.

Hazards of oil dispersants

I have found that oil dispersants have long term affects that drastically change the environment. The first of many affects is poisoning animals. The chemical can be ingested thus burning and poisoning the animal from the inside. Also, the chemicals can cause oil to be dispersed but still remaining under the water possibly reforming later.