Tag Archives: 2022

2022

Truly an Experience of a Lifetime

Leave a comment

Sadly, we have neither a reef nor a rainforest back home in New Mexico. Hot showers and a washing machine are nice, but I would rather be back at Glover’s and LCRS. This class was an incredible and once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore two of the most diverse regions in the world, both of which were contained in the small country of Belize. The tropics have an unmatched level of macroscopic diversity, and it was amazing to witness this firsthand. Every time I looked in a crack and crevice, high up in the trees, beneath chunks of coral rubble, under logs and leaf litter, there was always interesting life hiding in plain sight. It was truly unlike anything I have ever experienced.

Our lectures and discussions addressed a multitude of factors that ultimately drive this immense diversity of the neotropics. And although the ocean and rainforest seem to be two different extremes of dissimilar environments, surf and turf have several similarities. One similarity that is present in both environments, yet seems counterintuitive is the fact both a reef and a rainforest are essentially nutrient desserts. Both ocean water and forest soil contain low levels of biologically relevant nutrients, and as a result, organisms have developed creative and sometimes symbiotic/mutualistic strategies to thrive in these nutrient-poor environments. The cycle of nutrients is critical in both of these environments, and unfortunately, both of these regions (and in particular my two taxons: stony corals and amphibians) are particularly sensitive to anthropogenic changes. Both of these regions rely on a high level of constancy to thrive. Corals stressed from temperature increases, eutrophication, heavy metal contamination, ocean acidification, and more, are far more vulnerable to disease and degradation. And amphibian populations have seen significant decreases both because of direct absorption of harmful pollutants through their porous skin and the disruptions of the once incredibly predictable weather patterns that their breeding behavior relies on. So sadly, both these regions are particularly vulnerable to human-driven climate change. Yet, both the rainforest and reef are significant contributors/drivers of the global economy. Humans are incredibly reliant on these ecosystems for resources and protection, and our preservation and coexistence with them is critical for the prosperity of us all. Belize has an incredible amount of untouched forest, and to see the contrast between the Belizean hills covered in forest and the decimated ones across the border in Guatemala which were cleared for slash and burn agriculture was alarming.

I was able to interact with many endangered and rare species, and I would say this would be the most memorable part of the course for me. I will never forget the Morelet’s Tree Frog which jumped on my face or finding small hopeful patches of Acropora cervicornis scattered throughout some of the reefs. It’s sad to think why these regions are experiencing such a rapid decline in diversity and population, yet this hands-on experience has further strengthened my love for biology and possibly shifted my future career away from medicine and towards research.

The list of things I learned in this course could go on for pages yet three that come to mind are:

  1. Mutualism/symbiosis is everywhere in these environments and the connections and balance between organisms are unimaginably complex. This also leaves them quite vulnerable to human exploitation, climate change, and invasive species.
  2. The global economy is heavily reliant on these regions in multiple capacities, and the loss of rainforest and reef diversity is not just a loss of cool organisms, but sets in motion cascading instabilities throughout the world both ecologically and economically.
  3. And field research is a whole different animal compared to laboratory work. Things rarely go as planned and it’s critical to be adaptable and flexible. (Also plan to pack light because everything you bring back is wet and heavy haha)

I am truly thankful for this experience and I hope it is not my last time exploring the tropics. I couldn’t have asked for a better group of TFBs and I hope to see you all again soon!

~Rusty

Uncategorized

An Un-Belize-able Experience

Leave a comment

Hey guys! It’s Michiel, and this will be my last blog post !!

My experience in Belize was life-changing; it was an adventure that I’ll never forget.  I remember expecting that this class would push my boundaries, and it certainly did! I’ve always been used to working in sterile, organized labs, and working out in the field was nothing like that. I would have never reached my hands into coral crevices to try to get a sea urchin or pick up random arthropods I found in the jungle before this class. I also expected that each day would be a great workout, and it definitely was. The physical exertion required by this class was tiring, but it made me more proud of what I was doing.

