This is random, but Charles Darwin went to the Galapagos Islands on a ship named the Beagle (I don't know if it's the food or the dog, but it's most likely to be latter). Well, he had major sea sickness during his trip, so that expedition was the only one he had using a ship.
-Manyan, pd. 1
Manyan, did you know that Darwin's voyage lasted five years? If he had problems with seasickness, that must have been one very long boat ride!
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Natural Predators?
I was wondering if animals and plants in the Galapagos Islands had any natural predators. Then I found this information from one of the web pages I visited. "The native animals, lacking natural predators on the islands, are defenseless to introduced species and fall prey." Introduced species were the animals and plants brought to the Galapagos Islands by humans. Is this supposed to mean that the natural species are going to be run over by these newcomers? I surely hope that there is a way to stop at least some of it.
Aura
Pd. 1
Great thoughts, Aura! Introduced species are a serious problem everywhere, even here in New Jersey. It is very possible for introduced species to out-compete native species. I have read that feral animals are a serious problem for the tortoises, iguanas, and even the penguins. I hope there is a way to stop them, too! I am sure I will find out about programs focused on saving the native species. When I do, I will let you know!
Aura
Pd. 1
Great thoughts, Aura! Introduced species are a serious problem everywhere, even here in New Jersey. It is very possible for introduced species to out-compete native species. I have read that feral animals are a serious problem for the tortoises, iguanas, and even the penguins. I hope there is a way to stop them, too! I am sure I will find out about programs focused on saving the native species. When I do, I will let you know!
What will you study?
How did you find out about this program, and will you be studying the different mammals and species or something else?
Nicole, pd. 1
Nicole,
I found out about the program at a science convention. I couldn't believe such a great program existed! I feel extremely fortunate to be one of only 24 teachers from the United States selected to participate, and I am very thankful to Toyota for funding such an incredible trip!
The program will focus on the environment as a whole, so I hope to study as many of the animals as possible!
Nicole, pd. 1
Nicole,
I found out about the program at a science convention. I couldn't believe such a great program existed! I feel extremely fortunate to be one of only 24 teachers from the United States selected to participate, and I am very thankful to Toyota for funding such an incredible trip!
The program will focus on the environment as a whole, so I hope to study as many of the animals as possible!
Park Rules
I was wondering what type of animals live there? and How close you can get to them? Do you get to interact with them or only observe them?
Alex pd.9
Alex, a few entries ago I discussed the tameness of the animals on the islands. Even so, there are rules that must be followed. The islands are a national park, and guidelines must be followed in order to preserve the organisms and their environment.
1. No plant, animal, or remains of such (including shells, bones, and pieces of wood), or other natural objects should not be removed or disturbed.
2. Be careful not to transport any live material to the islands, or from island to island.
3. Do not take any food to the uninhabited islands, for the same reason.
4. Do not touch or handle the animals.
5. Do not feed the animals. It can be dangerous to you, and in the long run would destroy the animals' social structure and breeding habits.
6. Do not startle or chase any animal from its resting or nesting spot.
7. Stay within the areas designated as visiting sites.
8. Do not leave any litter on the islands, or throw any off your boat.
9. Do not deface the rocks.
10. Do not buy souvenirs or objects made of plants or animals from the islands.
11. Do not visit the islands unless accompanied by a licensed National Park Guide.
12. Restrict your visits to officially approved areas.
13. Show your conservationist attitude.
Alex pd.9
Alex, a few entries ago I discussed the tameness of the animals on the islands. Even so, there are rules that must be followed. The islands are a national park, and guidelines must be followed in order to preserve the organisms and their environment.
1. No plant, animal, or remains of such (including shells, bones, and pieces of wood), or other natural objects should not be removed or disturbed.
2. Be careful not to transport any live material to the islands, or from island to island.
3. Do not take any food to the uninhabited islands, for the same reason.
4. Do not touch or handle the animals.
5. Do not feed the animals. It can be dangerous to you, and in the long run would destroy the animals' social structure and breeding habits.
6. Do not startle or chase any animal from its resting or nesting spot.
7. Stay within the areas designated as visiting sites.
8. Do not leave any litter on the islands, or throw any off your boat.
9. Do not deface the rocks.
10. Do not buy souvenirs or objects made of plants or animals from the islands.
11. Do not visit the islands unless accompanied by a licensed National Park Guide.
12. Restrict your visits to officially approved areas.
13. Show your conservationist attitude.
Will I need an umbrella?
Caroline from pd. 4
I'm wondering what kind of weather the Galapagos Islands get? Do they get a lot of rain, or hot dry days?
Also, do you know how many different animals live there besides the blue footed booby?
Caroline,
Thanks for the weather question. I need the answer so I know what type of clothing to pack!
Your second question deals with the diversity of the islands. Excellent question! Do you think the diversity would be greater on the islands or on the mainland?
I'm wondering what kind of weather the Galapagos Islands get? Do they get a lot of rain, or hot dry days?
