Living Systems Lab/Cruise

Your Experience

This program explores the interactions between marine organisms and their ecosystems. In the lab, students will investigate food chains, life cycles, adaptations, and habitats. Our living systems program explores the relationship between biotic and abiotic components of the marine ecosystem. The lab includes a fish dissection during which students will examine external and internal anatomy. In addition, students will test the quality of different water samples; discuss various animal habitats and ecosystems; and investigate the moon jelly life cycle and its importance in the food chain. On the R/V Sea Explorer, students will examine benthic and pelagic habitats by deploying oceanographic sampling tools to collect a variety of marine specimens. Students will be exploring an oceanic food chain as a circular system that recycles materials and results in a functioning ecosystem. At the plankton station, students will be identifying phytoplankton and discussing their role as producers via photosynthesis. At the benthic station, students will explore decomposition and recycling of nutrients by identifying benthic organisms. Students will assist in the collection of live animals from the benthic zone using an otter net. The organisms collected will then be studied to determine their type and adaptations.