It also opened my eyes to the diversity held in both coral reefs and the tropical rainforest and showed me similarities between the two ecosystems I would’ve never noticed without this class. One of the most important similarities I noticed is the importance of destruction in the ecosystems. When plants die and fall to the forest floor, the decaying organic matter adds nutrients to the soil, which are quickly taken up by surrounding plant life. It is also a source of energy for detritivores. Thus, the decaying plant contributes to both nutrient cycling and the food chain. Similarly, the erosion of coral by waves contributes to its ecosystem, but in a different way. As the coral is eroded, it becomes sand particles that contribute to the sediment in the reef. Adding sediment creates new space for coral to colonize, which allows the reef to grow larger. It also stabilizes already growing coral. The way these habitats handle destruction contributes to the biodiversity of these places because a variety of organisms take up and use nutrients deposited by decaying organic matter in a variety of ways in the jungle and coral growth through additional sediment allows for other marine species to inhabit the area the coral colonized. However, human involvement has taken this destruction to an extreme that is unsustainable. The felling of trees for logging doesn’t allow the soil and surrounding organisms to take up the nutrients and energy from the tree, and the weakening of corals by climate change creates so much sediment that it buries live corals, obstructing their access to sunlight.

While I was in Belize, I was also able to observe a staggering amount of symbioses. In the jungle, leaf cutter ants (Atta spp.) cultivate fungus gardens by collecting leaves for it to feed on, and once the fungus is grown, it is eaten by the ants. Another example of a symbiotic relationship is between the acacia ant (Pseudomyrmex ferruginea) and the bullhorn acacia tree (Vachellia cornigera). The tree provides a home and food for the ant by allowing it to live within the thorns of the tree and giving it nectar to feed on. In return, the acacia ants are fierce defenders of their home. In the reefs, symbiodinium algae lives within coral, providing it nutrients it synthesizes through photosynthesis. In return, corals give the algae nutrients it can’t synthesize and a safe place to live. Symbioses like this allow various species to coexist in the same ecosystem, contributing to the habitats’ biodiversity. 

A difference I noticed between the two ecosystems, were their dependence on wind and waves, where the jungle depended a lot less on the wind than the reef depended on the waves. Yes, plants in the jungle rely on the wind for pollination and seed dispersal, but many plants have evolved in ways that make them rely on pollinating species, rather than the wind, and they have come up with ways to disperse their seeds that don’t require wind, like through animals. However, the reef has mass spawning events where gametes are released into the ocean and the current pushes gametes together as well as dispersing fertilized eggs to new areas of the reef. Additionally, wave activity can limit where reefs can grow, because too much wave activity will destroy coral at a faster rate than it can be produced, but too little wave activity will limit the spread of nutrients throughout the reef.

Other than analyzing the similarities and differences between coral reefs and rainforests, and observing herbivorous fish and mammals, we also had some very memorable experiences. I absolutely loved hiking through the jungle and swimming through the reef, listening to my peers get excited as they talked about their assigned taxa or topic for their lecture, and the camaraderie developed between everyone on the trip. I also loved looking through the reef for sea urchins; I thought that was one of the most fun and interesting activities I’ve ever done. However, taking freezing cold showers at Las Cuevas and wearing the same dirty clothes every day was definitely not fun.

Now that this class is over, it has left me with some lessons that I won’t soon forget: drastic climate change is changing both rainforest and coral reef ecosystems that are making it inhospitable for many organisms, there is a balance between destruction and growth in both environments that is vital for its success, and termites taste like carrots.

I loved this trip! I’m so thankful to my professors and peers that made it as enjoyable as it was. I’ll miss Belize for years to come, and I’ll be eternally grateful for the opportunity it gave me to explore a new area in biology. Here are some final pictures of my new-found friends and I on the trip!

2022

Bye Belize!

Leave a comment

These past two weeks were a whirlwind of learning and witnessing the beautiful biodiversity between the two most diverse ecosystems on earth— the coral reef and the tropical rainforest!

It gave me a taste of home being back in a marine ecosystem, but this environment was also very different and allowed me develop a more well-rounded view and knowledge of coral reefs across the globe. After researching coral reef framework, I learned the critical importance that reef-building corals hold in maintaining the the coral reef ecosystem as climate change, disease, and other anthropogenic factors threaten the very continued existence of the coral reefs we have loved and admired. Having seen coral bleaching events occur in my home town, I was dismayed to learn that the coral loss of diversity is even higher in the Caribbean with a 25% loss of genetic diversity which occurred in just the last 15 years. I feel a deepened sense of duty and desire to help preserve what is left of healthy coral reefs. My favorite things to see on the reef were lobsters, sea urchins, turtles, mantis shrimp, ctenophores, hydroids, annelids (mostly Christmas tree worms) and many more creatures! I liked picking up the sea urchins gently, and seeing hermit crabs shell swapping!

