Beauty of Biology and Nature!♥

Part F:Credits and Acknowledgement.

Friday, September 11, 2009

Resources and Websites referred:
http://www.google.com.sg/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jurong_Lake

Person in Charge:
-IngTsyr:Photographer & write up in Part B
-HuiZhen:In charge of write up in Part A & E
-Andrew:In charge of write up in Part C
-HengWei:In charge of write up in Part D
*Everyone was in charge of Part F

Credits to Group(7)for completion of this project and creation
of this blog! .....THANK YOU:D....

Part E:Conclusion

Thursday, September 10, 2009

We think the drastic increase in activities at Jurong Lake Park have not disturbed the natural environment and biodiversity there as park users enjoying activities there did not destroy the environment but only by littering,they caused a dent in the park's beauty.The natural environment is conserved well by park officials and the biodiversity there is not really disturbed as the wildlife are conserved and park users know the offence of illegally catching wildlife conserved and though the ecosystem is littered and used for water-sports,there are also cleaners who clear the lake of rubbish every now and then and park users enjoying water-sports are not harming the marine life but admiring their freedom and the ripples of the crystal-clear lake.

The park has also spread the message of conservation to the community by bringing water-sports to the lake and cultivating an appreciation for the naturally-existing ecosystems we have in Singapore.JTC has also made a commendable effort for nature conservation by preserving the old mangroves,trees as the old Jurong Park was being transformed.Beautiful and free wildlife are put into the Park for people to enjoy their existence and this has taught and encourage people to conserve wildlife.

To reduce the negative impact of activities in Jurong Lake Park, JTC has state the time session for each water-sports and the day it is open for all park users to enjoy.This way,park users who wants to enjoy certain activities in the park has to go by the timings and days,therefore,they won't go everyday but only on certain days to especially enjoy certain activities and this minimise the heavy flow of park users.

Part D:Impact of Man on Jurong Lake Park.

How humans caused an impact on the park?
Humans have littered the park and caused a dent in the park's beauty and good reputation. In this way,they have also caused water pollution which may cause many marine life to die because of lack of oxygen,entangled and injured or suffocated in rubbish. They have also dirtied the clear water.

Comment of conservation efforts:
We think the park officials have done well in preventing most unnecessary or preventable injuries. They have even put in some efforts to put up signs to warn others to be careful and give proper instructions on how to use some equipments there. They have also help conserve the wildlife.

Part C:Focus community.

Our Community:Undergrowth.
During our trip, we discovered nothing much about the undergrowth community, maybe because the organisms in the undergrowth prefer to be active in the night, also most of the organisms in the undergrowth are hidden so well we cannot notice them clearly or they may be scared to come out.

Organisms that can be found in this community:
-Fungi , Bacteria
Nutrition-Fungi digest and feeds on dead animals and plants as they grow on it.
-Earthworms, Millipede
Nutrition-Feeds on dead leaves.
-Beetles
Predator and prey/Nutrition-Feeds on small insects(i.e.ants),leaf litter,micro-organisms.
-Centipedes
Predator and prey/Food source-Feeds on millipedes.
-Spiders
Predator and prey/Food nutrition-Feeds on other organisms(i.e.ants,earthworms).

Physical factors that the community may depend on:
-Water
Gives the organisms water to surviv, make sure they don't die of dehydration, makes the soil soft for earthworms to burrow, and other organisms to get enough dissolved oxygen.
-Oxygen
Organisms in the undergrowth needs oxygen to survive and do work.

Part B:Grouping and naming organisms.

Animals/Organisms

Oyster-Ostrea edulis
Fact:Is It a Male or Female Oyster?Just like warm-blooded animals, oysters are either male or female. But, oysters have gonads that generate eggs, as well as sperm. So, oysters have the ability to change their sexes, which they do, at least once. (The gonads, by the way, are considered to be the tastiest part of the oyster.)

Apple Snail's eggs.Apple Snail-bikfalganuga

Fact:Snails' bodies produce a thick slime. Because of this slime, they can crawl across the edge of a razor and not get hurt.

Grasshopper-Caelifera

Fact:grasshoppers hear from their knees ;
a grasshopper can jump 20 times its on body ;
some people have a tradition of eating grasshoppers.

Terrapin(no scientific name)
Fact:Turtles are frequentally depicted in folklore as easy going, patient, wise creatures. often symbolic for longevity and stability, tranquility, wisdom, endurance, steadfastness. in chinese mythology they are one of the four fabulous animals or the most prominent beasts,almong with the unicorn, phoenix, and dragon, it is of the water element ,and known as the ruler of the north. Turtles smell though their chins ,by flapping the loose skin under their chin the throat moves air over the Jacobsen's organ whick allows them to sense fragrence. live on every conent except for antartica.

