Authors: Karleigh, Lena, Rob, JJ
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| Diagram: http://tolweb.org/notes/?note_id=3920 |
Word of the Day - Nitrogen Fixers: Microbes that live in plants on land and also found in the ocean, that capture diatomic nitrogen out of the atmosphere to make it usable for the biotic community. All living things are mostly composed of carbon, phosphorus, and nitrogen. Carbon and phosphorus can be introduced to early communities by rocks that contain the elements. Nitrogen, however, does not occur within the Earth naturally. The microbes are the only way to take nitrogen out of the atmosphere and convert it to begin early succession. They are crucial for community development and energy flow through a system.
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| Dr. Herzfeld aiding in JJ and Aaron's sampling |
Today's Science - Today the different groups continued to collect data for their projects in the Arenal Volcano National Park . There are six different research groups that are investigating six totally different subjects. Karleigh and Kelly are studying herbivory by calculating the percentage of surface area eaten on randomly selected species of plants. J.J. and Aaron are using a sensor to measure levels of carbon dioxide emissions from the soil in different habitats. Erin and Lena are measuring the biodiversity of plants and animals along a ten meter transect. Rachael and Kris are surveying the pollinators and plant relationships by observation. Rob and Rob (aka Rob squared or the Robs) are sampling the varying air compositions by bringing water samples into equilibrium with the atmosphere. Brittany and Jamison are collecting soil samples to measure nutrient and pH levels. All of these projects will be used to collectively compare the different ecosystems from the peak of volcanoes to coral reefs.
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| Last dinner at Arenal Hostel Resort, La Fortuna |
Today's Culture - The focus for today is that of our group. BGPG 2012 consists of two professors, Dr. Judkins and Dr. Herzfeld, and twelve students who for the most part are strangers. We are either Biology or Environmental Science and Policy majors. The twelve students have been divided into 3 groups of 4 to divide responsibilities such as cooking dinner, writing the blog entries with a lead author daily, and dedicating time towards the science experiments. The cohesiveness of the group is pretty amazing considering that we have all been thrown together for three weeks in 2 different countries. The professors have continued to give lectures which are enhanced by the field experience. We are all thrilled to continue what is an already amazing study abroad adventure!
Question of the Day: Which of the 6 student projects interests you? Or describe a project you would conduct if you were able to visit volcanoes, rainforest and coral reefs. Can't wait to hear from you!
Hi Dr. Whitmore-
ReplyDeleteFor me (Jamison)You asked what the most amazing thing that I've seen so far? For me this would have to be the Volcano at La Turrialba. Walking up to the ridge and looking into it was breath- taking.
You also asked what will I remember most about the first few days? Besides the obvious volcano mentioned above I will remember the amazing group that was put together by Dr. J and Dr. Hertzfeld. The group made what was to be a long travel day short and even fun trip!!
For me (Lena)walking above the cloud line, as well as through the cumulus nimbus was one of the best experiences thus far. Growing up at sea level, I have never been able to do so. As we have only seen volcanic sites thus far, I would also have to say that peering over the edge of the Turrialba Volcano into the 1950 crater absolutley took my breath away. It made me realize how powerful and wonderful the abiotic world truly is.
Hello,
ReplyDeleteregarding nitrogen fixers and succession, I know that lichens are one of the first types of organisms to begin colonization of bare rock. Does anyone observe lichens there and know if the lichen organisms are nitrogen fixers?
Hope everyone is learning a lot and having a good time, looks like it!
David John
Hi Dr. John,
DeleteThank you for your question. At the pyroclastic rock site at the Arenal Volcano, we definitely did observe lichens growing on some of the rocks. Since it is cyanobacteria that fixes the free nitrogen out of the atmosphere into a usable nitrogen, only the species of lichen that contain cyanobacteria are nitrogen fixers. So in short, many but not all lichens fix nitrogen. We would had needed to identify the species of lichen in order to determine whether or not they were N-fixers.
An interesting side note, there was an invasive species found in the pyroclastic zone, a wax myrtle, which is an early succession tree that also fixes nitrogen!
-Karleigh
Interesting, thanks!
DeleteSounds like your group has a GREAT work ethic and are pretty compatible, keep up the good work. KWray
ReplyDeleteWhat an impressive group!
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