Similarly, the beautiful tropical rainforests at Las Cuevas left me astonished with its ancient and delicate pattern of nutrient recycling (which is also seen similarly with coral reefs and sediment). We learned that there are layers in soil which allows for the intake and recycling of nutrients which are imperative to the survival of so many species within the rainforest (similarly seen in coral reef framework). Slash burn agriculture is very harmful for the soil and disrupts this nutrient cycle so that plants can never prosper quite the same in areas that have been affected. We also learned that many creatures in the rainforest have specific niches such as epiphytes which are plants that reside in the canopy.  This nutrient process of recycling is what allows these ecosystems to be so abundant with flora and fauna!

Heart of Chiquibul Forest from the Bird Watching Tower

We learned that there are many interesting similarities and connections between the surf and turf!! For example, we learned that when nutrient pollution in the rainforest can make its way to the coral reefs through rivers which could cause a massive sargassum algal bloom which blocks sunlight from coral reefs. One thing that definitely left an impression on me was the interconnectivity of every ecosystem. For example, we learned that mangroves filter out pollution, sea grass beds help prevent erosion, and coral reefs provide biodiversity at Glover’s Reef. (SO COOL)

I couldn’t comprehend the level of diversity and closeness to wildlife that I would be exposed to! This trip exceeded my expectations in every way! I loved the opportunity to witness marine and terrestrial animals in their own ecosystems. I loved watching squid communicate with each on a patch reef. I was amazed by the complexity of leaf-cutter ant communication while digging up an ant hill. I am definitely filled with a new awe and appreciation for all ants now. The coolest experience for me was definitely the night hike and the interaction between the Morelet tree frog and Rusty’s face (haha) and the interaction between the snake and the tree frogs eggs. I truly felt like a special guest viewing the world of wildlife, and it was the most amazing and rewarding feeling seeing creatures behave normally and undisturbed in the wild. I strongly wish to preserve these creatures and ecosystems. It pains me to think that the critically endangered tree frogs might not be there if I were ever to return.

Although the bug bites and cold showers were inconvenient at times, it was nothing compared with amazing experiences this trip offered and it is just part of true field work experience that most biologists have! It helped me solidify my passion for conservation and helped me develop more as a TFB. For instance, I have started to attempt to identify each species I encounter and think critically about scientific surveys that could be conducted to help protect the area. I was also bitten by the travel and Chiquibul bugs. I feel drawn to go beyond the usual travel experience, and I want to now travel purposefully to help in what ever way I can to improve these ecosystems. 

Me wanting to go back to Belize right now 🙁

Three things I’ve taken way from this trip:

  1. The most abundant, diverse , and interconnected ecosystems on earth that rely on very specific processes to maintain life forms that reside in these ecosystems are being threatened by humans.
  2. Always expect the unexpected! There were so many moments during this trip that left me in awe such as when we discovered a Mexican burrowing toad in an ant hill! it’s important to also not expect to find results in our surveys to prevent bias and keep an open mind to possibilities that biologists may not have accounted for.
  3. Empowering people to care and take interest in nature is a big step towards preserving ecosystems and animals. After talking with experts, I also know how hard it is to preserve ecosystems with limited resources. For example, only 6 % of coral reefs are protected properly and Dr. Arevalo shared with us the hard and long the process it can be to gain government support on conservation issues.

I have loved all the riddles and TFB jokes that our group has shared together. It was such a privilege to grow closer to every member of our group and so amazing to share these experiences with passionate professors and students who are also interested in nature and biology, as well as the junior TFBs that remind me to always remain curious. 😉

TFBs <3

I have learned so much on this trip! Thank you all!

Peace and Love Nature and the TFB life <3

~ Maegan

Uncategorized

Is it really already over?

Leave a comment

So…this is my course summary and wrap-up blog. I’m writing it from the comfort of my own bed after a hot shower, and yet, somehow I’d rather still be sticky, stinky, and sandy in Belize. I’m still processing everything that happened on the trip– every day was jam packed with lectures, discussions, projects, travel, fun, and new places and faces.

