Insect Ecology @ Au Sable - spring 2024

Marine Ecology Blog 1 By: Elizabeth Hargis & Shannon Ashworth Odobenus Rosmarus ( https://www.mmc.gov/wp-content/uploads/walrus2_shutterstock.jpg ) Introduction: The Odobenus Rosmarus, more commonly known as the walrus, is a marine mammal belonging to the genus Odobenus and is further divided into three subspecies. This large marine mammal can be found within the waters of the arctic ocean (O. r. rosmarus), the pacific ocean (O. r. divergens), or the laptev sea of the arctic ocean (O. r. laptevi). Anatomy The anatomy of a walrus is very interesting in that it allows them to be both land and marine animals. As in most species there is a difference between the anatomy of male and female walruses. Male walruses are significantly heavier than female walruses in body weight. And although both males and females have tusks, the male tusks are wider and longer than those on the females. Tusks can grow up to three feet in length and can weigh up to twelve pounds...

Eight Arms are Better than Two Hannah Yarbrough, Ben Book, Sidney Ketchum Octopus, a creature so unique, swims our oceans with three hearts and eight tentacles. While they typically roam these waters alone, the plural form of octopus is octopuses, not octopi as many believe.   There are close to 300 species of octopuses. Octopuses are a part of the Cephalopoda class, which also includes cuttlefish, squids and nautilus.   These intelligent creatures live fascinating lives.   Let’s dive in and take a look at the places they call home, the ways they “get it on” and how they fight off those cruel enemies. HABITAT https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/ invertebrates/c/common-octopus/ Octopuses can be found in various locations within the oceans.  However, they are more commonly found near coral reefs.  Reefs provide nooks and crannies for them to make their homes.  Much like a couch-surfer, these animals do not stay in one...