Class today was just as exciting as all the other ones, but the schedule and organization was a little different. We actually started class of with a brief discussion about the BVI and our itinerary when we are there. Mr. Kirby explained all the dives and meal plans to us. Then we went straight to the lab to finish our shark dissections. Arturo and I had accomplished a lot the other day, so all we had to do was open the skull and inspect brain and other nervous system parts in the cranium. It was amazing how similar the shark brain is to our own. I never would have though it was so complicated, but that’s why I’m in this class. I’m here to learn more about aquatic life and aquatic environments. After cleaning up the lab room, we went back to the classroom to discuss the two groups’ articles. My group was first. We went over the usage of echolocation by porpoises in the water. It was pretty cool being able to run the class and go over the article with all the other students. We learned that dolphins actually use sonar and noises from their heads to locate food and other things in the water. After my group, Connor and Hector presented an article about coral and the effects that warmer water has on it. It was very interesting learning about the damages that warmer water can cause coral. I always thought coral needed really hot water, but of course I was wrong. Today’s class was a great day learning more and more about marine biology. We learned more about aquatic animals and aquatic environments. I am really looking forward to our trip.
