1. What's the most amazing sea creature you can think of? What's special about it?
2. We've only explored about 3% of the world's oceans. Do you think it's important that we explore the other 97 percent? Why or why not?
2. We've only explored about 3% of the world's oceans. Do you think it's important that we explore the other 97 percent? Why or why not?
MESSAGES FROM THE SEA
Flashing colours, changing patterns, giant eyes.... Meet the ocean's masters of disguise.
1. In the warm shallow water of coral reefs live animals with an amazing ability. These animals, known as cephalopods, are able to change the appearance of their skin.
2. Squid, octopi, and cuttlefish are all types of of cephalopods. Each of these animals has special cells under its skin that contain pigment, a colored liquid. A cephalopod can move these cells towards or away from its skin. This allow it to change the pattern and color of its appearance.
3. Cephalopods use mainly these cells as camouflage to hide from predators. For example, cephalopods can blend into the color of the sea floor, making them invisible to predators. They can also change colors to scare predators away. For example, the skin of the Caribbean reef squid is usually a plain brown. When a predator passes close by, the squid makes large eye patterns on its skin. This makes the squid appear much bigger than it really is. Squids can also use these cells to communicate other messages. When two male reef squid fight, black and white lines appear on their skin. These send a message that the squid is fierce. A reef squid searching for a mate can flash colorful patterns, sending a message that it is attractive.
4. Amazingly, reef squid can send two messages at the same time. They can send one message on their right side and a different message on their left side. For example, When males are searching for a mate they flash attractive patterns on the right side of their body. This is the side that females see. On the other side they can show their fierce zebra stripes. This is the side other males see. They can quickly flip the messages if the female swims to the other side!
5. With the ability to display 30 colors and patterns, the incredible Caribbean reef squid really is a master of disguise and a skillful communicator.
Flashing colours, changing patterns, giant eyes.... Meet the ocean's masters of disguise.
1. In the warm shallow water of coral reefs live animals with an amazing ability. These animals, known as cephalopods, are able to change the appearance of their skin.
2. Squid, octopi, and cuttlefish are all types of of cephalopods. Each of these animals has special cells under its skin that contain pigment, a colored liquid. A cephalopod can move these cells towards or away from its skin. This allow it to change the pattern and color of its appearance.
3. Cephalopods use mainly these cells as camouflage to hide from predators. For example, cephalopods can blend into the color of the sea floor, making them invisible to predators. They can also change colors to scare predators away. For example, the skin of the Caribbean reef squid is usually a plain brown. When a predator passes close by, the squid makes large eye patterns on its skin. This makes the squid appear much bigger than it really is. Squids can also use these cells to communicate other messages. When two male reef squid fight, black and white lines appear on their skin. These send a message that the squid is fierce. A reef squid searching for a mate can flash colorful patterns, sending a message that it is attractive.
4. Amazingly, reef squid can send two messages at the same time. They can send one message on their right side and a different message on their left side. For example, When males are searching for a mate they flash attractive patterns on the right side of their body. This is the side that females see. On the other side they can show their fierce zebra stripes. This is the side other males see. They can quickly flip the messages if the female swims to the other side!
5. With the ability to display 30 colors and patterns, the incredible Caribbean reef squid really is a master of disguise and a skillful communicator.
Critical Thinking
How do humans disguise themselves or change their appearance? What messages do the clothes you wear send to other people?
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Project
A. Work in teams of four or five. You are going to research animals that have extraordinary abilities.
B. Give your presentation. Follow these guidelines.
C. Discuss the following questions with your class.
1. Where did you find information about your animal?
2. How many sources of information did you use?
3. What was difficult about the project? What was easy?
How do humans disguise themselves or change their appearance? What messages do the clothes you wear send to other people?
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Project
A. Work in teams of four or five. You are going to research animals that have extraordinary abilities.
- Research one of these animals: pygmy sea horse, stick insect, arctic fox
- Collect information about what kind of animal it is. For example, where it lives, what it eats, and what preys on it.
- Prepare a presentation. Think about how David Gallo presents his information.
B. Give your presentation. Follow these guidelines.
- Your presentation should be 3-5 minutes
- Everyone must speak
C. Discuss the following questions with your class.
1. Where did you find information about your animal?
2. How many sources of information did you use?
3. What was difficult about the project? What was easy?