By Erica ShenoiSt. Mary's

7 Pursuit Aliso Viejo, CA 92656

CATALINA FIELD STUDY 2012

OUTLINEFlora and Fauna

Natural Phenomena

Science Attitudes in Catalina

Summary

Works Cited

WESTERN GULL(ORGANISM)

The Western Gull is a bird that has a white body, grey wings, pink feet, and a red spot on the underside of bill. They are the most common gulls in Catalina. The Western Gull is an Aerialist, a group of marine birds. Its nickname is the “garbage of the sea.” They can eat anything, but their favorite food is other bird eggs.

Western Gulls fighting for dissected squid

GARIBALDI(ORGANISM)

The Garibaldi is a bright orange fish with a bump on its forehead. Babies are orange with bright blue spots. They are territorial, or are very protective about their eggs. Their nickname is the “California State Marine Fish.” Today, it is illegal to fish or catch a garibaldi.

Photo Courtesy of Kaylin Martin

LEOPARD SHARK(ORGANISM)

The Leopard Shark is a type of shark that got its name by having the spots of a leopard. They are grey with black spots and have tiny teeth that cannot harm people. They are cartilaginous, or a marine mammal that has dentacles, an oily liver, and five to seven gill slits. The ones in Catalina moved around the whole time non-stopping.

Courtesy of Emma Price

TOYON TREE(NATIVE FLORA)

The Toyon Tree contains red berries that are toxic. The scientific name is Heteromeles Arbutifolia. It is part of the rose family. Its habitat is wooded parts of the island in canyons, on the mountain sides, and on the bluffs.

LAUREL SUMAC(NATIVE FLORA)

The Laurel Sumac is a relative to the poison oak family and has red and green leaves. Its scientific name is Malosma Laurina. Its habitat is canyons and rocky or clayey, wooded slopes.

KELP(NATIVE FLORA)

In Catalina, there is a lot of kelp forests that contain a type of kelp called Giant Kelp. It can grow up to two feet per day in prime conditions. Prime conditions are cool, clean water and the kelp loves cold water. Temperature over 65oF will cause kelp to die. Kelp is used in products such as toothpaste, ice cream, chocolate milk, and paint. It provides more oxygen than trees!

SUNSET ( NATURAL PHENOMENA)

There are many beautiful sunsets in Catalina that are amazing with combinations of pink, blue, white, and other colors. Catalina is a big, Channel Island with beaches that are rocky, not sandy. The beaches are rocky because of the dirt and rocks from the hills and mountains.

CATERPILLAR(NATURAL PHENOMENA)

There are a bunch of caterpillars roaming around in Catalina. Some caterpillars are black and fuzzy. This particular caterpillar might be part of the Giant Leopard Moth family.

Courtesy of Kaylin Martin

VIEW OF CATALINA(NATURAL PHENOMENA)

This picture was taken while hiking on the hills. Catalina has many hills and plants. In this picture, there is a beach called the Parson Beach that is sandy with a few rocks.

SCIENTIFIC ATTITUDE In Catalina, you have to

take lots of notes. Do not leave any notes incomplete. Wear a beanie to keep you warm. Bring a water bottle and keep refilling it, so that you do not get dehydrated. Bring a backpack to carry your belongings to your classes and activities.

Madeleine and I are completing our notes.

SCIENTIFIC ATTITUDE When snorkeling, wear a

mask that has a snorkel tube attached to it, so that you can breathe easily underwater. Wear a wet suit, so that you can be warm and protected. Also wear fins to protect your feet and they also make it easier for you to move in the ocean.

Elena snorkeling

SCIENTIFIC ATTITUDE

People should be careful when using rented property. Do not drag the kayak on the ground, but instead carry the kayak to the area where you want to place it. Only take a kayak when instructed to or when given permission to.

Madeleine and Myself carrying a kayak

SUMMARY I went on a sixth grade scientific field study trip to Emerald Bay in

Catalina. I attended different labs and classes, where I learned about Catalina flora and fauna. I also got to touch a leopard shark, horn shark, and sting ray at the vertebrate and invertebrate lab. I got to dissect a female squid and I learned that there is no such thing as a starfish, but instead there is a sea star. I also had fun going hiking, snorkeling and kayaking. Catalina is a Channel Island that is about breaking your fears, being a good steward, following your dreams, and believing in God.

Squid dissection Sand Sculpture of a Narwhal Neap Tide

WORKS CITED“Catalina Island Conservancy.” Catalina Conservancy. Catalina Island Conservancy. 2009.

Web. 27 March 2012 <http://www.catalinaconservancy.org/>

Ray, Bat. Vertebrate and Invertebrate Lab. 22 March, 2012.

Star, Sea. Bird Lab. 19 March, 2012.

“The Hills Are Alive with California Holly.” Wood Press. Hope Anderson Productions. 2010. Web. 28 March 2012 <http://underthehollywoodsign.wordpress.com/>