Submitted by Anonymous on Fri, 09/09/2011 - 09:45
Forums
Adaptations of Marine Worms in Antarctica

Ms. Brown's 5th period science class was reading your journal and Joshua Gonzales wanted to know if the sea anemones could hurt you. Joseph wanted to know if you would want to repeat this experience again or want to continue this research as a scientist after this experience? JR Martin wanted to know how you got out when you dive under the ice.

Thanks!!

-Michelle Brown & 5th period.

Fri, 09/09/2011 - 12:10

Michael League

Hi Ms. Brown's Science classes,Thanks for logging on and asking some questions. You are so lucky to
have a teacher like Ms. Brown! I can't wait to follow her on her
expedition. It won't be long now!
To your questions...
Joshua, good observation! Sea anemones do have stinging cells, but most
are not powerful enough to hurt humans. However, you do not want to be
an urchin or jellyfish who gets too close. Anemones use those
finger-like projections to grab prey (other animals that might be food).
We have an anemone downstairs in the lab that is currently eating an
urchin. Yikes!
Joseph, great question! Yes, I would definitely do this again. Working
with a fabulous research team is an amazing experience. It is really
tough to show you all the fun that we are having, while getting a lot of
work done. Plus, Antarctica is an amazing place to visit and work.
JR, you are so smart! I've been waiting for someone to ask. When we're
on SCUBA, we actually take off a lot of our gear under the ice and swim
up through the hole. We then pass the gear up to people in the dive
hut. The last step is to take off your fins and climb up the ladder.
Ms. Brown, these are all great questions! You and your classes must be
off to a great start to the school year. There is so much good thinking
going on already!
Mike