Advanced Living Systems Lab and Cruise

Your Experience

Our Advanced Living Systems Lab is a 2-hour lab, during which students will investigate the relationship between biotic and abiotic components of the marine ecosystem. Students will test water quality from our aquariums to see which is better suited for fish to live in. They also will learn animal classifications in our tank farm and compare and contrast traits of closely related animals. Students also will dissect fish and explore their external and internal anatomy. Finally students will investigate the life cycle of moon jellies and their importance in the ocean. For our Advanced Living Systems Cruise students will board our research vessel to study benthic and pelagic habitats by using oceanographic sampling equipment to collect a variety of marine specimens. During the 2-hour cruise, students will be exploring an oceanic food chain as a circular system that recycles materials to create a functioning ecosystem. In addition, students will identify plankton and discuss their role in the ocean; study decomposition and recycling of nutrients by identifying benthic organisms; and assist in the collection of live animals from the benthic zone. The organisms collected will then be studied to determine their type and adaptations before being released back into the ocean.