Invasive species are a significant source of biodiversity loss in a given habitat. This is largely because they can quickly reach high population levels and outcompete native individuals. This rapid population growth will usually result in significant, harmful overall impact on ecosystems. This study examines the population density factors of the invasive Indo-Pacific red lionfish… Continue reading Are invasive Lionfish affected by population density?
Category: Coral Reef Species & Ecology
Helping coral survive climate change using their innate adaptive abilities
This paper gives a substantial and thorough review of existing and evolving intervention methods for coral reef restoration efforts. It specifically focuses on intervention methods that expand coral's natural ability to adapt to small changes in environmental conditions. By expanding these natural abilities, the hope is that we may be able to help coral adapt quickly enough to have a chance at surviving climate change.
Reef Building Coral Presentation
A recent assignment for my Marine Biology class was to present on a chosen marine animal. Obviously, I chose coral. This is a collaborative work with my group members credited in the presentation. You can click through the slides to see what we put together.
Interacting with a Bahama Sea Star at Contact Cove
Bahama sea stars have eyes at the tips of each arm. These eyes are capable of seeing light and dark areas and can form very low resolution images with no color. You can experience this for yourself with a very simple experiment.
Atlantic Guitarfish and Cownose Stingray interact
One of my absolute favorite things I get to do as a volunteer at MOTE is watch the skate (atlantic guitarfish) and rays and talk to guests about them. Its difficult to avoid anthropomorphizing these adorable creatures. The skate seems particularly charismatic and spends most of his time swimming around the edge of the enclosure… Continue reading Atlantic Guitarfish and Cownose Stingray interact