 

The transition between the ‘surf’ week and the ‘turf’ week was difficult for several reasons, but the reef and rainforest are as similar as they are different. For one thing, the soil of the rainforest is derived from limestone, which was made from the shells of ancient reef creatures. Additionally, both rainforest soils and reef waters are relatively nutrient poor, yet they support unmatched levels of biodiversity. This is possible because of the highly three-dimensional spatial heterogeneity of reefs and rainforests. Creatures adapt to specialize in a certain space and they compete for access to nutrients. This space partitioning and competition are strong drivers of diversity!

 

I think my favorite- most unforgettable- part of BIOS 319 was the opportunity to coexist with rare and endangered species. I’m thinking specifically of the moment when a Morelet’s Tree Frog jumped onto my hand, but I also cherish our brief sightings of Scarlet Macaws, Acropora corals, and the sounds of Howler monkeys. Recalling my pre-departure mantra of ‘enjoying every moment’, I tried very hard to not have a ‘least favorite’ part of the course. But, if I had to pick something to dislike, I would say the bugbites (although I found them quite manageable with topical benadryl and calamine lotion!)

 

In all honesty, I learned a lot more than I initially thought I would, and a lot of that learning came through first-hand experience! I thought my taxa (sponges and ants) were a little boring at first, but there is complexity, wonder, and value to be found in everything. I was amazed to learn that leafcutter ants account for up to 25% of devegetation in tropical rainforests and that a mature leafcutter colony has the same appetite as a cow. And I didn’t just learn about my taxa: I have never been good at birding, but now I don’t think I can ever forget the cacophonous squawks of a scarlet macaw or the iconic teardrop shape of an Oropendola nest. But I think more than any factoids about the reef or rainforest, the longest-lasting lesson I’ll be taking from BIOS 319 is confidence in myself and my abilities. I had many doubts throughout the course, but I consistently surprised myself. I doubted that I could be comfortable snorkeling and diving down in the open ocean. I doubted my ability to hold an audience’s attention and communicate effectively. I doubted my ability to hike rainforest trails or even be outside for extended periods of time… but it all came so naturally to me. Despite (or perhaps, in part, because of) my quirks and idiosyncrasies, I am incredibly adaptable and resilient in new environments and capable of facing the unknown.

 

Thank you to everyone (in-field and behind-the-scenes) who played a part in making this experience possible. I’m so grateful.

 

Uncategorized

The Big Goodbye- final blog

Leave a comment

I didn’t wake up to birds today, I woke up to the sound of my sister getting ready for school, and my brother playing video games. Instead of being greeted in the morning by hermit crabs and bees, it was my dog. Instead of the smell of soil, rain, and the sea, it’s the smell of a city (pee and cigarettes). My dad kept asking if I would want to go back someday, and my answer is always “yes, of course!” Like I would sit in the mangroves of death every day for an hour just to go back with everyone for another week.

It’s crazy how despite all the differences between the coral reef and the rainforest, the thing that really relates them the most is the vast diversity they hold and maintain. I’m sure we could get into scientific differences, the framework of the reef being built on the exoskeletons of coral, the forest reliance on the nutrient cycle to maintain the trees which provide for the rest. I’m inclined to say that rainforests are the coral reefs of land (instead of the opposite, but that might just be my personal preference for the reef).  But instead of thinking too hard about all the scientific levels these two ecosystems relate, I think they’re related in that they each filled me with the same sense of awe, wonder, curiosity, and endless excitement. I could stare over each environment for hours, and never get bored, there’s always something new to look at, a different fish, a new bird, a new interaction, a tree so tall you can’t see the top, or a reef so deep you can only imagine what’s on the bottom.

My expectations going in were that it would be much more formal, more pressure and much stricter. In reality it turns out our professors are kind, understanding, and just as curious and excited as we are, they’re just happy to help us grow in our knowledge and experience and push our interests even further.

My favorite part of the course was Glover’s reef, without a doubt. I think it’s really solidified for me that marine biology is what I want to continue to study, that I can thrive not just in a lab at my lab bench with pipettes, but also in the field. I know that I can handle unexpected circumstances, changing plans and uncertainty and not freak out.  I’m supposed to write about my least favorite parts of the course but I can only think of the van rides, not because they weren’t fun, just because I get carsick really easily. Honestly, I kind of miss the mosquitos and the bugs. I also learned that I can make new friends, even when it’s scary and it’s all people I’ve never met before. I always thought I was really shy and I was really scared of meeting new people, but even after a couple days I was ready to call everyone there with me a friend, and I hope that we will all continue to be friends even as we continue through undergrad or graduation, and I really hope to be able to work with everyone again in the future in some capacity or another.

