Today we did two main things. We started with the articles that were presented by other classmates. The first paper was on Butterflyfish and their effect on coral. This paper, while producing results, didn’t seem to have much significance in how their research helps solve the problem or what it means. The second article was very interesting, highlighting the somewhat obvious disregard for invertebrates in comparison to vertebrates. While I’m not much for invertebrates, I did see the importance of studying mollusks and snails. So I enjoyed this article because it made me think, however ’tis unfortunate that I already know what I want to study and therefore while it made me think it didn’t change my mind. Their article almost makes me self-conscious about my article (whose results I was unhappy with).
The second part of the class consisted of learning about invertebrates such as jellyfish, sea cucumbers, and worms. Jellyfish are awesome, one of my favourite marine organisms. It’s truly extraordinary that they’ve been around for 505 million years, longer than sharks, dinosaurs, and crocodiles. Also, the Lion’s Mane Jellyfish can span up to 120 feet, longer than a Blue Whale (But not longer than Amphicoellias or Bruhathkayosaurus). Finally, we dissected a starfish and a squid. While starfish are indeed interesting, for me squid are particularly intriguing because of their huge success. Squid are forces to be reckoned with, especially Colossal Squids (see previous blog for more information). Anyways I liked the dissection and found it not too difficult. Overall, today was a good day.
Lion’s Mane Jellyfish
(https://marinebio.jesuitroundup.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/jellyfish21.jpg)
