Once again the day started with two groups sharing their analysis and opinion on their individual articles. The first article, presented by Nick and Rob, was very interesting. They went over the mimic octopus and its different characteristics. The mimic octopus actually mimics different marine organisms in order to stay camouflaged and protect itself from predators. The article was very worthwhile, and in my opinion the most interesting article yet. After Nick’s group, David and his partner followed with an article covering ecotourism and its impact on Great White Sharks. The article addressed the different effects of chumming and human interaction with great whites. It was cool to understand how humans can impact the marine world and life. A large part of marine biology is studying the affect of humans on water animals and water ecosystems. After discussing the two articles, we immediately transitioned into our dissections. We went into the lab to dissect a perch fish and a dogfish shark. The two dissections were great and very educational. I personally dissected the perch, and I found out that the internal organs are very similar to human organs. Of course there are numerous differences, but perch are more similar to humans than starfish are. Then my partner dissected the shark, and I assisted him by reading him the instructions. The shark was awesome to look at. I love sharks, so seeing one up close was really cool. The dissections were the highlight of today’s class, and I’m ready for tomorrow.