Not to bash premeds, but this course has completely erased any doubts I had about changing paths. No matter how much work we were doing, how long the days were, how frustrating the waves, how seasick I was or how itchy I got, I was always happy. I was completely engaged and eager to learn. I really thought that medicine would be the only thing worth pursuing for me, and when I was forced to drop premed because it was making me miserable I was worried that nothing else would be as worthwhile or fulfilling. But I’m realizing there’s no point in having the most respected career or the most intense academics if you’re miserable the whole time and not even interested. I wanted to be a marine biologist in elementary and middle school, and even the first few years of high school, then I changed my mind to becoming a doctor, but that clearly didn’t last, I just don’t think I can stay away from the ocean and everything there is to learn and explore there.

EEBIO full steam ahead!!! This isn’t the last time you’ll see me on a reef, and hopefully someday I’ll be able to go all the way to the bottom of the ocean!

“We are tied to the ocean. And when we go back to the sea, whether it is to sail or to watch it, we are going back from whence we came.”

2022

3..2..1… Beleeeese

Leave a comment

One of the things that ties the rainforest and coral reefs together are the physical materials they are built upon. Not only is the reef framework, the sand of the reef, and the limestone underlying the rainforest soil all based in calcium carbonate, but the calcium carbonate all originated in the same way, from calcifying marine organisms who either laid it down as reef builders or built it into their tissues before they died. This leads me to another similarity between reefs and rainforest, they are both shaped by the power of erosion. The Chiquibul rainforest is shaped by rainwater slowly chipping away at the limestone, etching out caves and a dynamic landscape. Similarly, reef eroders on the coral reef like urchins and parrotfish burrow or eat away at the the coral framework causing diverse and dynamic nooks and topographic characteristics that provide the environment for a variety of organisms and ecological niches (contributing to its incredible biodiversity). This dynamic topography created by both reef-framework building organisms like corals and reef eroding forces like waves and urchins is similar to the topographic diversity of Rainforests. Competition for sunlight, and specialization in different quantities of sunlight, leads to many layers of the rainforest, with tall canopy trees, epiphytes clinging to their sides, and shade tolerant plants competing for space below. This similarly is a causes of the great biodiversity and abundance of ecological niches of the rainforest. In both rainforest and reef, this was also something that was readily apparent for me to observe myself, and the dynamic topographies stood out very starkly compared to other ecosystems I have seen. In addition to space, there is another scarce resource in both reefs and rainforests that leads to biodiversity, competition for nutrients. Both coral reefs and rainforests are very nutrient poor, and this competition for nutrients leads to specialization in specific ecological niches contributing to diversity. In rainforests this is because the limestone underneath the soil causes nutrients to wash or leach out of the soil very quickly making plants compete to take them up and keep them. Especially when there is deforestation however, the nutrients might wash out all the way to the reefs on the ocean. This is unhealthy for the reefs which are also used to being in a very low nutrient environment. The nutrients could cause mass algae growth, and as algae competes with corals, this could lead to coral decline. 

 

Overall, the course definitely exceeded my expectations. I was pleasantly surprised by the number of amazing wild organisms we got to just run into. Whether it was, snakes, toads, or barracuda, I didn’t expect to be as mind blown as I was to see all these real life wild animals! Something else that was a pleasant surprise was that snorkeling in the ocean and trekking through the rainforest was not as hard as I thought it would be. The ocean water was much warmer and (generally) calmer than any I had experienced before, and the fins helped make me really buoyant and easy to float. As for the forest, the canopy shades the forest floor so much that its actually not that overgrown, and with the help of Dr. Solomon’s machete we found it reasonable to walk through!

One of my favorite just being out on the rainforest trails. It’s really hard to describe, buts its like going to see the Eiffel Tower for the first time or a natural wonder like the grand canyon. It’s just like “Wow, this is real… I am in it.” It was really immersive and cool. 

One of my least favorite parts of the trip was the bug bites. Need I say more? I don’t think so. If you went on the trip you know. If you didn’t go on the trip… well… enjoy looking down at your legs and not seeing polkadot scars. 

