I don't know if you can post this or not, because it's not a question it's a fact, but I was on the web looking at the Galapagos Islands, and found that the blue-footed booby is not the only unique animal on the islands. There is also an iguana that is called the marine iguana. It's an amphibious creature, but is only on the Galapagos Islands. I read that when the iguana is cold, it really can't move so it's more vulnerable to predation. I thought it was interesting because in class we only talk about the blue-footed booby, but now there's another animal you can look out for on your trip.
Erin
period 8
Congratulations, Erin! You are the first person from period 8 to post an entry!
I have been trying to entice students to talk ask about other species on the islands, however, many students seem to focus on the blue-footed booby (hummm...). Anyway, yes, the marine iguana is a fascinating creature of the islands. I can't wait to see them. They grow to about one meter long! That is a huge iguana! Your note about the iguana being sluggish when cold is typical of reptiles. They often need to sun themselves in order to warm up because they are ectothermic. Their bodies cannot produce a great deal of internal heat, so they must rely on the environment for warmth.
You may not have asked a question, but you actually answered one! Read the "Endemic Species" entry posted by Spencer on September 19th. The marine iguana is found nowhere else on this Earth! What a treat it will be to see them!
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
I have a dream...
I am so excited for you about your trip to the Galapagos! I have been very interested in those islands myself, but far too lazy to research them! Still I have a dream to visit them some day! Some of the things I was wondering about the Islands are..
-compared to your typical Jersey shore how polluted are the beaches?
-other than the tortoises you mentioned, are there any more endangered species on the islands?
-what species are you most looking forward to seeing or learning about?
-you've mentioned unique animals on the islands, but are there any unique plants?
Those are just some things I've been wondering about! Have a great time!
-Sophie
Sophie,
Wow! Thanks for your thoughts and questions. First off, "too lazy to research them"??! Get ready to work! You tell me, what animals are endangered or threatened on the islands?
Did you ever hear of succession? (Look that one up also!). I am not sure of exactly what kind of plants I will see on the islands, however, what will be interesting is seeing succession at its finest. Plants will be growing on what seems to be bare rock. These 'pioneer species' lead the way for animals and other plants. These changes over time will lead to a community of organisms in a place that was once only volcanic rock and ash.
What do I want to see most or learn about? Everything... marine iguanas, Galapagos tortoises, Galapagos penguins, finches, boobies, frigate birds, sea lions, Sally light-foot crabs, sharks... all of it. I can't pick just one thing. Also, I look forward to visiting the schools, meeting the students and teachers, and keeping you updated on my blog!
I know the Galapagos had a major oil spill back in 2001. I hope to find out what impact the spill had on the islands and wildlife. I am glad to hear you are interested in the New Jersey marine environment. There are many organizations working hard to keep our beaches clean, including Clean Ocean Action.
Keep your dream alive! You will get to the Galapagos one day!
-compared to your typical Jersey shore how polluted are the beaches?
-other than the tortoises you mentioned, are there any more endangered species on the islands?
-what species are you most looking forward to seeing or learning about?
-you've mentioned unique animals on the islands, but are there any unique plants?
Those are just some things I've been wondering about! Have a great time!
-Sophie
Sophie,
Wow! Thanks for your thoughts and questions. First off, "too lazy to research them"??! Get ready to work! You tell me, what animals are endangered or threatened on the islands?
Did you ever hear of succession? (Look that one up also!). I am not sure of exactly what kind of plants I will see on the islands, however, what will be interesting is seeing succession at its finest. Plants will be growing on what seems to be bare rock. These 'pioneer species' lead the way for animals and other plants. These changes over time will lead to a community of organisms in a place that was once only volcanic rock and ash.
What do I want to see most or learn about? Everything... marine iguanas, Galapagos tortoises, Galapagos penguins, finches, boobies, frigate birds, sea lions, Sally light-foot crabs, sharks... all of it. I can't pick just one thing. Also, I look forward to visiting the schools, meeting the students and teachers, and keeping you updated on my blog!
I know the Galapagos had a major oil spill back in 2001. I hope to find out what impact the spill had on the islands and wildlife. I am glad to hear you are interested in the New Jersey marine environment. There are many organizations working hard to keep our beaches clean, including Clean Ocean Action.
Keep your dream alive! You will get to the Galapagos one day!
Migration
Shade, pd. 2
I was wondering, do the blue footed boobies migrate. If so, where to and what time of the year?
Good questions, Shade. We can't help but think about migration around this time of the year. Our monarchs are heading to Mexico, and many of our birds are flying to Central or South America. Can someone help us with this question? Are the blue-footed boobies migratory?
I was wondering, do the blue footed boobies migrate. If so, where to and what time of the year?
Good questions, Shade. We can't help but think about migration around this time of the year. Our monarchs are heading to Mexico, and many of our birds are flying to Central or South America. Can someone help us with this question? Are the blue-footed boobies migratory?
Sea Turtles
I recently went to the Hawaiian Island Maui, and I swam with turtles. According to the locals in Maui, the turtles were raised in a preserve. I would like to know if the turtles in the Galapagos Islands are raised in preserves, or are they on their own when it comes to mating and nesting?
Rachel pd.2
Rachel,
I know green sea turtles nest on at least one of the Galapagos Islands, Bartolome. Read Amanda's blog entry entitled, "Charles Darwin Research Station" dated September 22. She inquired about the land tortoises, and I explained ways in which the scientists are trying to help them. I am not sure if they also work with the sea turtles at the research station. Great question! I will have to find out. This past summer I spent two weeks on the Hawaiian Island of Kauai. I saw many sea turtles while scuba diving. They are beautiful animals! I also saw some endangered Hawaiian monk seals. There are only about 1,300 left in the wild. Did you have an underwater camera by any chance?
Rachel pd.2
Rachel,
I know green sea turtles nest on at least one of the Galapagos Islands, Bartolome. Read Amanda's blog entry entitled, "Charles Darwin Research Station" dated September 22. She inquired about the land tortoises, and I explained ways in which the scientists are trying to help them. I am not sure if they also work with the sea turtles at the research station. Great question! I will have to find out. This past summer I spent two weeks on the Hawaiian Island of Kauai. I saw many sea turtles while scuba diving. They are beautiful animals! I also saw some endangered Hawaiian monk seals. There are only about 1,300 left in the wild. Did you have an underwater camera by any chance?
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