Thursday, January 28, 2010

Symbioses

Symbiosis is when two different organisms work together to survive. There are different types and different outcomes for the animals.
Mutualism is when two animals benefit. One obvious example is the clownfish and the anemone. The clownfish gets a home and protection, the anemone also gets protection and the clownfish acts a lure to attract other fish to eat. Another example that we enjoyed discussing today was the giant clam and its zooxanthellae. Zooxanthellae are tiny algae that live in the clam's tissues. The algae give the clam extra energy and food (and make the clam look really pretty). The clam give the algae a home and benefit from the extra food production.

We also discussed parasitism and commensalism. Tomorrow we are going to talk about fish coloration. We are looking at a Unit 2 test in the middle of next week.

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Computer Lab Etiquette

You are in the computer lab to do work for this class. If you are not doing work, then we will have problems.

Do not pack up early. Work until the bell or until MsJ says.

SAVE OFTEN. And if you save to a key, also save it to your number. If you lose it, you will have to do it again.

If MsJ asks for your attention, stop what you are doing and listen to what she has to say.

You may watch videos about your organism through reliable websites.

You may listen to music through the computer if you have your own headphones. Rule1 MsJ cannot hear it. You get one warning. Rule2 Turn it on and listen – no million clicks and constant changing. Take both ear phones out when MsJ is talking.