Plankton... November 25, 2013

Plankton is important to the marine food web because is it a major food source for all organisms. The two main types of phytoplankton are diatoms and dinoflagellates. The two main types of zooplankton are holoplankton and meroplankton. Plankton is beneficial because phytoplankton can produce it's own food, both are a major food source for marine life, and they are a large portion of the food web. This effects daily life because we eat the animals that eat plankton. 

Red tide... November 25, 2013

 Some symptoms of the red tide, caused by dinoflagellate, include diarrhea, vomiting, dizziness, headaches, and many others. It can be prevented my staying away from water with red tide and researches may have found a cystic fibrosis treatment for it. 

The Vampire Squid... November 25, 2013

The vampire squid's scientific name is Vampyroteuthis infernalis. They reproduce by the male impregnating the female. The female then does shortly after the birth. This squid lives 3,000 feet below the surface. They eat small invertabrates and not much is known about what eats them. They are special because they have spikes on their tentacles that they use to catch their prey. Interestingly, despite what most people think, these squids and their spike are harmless to humans. 

Plankton... November 17, 2013

Plankton are important to the food web because phytoplankton can produce it's own food and many organisms fee off of them. Some of their adaptions include spikes and projections, the release of oil, and air-filled floats. An example of phytoplankton is a protist and an example of zooplankton is picoplankton. Phytoplankton can photosynthesize and zooplankton have flagella that move them around like animals. 

Jellyfish... November 17, 2013

The scientific name of the jellyfish is Medusozoa. They inhabit all the different oceans of the world. Jellyfish reproduce both sexually and asexually. They are eaten by tuna's, sharks, and swordfish. They eat meat because they are carnivorous animals. Interestingly, there are 200 different species of jellyfish, it uses the same hole to eat and release excreta, and they catch their prey with their tentacles. 

Anchor November17, 2013

Anchors are used by all boaters and any oceanographers who need to use boats to collect data. Anchors are dropped from boats and stuck in the ground under the water. With the anchor in the ground, the boat stays in place above the surface and allows divers to go under water to collect the required data without worrying about their boat moving above them.

The Goblin Shark November 11, 2013

The goblin shark's scientific name is Mitsukurina owstoni. It is found in scattered areas and the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian oceans at depths of about 1200 feet. No pregnant specimen has ever been found so it's reproduction is unknown. The goblin shark feeds on organisms at the ocean floor such as squids, crustaceans, and other bottom dwelling fish. One way this fish has adapted is by its teeth; it has long sharp teeth of the Fryant to catch prey and's small taken the back to eat them. Another way is it long and picturing snout that it uses to detect fish's electricity. And another adaptation is it slender body used to  maneuver through things. It is not believed to be at risk. The sharks can be up to 3.8 meters long, it lives at the bottom of the ocean, and has rarely been seen. 

Ferdinand Magellan November 11, 2013

Ford inane Magellan was a Portuguese explorer that led the first expedition that sailed around the earth. He was also the one that named the Pacific ocean. Interestingly his crew consisted of a variety of cultures, he was considered a traitor to his home country Portugal, many members of his crew deserted the expedition, he was a Christian evangelical which may have cost him his life, and Magellan only deserves partial credit for circumnavigating the globe because he died before it was over.

My piece of trash boat November 11, 2013

We chose to use foil, stirafoam, a note card, and a few other floatable objects for our boat. We used the stirafoam as the base, and foil for the edges to keep the main part of the boat light so it would go fast. We used a stiff notecard for the sail so the wind could easily catch it. One way we could have made it go fast or smoother is if we added a motor. ;)

Spotted Seal November 3, 2013

This I the spotted seal, it's scientific name is Phoca largha. It inhabits arctic and sub arctic waters, and it tends not to love within dense drift ice. It's sexual maturity is attained around the age of four. Breeding season is from January to mid- April an the pups are birthed during March. The spotted seal's prey includes arctic cod, sand lance, sculpins, flatfishes, and shrimp. It's predators include polar bears, sharks, sea lions, brown bears, humans, and walruses. The spotted deal is not in danger of becoming extinct. An ocean issue that is affectin te spotted seal is melting ice, resulting in reduced coverage for the seals. Interestingly, spotted seals are being sold on the black market as Chinese medicine, they are relatively shy and are difficult for humans to approach, and the can dive up to 100 feet. 

Animal trainer November 1, 2013

If I were going to be an oceanographer, I would be an animal trainer. Ever since my family and I took a trip to Sea World I have had an interest in animal training. One reason I would like to be an animal trainer is to become more knowledgable about animal facts. I would also create a strong bond with animals and be able to perform with them. I love animals and I think they are so smart and I would want to be able to share that fact with the world. Not to mention, I would get a close up view of how adorable they are when they do their tricks.