Ants-disambiguation

Facts:The common Black Ants and Wood Ants have no sting, but they can squirt a spray of formic acid. Some birds put ants in their feathers because the ants squirt formic acid which gets rid of the parasites. The Slave-Maker Ant (Polyergus Rufescens) raids the nests of other ants and steals their pupae. When these new ants hatch,they work as slaves within the colony. The worker ants keep the eggs and larvae in different groups according to ages.

Plants

Ferns- Osmunda regalis

Facts:Fern leaves are called fronds.

Mushroom-Coprinus comatus

Facts:One medium, whole, white, raw mushroom contains 4 calories. One portabella mushroom contains 22 calories.

Bird of Paradise-Cicinnurus respublica

Facts:Birds-of-Paradise are relatively pest free although aphids, caterpillars, grasshoppers, scales and snails are occasional problems.

White Periwinkle-Vinca Alba

Fact:Periwinkle, Vinca major - aka. greater periwinkle was once used topically for inflammatory skin conditions. It is related to a plant known as rose periwinkle, which is used in the treatment of leukemia, but it should not be used in home remedies. I have heard of the use of White periwinkle, but do not currently have herbal facts on it.

Coconut-Cocos nucifera

Fact:Yes,u can pick off a coconut and plant a coconut and make it grow. The coconut is the seed. You will have to have much patience though - it can take up to a year for them to germinate.

Classification:

Kingdom-Animalia(Phyla),Class:Crustacea

e.g.Oyster

Kingdom-Animalia(Phyla),Mollusca

e.g.Water/Apple Snail

Kingdom-Animalia(Phyla),Class:Insecta

e.g.Grasshopper,Ants

Kingdom-Animalia(Phyla),Class:Reptilia

e.g.Terrapins

Kingdom-Plantae(Divisions),Seedless:Fillcinophyta

e.g.Ferns

Seedless:Bryophyta

e.g.Coconut

Kingdom-Fungi

e.g.Mushroom

Kingdom-Plantae(Divisions),Seed-bearing,Anglosperma:Monocotyledons/Dicotyledons

e.g.Bird of Paradise,White Periwinkle

Part A:Introduction to Jurong Lake Park.

Jurong Lake (Chinese: 裕廊湖 ; Malay: Tasik Jurong ; Tamil: ஜூரோங் ஏரி) is a freshwater lake and reservoir.The lake serves as a reservoir contributing to the water supply of the country. There are several tourist attractions located near within the Lake, including a Chinese Garden and a Japanese Garden, which are located on respective islands within the lake,and also the nearby Tang Dynasty Village, which has closed down. A landscaped sanctuary called Jurong Lake Park was built around the perimeter of the lake.Also, a 2.8 kilometre water promenade along Jurong Lake Park allowed residents to participate in watersports.

Group Reflection:
-Huizhen(17)
I think the park is full of life, has different types of biodiversity which makes the park interesting! I saw a resident using a telescope and looking at the beautiful water, flora and fauna. I felt refreshed and energetic, the fragrant scent of flowers, hearing the birds chirping, seeing butterflies flying among the flowers for nectar makes me feel that life is beautiful, meaningful! I think the park is very well construct, it has resting places for tired park users, fishing deck for fishers, playground for children, exercising corners for elderly, and water sports corner for people who enjoy sports!

-Andrew(22)
I like looking out for interesting species and exploring the park and it’s irresistable beauty! The walk along the promenade of the park is wonderful! There are many different species found in different communities. I liked watching the beautiful ripples of the lake created by thrown pebbles and little fishes! Breathing in the refreshing air, enjoying the sunshine warmth makes me forget everything and indulge in the beautiful feeling of the wind blowing through my hair and the sweet chirpings of little birds and the fragrant scent of flora and fauna! It makes me feel closer to biology and nature!

-Hengwei(28)
I think the park is full of nature, I can hear Mother Nature’s calling at the rustling of leaves, chirping of birds, the wind blowing. The reservoir was big and and ripples created by fishes was so captivating. The park and lake contains some unwanted litter like plastic bags, plastic bottles, drink cans, tissues and even old car seats, which caused a dent in the beauty of the lake park. I saw interesting plants like a seedling growing out of a coconut! I hope to have chances to have water sports in the lake as I can enjoy the scenery!

-Ingtsyr(04)
I enjoy taking photos of the mesmerizing scenery and interesting marine life and plants! I saw a clam and even tried to open it using a stick, though I didn’t manage to open it but caught a glimpse of it, I saw something slimy and fleshy inside. I saw a lot of interesting flora and fauna and the fragrant scent of flowers made me feel attached to nature and make me know more about biology and life! I enjoy walking along the water-edge and looking out for interesting marine life! We explored at the water-edge, rock community and undergrowth community!