Proboscis Monkey

• Scientific Name: Nasalis larvatus
• Common Names: Proboscis monkey, long-nosed monkey, benkantan
• Habitat: The proboscis monkey is endemic to Borneo and is found most commonly along rivers in coastal mangrove forests.
• Reproduction: Proboscis monkey matings mostly take place between February and November. Gestation typically lasts 166-200 days. Their offspring begin to eat solid foods at six weeks and are weaned by seven months.
• Prey: The proboscis monkey feeds primarily on fruit and leaves.
• Interesting Facts: 1. Though the female proboscis monkey has a fairly large nose for a primate, the large nose is a male trait. 2. Proboscis mothers allow other members of their group to hold their infants. 3. Proboscis monkeys prefer young leaves and unripe fruits over mature leaves and ripe fruits.

  

I chose to research this animal because primates are fascinating creatures, and the proboscis monkey's funny and distinct appearance encouraged me to learn more about it. 

                                                                                                                   

Mangroves

Red mangroves are the most salt-tolerant of all mangroves, growing closest to the sea. They often stand "knee deep" in water and have prop roots to help anchor them in the loose mud and protect them from strong winds, waves, and tides.

Black mangroves grow closer to the shore in the intertidal zone in anaerobic soils. They have shallow roots called pneumatophores that grow horizontally and send up vertical shoots. The shoots bring oxygen to the rest of the root.

The white mangrove is the least tolerant of saltwater, growing furthest from the sea. it is usually found on higher ground and has no special root adaptations.

The tangled roots of the red mangrove provide a protective nursery for young marine animals and helps them to survive into adulthood. This is important to the fishing industry because fisherman want to catch adult fish and then sell them to potential consumers. Mangroves also provide a place for many species of birds to feed, nest, and roost, and they help guard homes from natural disasters. 

The Ocean Garbage Patch

The Ocean Garbage Patch is a gyre of high concentrations of plastics, chemical sludge, and other debris in the central North Pacific Ocean. It is thought to have been formed gradually as a result of marine pollution gathered by oceanic currents. The patch leads to illness and even death among marine animals because of the toxins released by the trash and by the physical size of some plastics, which makes it difficult for it to be digested. The effects of the Ocean Garbage Patch can be reduced if humans stop emptying wastes into the oceans.

Hawksbill Turtle

• Common Name: Hawksbill sea turtle
• Scientific Name: Eretmochelys imbricata
• Habitat: Hawksbill turtles are found predominantly in tropical reefs of the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic Oceans.
• Adaptations: Their armored heads protect them from the stinging cnidarians they prey upon, and they are highly resilient to many toxic organisms.
• Status: Severely endangered
• Current Issue Facing Hawksbill Turtles: Though it is illegal to hunt hawksbills  in many countries, they are still taken by humans. They are eaten as a delicacy in some parts of the world, and some cultures use their shells for decoration. Efforts are being taken to conserve them.

I chose to research the hawksbill turtle because I love turtles, and since hawksbills are the only turtles we discussed in class so far, I wanted to learn more about them. 

Ocean Acidification

Ocean acidification, also referred to as "The Other Carbon Problem," is the process of the ocean becoming more acidic due to carbon dioxide pollution.

The ocean absorbs about a quarter of the carbon dioxide and alters the chemistry of the ocean, resulting in conditions that make it harder for animals to make their shells. Shellfish may cease to exist if the ocean becomes too acidic.

Corals are also unable to form their skeletons as quickly as they used to, which is a problem because 1/4 of the ocean's species live in the coral reef.

The extinction of ocean organisms affects food sources for both animals and humans. further ocean acidification can be prevented by reducing carbon dioxide pollution.

Karenia brevis

Karenia brevis is the dinoflagellate responsible for the red tide in Florida and Texas. When it is in high concentrations, it causes the water to take on a reddish or pinkish color.

It is harmful to marine animals and humans, causing death and neurotoxic shellfish poisoning. Symptoms of neurotoxic shellfish poisoning include vomiting, nausea, and a variety of neurological symptoms such as slurred speech. As a result, the Gulf coast economy is negatively affected because it prevents people from being able to consume shellfish.

Plankton Facts

1.Phytoplankton produce 80% of Earth's oxygen.

2.One type of phytoplankton, diatoms, are single-celled algae. They are the most important food source in the ocean.

3.The other type of phytoplankton, dinoflagellates, possess both plant and animal traits. They photosynthesize like plants and swim like simple animals.

4. Zooplankton are split into two categories as well. Meroplankton, such as eggs and larvae, are temporary zooplankton.

5. Holoplankton, such as jellyfish, are zooplankton that are in the floating state for their entire lives.