One thing I am going to remember about this trip was what I learned about marine debris, having to do a presentation on them made me learn about plastic production and pollution, micro plastic, marine life entanglement in fishing nets, and so much more. Having seen and dealt with soo much plastic at glover’s reef really solidified the lessons I had learned about the scale and impact of our ocean plastic problem.  

I am also going to remember the lessons and research regarding Scarlet Macaws that Boris Aravelo spoke to us about. Not only was it fascinating and inspirational to learn about his efforts to save the Macaws, but it was also super cool to hear about the pressures facing scientists to appease politicians, the dangers of protecting their own work over conservation, learning how to communicate with leaders and the public, etc. 

Finally, something that made a lasting impression on me was the plight of coral reefs today. What we learned about hard coral diseases, global warming, and loss of key species like Diadema urchins that stop algae overgrowth impressed on me just how gravely in danger coral reefs are, and just how much we have already lost. I am also glad that I will have a memory of their majesty and preciousness while I had the chance.

2022

The Inevitable Farewell, Goodbye Belize and TFBs

Leave a comment


I can’t believe that the trip is over. Each day lasted forever, but all together time flew by in the blink of an eye. There is no way to completely sum up my experiences into just a few paragraphs, especially since this trip was so full of firsts, but the least I can do is answer the questions asked of me. The rest is… kind of intangible, swirled up in my brain like the keystone memory that it is going to become, and no blog could do it justice. 

The similarities between the reef (the rainforest of the sea) and the rainforest (the reef of the land) cannot be overlooked. Both ecosystems were so chocked full of diversity, each holding the title of the world’s majority stakeholders in biodiversity for their respective realms, there is no shortage of comparisons to be made. 

First, they are not separate in the first place. The calcium carbonate from the reefs finds itself in the soils of the rainforest, and the sediments of the rainforest find themselves in the reef. Without one or the other, neither would be as we know it. The soils of the rainforest are homes to millions of creatures and critters, and provide a space for the brilliant, expansive fauna to grow. Nutrients in both of these ecosystems are hot commodities, snatched up at first notice, leaving the reefs and trees to find a way to get the nutrients they need. And so, both have figured out ways to maneuver through this system, coral using symbioses, trees laterally growing buttress roots, epiphytes finding nutrients from debris in the canopy – they continue to thrive in the low nutrient areas. This means that they both have this huge amount of biodiversity in spite of the lacking nutrients. 

There are also creatures in both ecosystems that fill very specific niches that in their own ways push the ecosystems forward. From the symbiosis of the symbiodinium and coral to the plants and mycorrhizae, they have found ways to thrive in these competitive, complex ecosystems. 

I noticed that the impacts of climate change and human influence between the two protected areas, the Marine Protected Area and the forest preserve, seemed vastly different. I feel like forests are a lot more resilient than the reefs, able to withstand more stress without dying out, and able to bounce back with less resistance. There is simply so much diversity within the rainforest that when it is standing, one thing will fall and another will take its place. But on the reef, one thing falls, and it takes 5 things with it. 

I have to say, my favorite part of the course was snorkeling (in general). I love swimming and the water was so clear and watching the schools of fish swim by was so cool, it was an amazing experience. My least favorite part of the course was the hiking of the bird tower trail – which comes as a surprise to no one. I was terrified the whole way up and down, but hey, I pushed through and made it to the top (and back to the bottom). 

One thing that I found so surprising was the state of the coral reefs, even within the marine protected area. They were mottled with disease, and often parts were just broken to rubble. I knew that reefs have been getting hit hard in the past century with a bunch of stressors, but it was crazy to see that in person, and that will definitely stick with me. 

For my second thing, I never knew about lionfish and their prevalence as an invasive species – they were never even on my radar. Seeing Scott spear those fish was awesome in and of itself, but going forward into the future, I am now so much more aware of their presence and the need to rid the seas of them.

My last important thing is less tangible, but definitely something that I will remember in 5 years, or more honestly, for the rest of my life. That being the trip as a whole. Going on a field expedition to Belize, to the reef and the rainforest, as a scientist and researcher, meeting other POC scientists and researchers, being able to be immersed in the field, is something that I honestly probably would have never experienced if it weren’t for this trip. It showed me that I was capable of something to that level, to propose questions and make observations in a foreign place, and get taken seriously even as a student. This was only my second time out of the country, both of which occurred this summer – as an FGLI student, that alone had a learning curve. I will be forever grateful for the opportunity that this class allowed me to explore the field of biology and my own capabilities as a scientist, and that is certainly something that I can never forget. 

