For a lot of our homework in my classes, we need to present different things that are relevant to the topics we have been discussing in class.
For my Ecology and Population class, we are currently reviewing the adaptations and interactions between species; our most recent assignment was to make a presentation on an assigned organism and present their adaptation and any recent research relevant to that adaptation. My assigned organism was Strangler Figs. These parasitic plants that originally grow as epiphytes, which means as a seedling, grow on other trees for support. And as the figs grow, they grow these aerial roots which wrap around their host tree. Once the figs' roots touche the ground, their roots bulk up and experience vigorous growth. This leads to the figs eventually strangling their host tree from receiving nutrients. Interesting, right?
As for my Tropical Marine Biology class, we had a field study trip in the past week and we are learning about the coral reefs. Therefore, I'll have to read about fishes and why they look the way they do. Although I'm a Biology student that's specializing in cellular, molecular, and the genetic aspects of Biology, taking a break from learning all that is pretty nice.
Although I did not officially play anything, I've enjoyed watching my friends play soccer on the field! Every Thursdays, our study abroad program hosts soccer games on the field. Since I've sprained my ankle last December from ice-skating, I haven't been comfortable making a fool out of myself while being hurt. Maybe I'll join in... eventually.