Also, do you know how many different animals live there besides the blue footed booby?
Caroline,
Thanks for the weather question. I need the answer so I know what type of clothing to pack!
Your second question deals with the diversity of the islands. Excellent question! Do you think the diversity would be greater on the islands or on the mainland?
Endemic Species
Are there any animals that live only in the Galapagos Islands? If so, what are they?
-Spencer, pd. 1
Good question, Spencer. The term endemic species is used to describe organisms that are confined to a particular geographic region (like the Galapagos Islands). Well, class, what are the islands endemic species?
-Spencer, pd. 1
Good question, Spencer. The term endemic species is used to describe organisms that are confined to a particular geographic region (like the Galapagos Islands). Well, class, what are the islands endemic species?
Islands, Islets, & Rocks
Is it a chain of islands or one big island?...if it is a chain of islands, how many are there?
---Pam (period 1)
Pam,
Jeff stated in an earlier blog entry that there are thirteen islands. He is correct; there are thirteen large islands (greater than 10 square kilometers), but the chain also includes six smaller islands and over forty islets! There are also many small rocks and islets that remain unnamed.
What is the term for a chain of islands?
---Pam (period 1)
Pam,
Jeff stated in an earlier blog entry that there are thirteen islands. He is correct; there are thirteen large islands (greater than 10 square kilometers), but the chain also includes six smaller islands and over forty islets! There are also many small rocks and islets that remain unnamed.
What is the term for a chain of islands?
No Fear
Jade (period 9)
I was wondering if there was anything besides its blue feet that made the blue-footed booby bird really unique. Today in class you talked about how they like to dance, but I was wondering if there was anything else unique about them.
Good question, Jade. Something that is very unique about all of the animals on the Galapagos Islands is that they really have little or no fear of humans. This behavior allows visitors to get very close to the wildlife. I am sure this will provide some great photo opportunities!
I was wondering if there was anything besides its blue feet that made the blue-footed booby bird really unique. Today in class you talked about how they like to dance, but I was wondering if there was anything else unique about them.
Good question, Jade. Something that is very unique about all of the animals on the Galapagos Islands is that they really have little or no fear of humans. This behavior allows visitors to get very close to the wildlife. I am sure this will provide some great photo opportunities!
"Not typically tropical"
All of the information below is credited to Volume 6 of the Lands and Peoples reference books, which are published by Groiler Incorporated.
The Galapagos were founded in 1535 by Tomas de Berlanga. Apparently, he and his crew stumbled upon an island that was bare-except for the dirt and the cacti, which were an excellent source of water.
When I read a passage that described the islands as, "not typically tropical", I had answered my own question of "What is the climate like?”. It explained that though the islands are very close to the equator, they can have cooler temperatures because of a current called the "Peru Current". Therefore, the Galapagos can home organisms that thrive in cooler temperatures and species that survive in warmer temperatures, which leads to diverse wildlife.
Also, the chain of islands is a province of Ecuador, and is carefully preserved and observed; there are rare species on each island.
Cara, pd. 1
Cara, you are so right about the cold water current sweeping by the islands. I believe the current is also referred to as the Humboldt Current. Guess what bird species is present at the equator because of this cold water current? Many people would never believe that this species can be found at the zero latitude line!
The Galapagos were founded in 1535 by Tomas de Berlanga. Apparently, he and his crew stumbled upon an island that was bare-except for the dirt and the cacti, which were an excellent source of water.
When I read a passage that described the islands as, "not typically tropical", I had answered my own question of "What is the climate like?”. It explained that though the islands are very close to the equator, they can have cooler temperatures because of a current called the "Peru Current". Therefore, the Galapagos can home organisms that thrive in cooler temperatures and species that survive in warmer temperatures, which leads to diverse wildlife.
Also, the chain of islands is a province of Ecuador, and is carefully preserved and observed; there are rare species on each island.
Cara, pd. 1
Cara, you are so right about the cold water current sweeping by the islands. I believe the current is also referred to as the Humboldt Current. Guess what bird species is present at the equator because of this cold water current? Many people would never believe that this species can be found at the zero latitude line!
Shall we dance?
I'm wondering how these birds (blue-footed boobies) get those blue feet? Does something cause them to be blue? Is there something special about these blue feet?
Stacey
Pd.5
Stacey,
One thing I know about the blue feet of the blue-footed booby is that they are instrumental in their courtship dance. I have a book on my desk that talks about how the dance is performed. Remind me to read the passage in class.
Stacey
Pd.5
Stacey,
One thing I know about the blue feet of the blue-footed booby is that they are instrumental in their courtship dance. I have a book on my desk that talks about how the dance is performed. Remind me to read the passage in class.
Sexual Dimorphism
Savannah from 1st period was wondering, how can you tell a male blue footed booby from a female? Do the females have different color feathers? (I know usually the males have brighter colored feathers.) Do they migrate? If so, where? How long do they live?