This course exceeded my expectations, brought me to another side of the world and took me out of my comfort zone in ways that showed me what I was capable of. Even though we had to wrap up early, I wouldn’t change anything about this trip for the world (except maybe the amount of bug bites I received – I am still so itchy!!)

2022

Final blog post :,)

Leave a comment

After visiting the reef and rainforest, I have so many thoughts about the experience it would be impossible to sum them all up in one blog post, but here is my weak attempt to do so!

First, It was really cool being able to see how these ecosystems both resembled each other, and had aspects that were incredibly different from each other. One massive similarity is the nutrient availability. Both in the reef and the forest, nutrients needed for the main ecosystem builders (corals, trees, plants, etc.) are seemingly quite scarce. This is because the minute they become available they are taken up! This is reflected in the opportunistic nature of many of the flaura and fauna of the two ecosystems. In the rainforests, for example, epiphytes live in trees and are able to take in resources from falling leaves and debris (an uncommon thing where resources in the soil are more plentiful). Similarly, in the reef, stony corals thrive in low nutrient areas, and have adapted a host of symbiotic relationships to gain the energy and nutrients they do require. Another similarity, is the huge abundance of available niches and equal abundance of species to fill them. Both in the reefs and rainforest there are countless examples of species that have adapted to take advantage of the most specific niches. On the reefs, this could include all the small critters like sea urchins or hermit crabs that take over abandoned shells. In the rainforest this could include the Mexican Burrowing toad that uses leaf cutter ant nests to amplify its call. Also (don’t worry I’ll stop soon) both the rainforest and reef have vertical ‘zones’ where there is some crossover of species, but also many species that only occupy certain areas that are a specific distance away from the ground or sea surface.

While they have many similarities, there are also obvious differences. One that is interesting to me is the result that an increase in nutrients has on the two environments. Corals are very adapted to low nutrient environments, but in high nutrient environments they lose their competitive edge over algae and are killed out. This eventually may result in an alternative stable state for the ecosystem, where it is no longer a thriving coral reef ecosystem but rather a large patch of macro algae. However, in the rainforest, an increase of nutrients does not lead to the decline of trees or other plant species. This is also in part because nutrients enter the environment in different ways. In the rainforest, for example, an influx in nutrients wouldn’t necessarily coincide with a difficulty to photosynthesize (like it may on the reef if there is an influx in sediment that brings in the nutrients).

This course completely lived up to my expectations, as an amazing trip that has changed my outlook on biology and nature! I think the biggest change in my expectations of the course was in how it would affect my future plans/ideas about my career. Going into this course, I was unsure of if I wanted to pursue a career in bio research. After some of the experiences I had here (#1 being watching the snake/frog egg interaction) I am much more sure that this is what I want to do! I knew I was going to love the rainforest, but I didn’t realize just how many bites I would get from the Chiquibul bug (I.e. wanting to go back at least100x)!

For me, the best part of the class was being able to witness firsthand all of the cool things that I have been learning about in classes at Rice for the last 4 years. I felt like I was inside a David Attenborough documentary, which I basically was. Specifically, I really loved seeing antagonistic relationships and mutualisms in action! A sharp contrast, my least favorite part of the course was being devoured by insects almost constantly! However, as annoying as this was, it was well worth it for the wealth of amazing experiences I was able to have!

My 4 biggest takeaways/learning points:

  1. Reefs and Rainforests are able to support so much life with limited resources, as the resources are stored in the living things! Now this seems kind of obvious, but it was really cool slowly realizing that this is how such a seemingly nutrient poor landscape supports so much biodiversity.
  2. Your methods aren’t as good as you think they are! This is a bit of an overstatement, but by this I mean that there are lots of little things that you don’t think of until your methods are put to the test. My biggest takeaway from this is that it is always a good idea to do a preliminary test of your methods to work out issues and such before you start your larger project.
  3. Mutualisms are literally everywhere. Throughout the course we learned about a ton of mutualisms both on the reef and in the rainforest. Some examples; ants that live in and protect plants, stony corals and their photosynthetic symbiodiniaceae, leaf cutter ants and their fungus, the list goes on…. While there are tons of antagonistic relationships that are readily apparent, there are also an abundance of mutualism once you start looking.
  4. Termites taste like carrots… I mean c’mon who would have thought?!

