Day 1: Struggle
Words
For intertidal organisms, a lot of life is about avoiding desiccation (drying out), and holding on. Reading: “Keep Me Hanging On – Intertidal Algae”
We’ll do a series of readings on life in extreme environments, like the very cold, hot, or dry. These places give remarkable insight into the ways organisms have adapted to their environments and dealt with challenges.
Reading: “Places Where Life Shouldn’t Exist – But Does”
Reading: “Animals at the Extremes – Polar Biology (OpenU)”
Reading: “Animals at the Extremes – The Desert Environment (OpenU)”
Works
Notice the evidence of the challenges organisms face in your observations today. Trees crane for light, small animals are avoiding predation, some invertebrates need a moist environment to survive, and all must find food.