Savannah, you are right about many of the male birds being more brightly colored than the females of the same species. One theory is that the females do the selecting of the mates, so the male must look good to get the girl! Your question actually refers to what is called "sexual dimorphism." You are asking if there is sexual dimorphism in the species, meaning, is there a difference in the appearance in the males and females (size, color, etc.). Two local examples of birds with sexual dimorphism are the eastern goldfinch and northern cardinal. You will be able to give me many more examples after we do our bird study!
I look forward to hearing the answers to your questions because I am a bird watcher!
Savannah, you are right about many of the male birds being more brightly colored than the females of the same species. One theory is that the females do the selecting of the mates, so the male must look good to get the girl! Your question actually refers to what is called "sexual dimorphism." You are asking if there is sexual dimorphism in the species, meaning, is there a difference in the appearance in the males and females (size, color, etc.). Two local examples of birds with sexual dimorphism are the eastern goldfinch and northern cardinal. You will be able to give me many more examples after we do our bird study!
I look forward to hearing the answers to your questions because I am a bird watcher!
Underwater Volcanoes
Jeff (period 1) has some information for Kevin about how the Galapagos Islands were formed...
The Galapagos Islands were formed about 4 million years ago. Underwater volcanoes erupted, and layer, by layer, the molten rock built itself up to the surface. There are now 13 islands that make up the Galapagos islands. 2 of them still have active volcanoes. (Isabella and Fernanadina)
I also have a question.
How did the land animal, like the land iguana, get to be on the island?
Excellent question, Jeff! Let's brainstorm possible answers to this question in class. We will see what your peers come up with!
I don't believe I will be going to Isabella or Fernandina, but I sure will remember when I am on their neighboring islands that those two islands are active volcanoes!
Spencer from 1st period wants to add...
The last eruption was on Isabela on October 22, 2005. Isabela and Fernandina are the two youngest islands and are the most volcanically active.
The Galapagos Islands were formed about 4 million years ago. Underwater volcanoes erupted, and layer, by layer, the molten rock built itself up to the surface. There are now 13 islands that make up the Galapagos islands. 2 of them still have active volcanoes. (Isabella and Fernanadina)
I also have a question.
How did the land animal, like the land iguana, get to be on the island?
Excellent question, Jeff! Let's brainstorm possible answers to this question in class. We will see what your peers come up with!
I don't believe I will be going to Isabella or Fernandina, but I sure will remember when I am on their neighboring islands that those two islands are active volcanoes!
Spencer from 1st period wants to add...
The last eruption was on Isabela on October 22, 2005. Isabela and Fernandina are the two youngest islands and are the most volcanically active.
Natural Surfers
From Artemis (pd. 2)...
I am interested in knowing if the islands have people on them or not? Also, I am a surfer. By chance do you know if the waves are nice there? I always ask people who have been places if there are waves. Are there dolphins there? I like the dolphins. Did you know they are natural surfers that ride the waves by jumping in front of them and riding it. It is a spectacular site! I have seen it before.
Artemis,
Great observation of the dolphins' behavior in the waves! You are very fortunate to have witnessed it. Yesterday Sonal posted a question wondering what marine mammals are found around the islands. I just found a website that states there are three species of dolphins living near the islands: bottle-nosed, spinner, and common dolphins. (http://www.tortoisetours.com/islands-wildlife2) I haven't seen dolphins riding the surf, however, I have seen hundreds of dolphins bow riding. Two years ago I did a three-week study on a NOAA ship in the Pacific Ocean. Guess what we were studying? Cetaceans! (Look it up, you'll be pleased!) Also, on the right hand side of this blog page under the subtitle, "More journals from the field", you will see a link to my entries from my study at sea. Check it out when you have time. And Artemis, I will remember to check out the surf, just for you!
I am interested in knowing if the islands have people on them or not? Also, I am a surfer. By chance do you know if the waves are nice there? I always ask people who have been places if there are waves. Are there dolphins there? I like the dolphins. Did you know they are natural surfers that ride the waves by jumping in front of them and riding it. It is a spectacular site! I have seen it before.
Artemis,
Great observation of the dolphins' behavior in the waves! You are very fortunate to have witnessed it. Yesterday Sonal posted a question wondering what marine mammals are found around the islands. I just found a website that states there are three species of dolphins living near the islands: bottle-nosed, spinner, and common dolphins. (http://www.tortoisetours.com/islands-wildlife2) I haven't seen dolphins riding the surf, however, I have seen hundreds of dolphins bow riding. Two years ago I did a three-week study on a NOAA ship in the Pacific Ocean. Guess what we were studying? Cetaceans! (Look it up, you'll be pleased!) Also, on the right hand side of this blog page under the subtitle, "More journals from the field", you will see a link to my entries from my study at sea. Check it out when you have time. And Artemis, I will remember to check out the surf, just for you!
What makes the islands so special?
What is the reason that the Galapagos Islands are special, because of the animals that live on them or that that it's the birth place of Darwin's Evolution Theory? Also, how many different types of species live on the Galapagos?
-Om
1st Period
-Om
1st Period
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