Honors Field Biology Class learns about fish surveys

The BSC4930 Honors Field Biology class visited the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) Tequesta Field Lab. Biologists gave the class an overview of the importance of conducting randomized sampling on fish populations; and prepared the class to participate in a sample survey.

FWC’s Fish and Wildlife Research Institute conducts this research in order to estimate fish abundance and population trends in seven regions around Florida. You can read all about it here.

Jim Whittington led the trip with help from JJ Brodbeck, Anderson Berry and Beau Yeiser. Joy Young helped out at the lab.

Here are several images of our time in the water. Please note, all of the fish were released back into the water  after measurements and counts were taken. Thanks to FWC (and Dr. Tom Reinert) for the great learning experience.

Field biology back to measure thermoregulation of gopher tortoises

The Honors college Field biology class (taught by Professor James Wetterer) was back in the Abacoa Greenway with Dr. Wetterer and Dr. Jon Moore, conducting research on a student thesis project. The class took body temperatures of the tortoises and the temperature of the air and burrows.

Here are a few images of students in the "Turtle soup(ers) [or supers] group"  named by the team leader of the group.

Researchers challenge Hibernation concepts

 Science Daily reports that Researchers from Tel Aviv University, have new research that will change the standard concepts of hibernation. Hibernation is thought to occur only in colder temperatures to allow some mammalian species to experience a period of dormancy and undergo physiological changes such as lower heart rates and body temperature. This allows the animal to conserve energy and be able to survive cold winters. 

The Middle East experiences temperate winters and has been thought to be an unlikely environment for hibernation. Researchers have discovered two species of the mouse-tailed bat (Rhinopoma microphyllum and R. Cystops) hibernating at constant temperatures of 68⁰ F, which is considered unusually warm. The bats were found to be semi-conscious and breathing once every 15-30 minutes.

This research shows that animals do not need to lower their body temperatures in order to lower their energy expenditures.

You can read the full story by following the link in the references.

Reference:

American Friends of Tel Aviv University. (2015, March 10). Concept of hibernation challenged: Bat species is first mammal found hibernating at constant warm temperatures. ScienceDaily. Retrieved March 11, 2015 from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/03/150310123349.htm

Image Credit: http://s53.photobucket.com/user/TigerQuoll/media/african%20wildlife/greater-mouse-tailed-bat-rhinopoma-microphyllum-eyal-bartov_zps7127cd14.jpg.html

Field class to Gumbo Limbo

The honors biology class made our way down to Gumbo Limbo Nature Center in Boca Raton for a chance to learn all about the center and the sea turtle research they do.

FAU also has working marine labs on the property, so we learned a lot. Be sure to check out their website to plan your visit. Here are some pics from our trip.