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Lab Activity 9.4
Boulder Microhabitats
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Directions
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Study
the instructional material below. Be sure to click on each of the photographs
for an enlarged view in a separate window. The
larger version is necessary to complete the assignment.
It opens in a separate window which can be resized by grabbing the bottom
right corner and dragging it. It
can also be moved by
grabbing the top heading bar and dragging it.
Be sure to close the extra window by using the X in IBM, or the close box
in MAC when you are finished using them. |
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Introduction
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Marine
biologists have found rocky shores convenient sites to study the interactions
between organisms and their environment. Rocky intertidal organisms live
in an environment that has both terrestrial and marine aspects. They have
unique adaptations that allow them to survive in this in between world.
Each species lives within a specific range of microhabitats that provide
for its needs. In this lab you will study a subtropical, rocky, intertidal
reef located in the Northern Gulf of California. Your studies will include
an examination of the basic biotic and abiotic characteristics of this environment.
You will consider the effects of habitat heterogeneity on the distribution
of the benthic flora and fauna. In this particular lab activity you will
study the biota associated with boulder microhabitats. |
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Instruction
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Study
the information and photographs in the exercises that follow. Click the
link and use the Checklist of
the Biota of Boulder Microhabitats to record and keep track of the species
you find in each of the boulder microhabitats described below. Copy the
checklist into your notebook or print the checklist and add it to your notebook.
Check off the species you find in each microhabitat as you study the biota.
Use the completed checklist to answer the study questions. Be sure to write
the answers to the study questions in your notebook.
Be sure
to write about what you are learning in the lab section of your notebook.
You will be expected to answer questions about the lab activity during
the lab self test and lab quiz. It helps to have your text and coloring
books open beside you for support.
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| Supporting
Information |
| Refer
to the Assigned Readings Below: |
| Marine
Biology Textbook |
Chapter
11, pages 236 to 244 |
| Marine
Biology Coloring Book |
Plates
3 to 6 |
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Upper Intertidal
Boulders
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Observations:
The boulders lying
close to the sandy beach are located at tidal heights between +1
and +2 feet. These boulders are inhabited by a different association
of organisms from those located lower in the intertidal. The upper
intertidal boulders are exposed to the air during all but the smallest
of neap tides.
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Lower
Intertidal Boulders
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Observations:
The boulders lying
close to the low tide line are located at tidal heights between
-1 and +1 feet. These boulders are inhabited by a different association
of organisms from those located higher in the intertidal. The lower
intertidal boulders are exposed to the air during spring tides only.
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Tops
of Boulders
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Observations:
The tops of boulders
are exposed to the surf at high tide and to the sun and drying air
at low tide. Only the most rugged of the intertidal organisms can
survive in this microhabitat.
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Study Questions:
- Develop a species
list of organisms found on top of boulders.
- What generalizations
can you make about the types of organisms found on top of boulders?
- How many species
are there?
- Does one general
type predominate?
Click
to observe organisms
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Under
Boulders
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Observations:
The undersides of
boulders are protected from the surf at high tide and from the sun
and drying air at low tide. This microhabitat is the home of a diversity
of intertidal organisms.
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Study Questions:
- Develop a species
list of invertebrates found under boulders.
- What generalizations
can you make about the types of invertebrates found under boulders?
- How many species
are there?
- Does one general
type predominate?
- Are any of the
species found in tidepool or beachrock microhabitats as well?
- Are any of the
species found only under boulders?
Click
to observe invertebrates
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Study Questions:
- Develop a species
list of molluscs found under boulders. What
generalizations can you make about the under boulder molluscs?
- How many species
are there?
- Does one general
type predominate?
- Are any of the
species found in tidepool or beachrock microhabitats as well?
- Are any of the
species found only under boulders?
Click
to observe molluscs
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