Thanks to my profs and peers (and Nyala and Caio of course) for making my time in Belize so memorable!

– Ava

2022

Forever and always a TFB <3

Leave a comment

Now that I’m back from the trip and have sort of acclimated to the A/C blasting in my house, it’s time for some wrapping up and a heartfelt reflection! (Also, happy World Rainforest Day!)

One similarity between tropical rainforests and coral reefs is that they are both nutrient poor ecosystems but are also hotspots of biodiversity, and the methods of survival in these harsh conditions fuel biological diversity. For instance, coral reefs are microbially driven ecosystems because microorganisms retain and recycle nutrients for use by the coral organism. Microbial interactions with the holobiont whole can vary widely based on the coral species, symbiont clade and composition, and abiotic factors like light and temperature. Therefore, the diversity of the nutrient-recycling microbial community as a part of the holobiont promotes coral diversity. Additionally, trees and plants in tropical rainforests have adapted to the nutrient poor soils by displaying a variety of nutrient-maximizing methods. One example is buttress roots in trees. These roots spread horizontally under the soil (as opposed to downward vertically) in order to take advantage of the newly deposited nutrients in the upper layers of soil and store them in their plant tissue. These buttress roots also stabilize the tree by having thick, outward stretches at the bottom of the tree, and this also maximizes the amount of surface area the tree has with the most nutrient-rich top soil layers. Just like microorganisms for corals, phenotypic variations like buttress roots in tropical trees promote biodiversity driven by the need to maximize nutrient capturing abilities.

Another similarity between these two ecosystems is the competition for light between organisms. In coral reefs and tropical rainforests, light is a limited and highly coveted commodity. One way that coral organisms ensure access to enough like is through phenotypic plasticity. When a coral of a certain species is present in light-limited conditions, it can be phenotypically different from a coral of the same species in conditions with ample light. The phenotypic form of corals in low light levels is plating, where the coral grows outward in flat plates to maximize the surface area exposed to light so that its dinoflagellate symbionts can photosynthesize and provide nutrients (this also ties back to the lack of nutrients!). The drive for phenotypic forms that maximize light access also fuel coral biodiversity. In tropical rainforests, the thick canopy is an example of the strong competition for light. Tree branches grow outward and create a dense mat of canopy vegetation where almost every sliver of space in the sunlight is taken up by plant life. This leads to tough competition on the forest floor, where organisms better suited to low light conditions compete for the little light transmitting to them. Epiphytes are an example of how this competition within and under the canopy for light has led to biological diversity. Epiphytes are non-parasitic plants that grow upon other plants. They are often seen growing on the trunks and branches of trees. This ability to grow vertically higher than the ground floor is an adaptation to limited light, where epiphytes can advantageously grow closer to the canopy and avoid the competition and overgrowth in the understory. For both of these ecosystems, competition for sunlight drives biodiversity.

One similarity between the two ecosystems that I have personally observed is the 3-D topography. When snorkeling on the fore reef, I got to see the massive spur and groove structure of the coral reef. When hiking the bird tower trail in particular, I experienced the large changes in elevation of the tropical rainforest. Another similarity that I observed is the ability of organisms to occupy even the smallest of spaces and niches. On the reef, I saw this in urchins hiding in crevices and rubble, zoanthids covering tube sponges in tiny polyps, and benthic sea cucumbers underneath structures. In the forest, I saw this in snakes eating frog eggs in trees, spiders with webs in the stalactites of a cave, and a Mexican burrowing toad inhabiting an abandoned leafcutter ant nest.

I have also noticed differences between the two ecosystems, and the major difference is how apparent the impact of destructive forces are. From my personal observations, I saw that destruction was more obvious in the reef than in the forest. While snorkeling, it was so clear to see the expanses of coral rubble, evidence of coral death from disease or bleaching, and impacts of overfishing (in non-MPA reefs). The degradation of the reefs was easy to spot. However, I found it less easy to spot the effects of destructive forces in the rainforest. Of course, the trails and roads and clearings are evidence of human landscape degradation, but outside of this, proof of degradation was not as obvious as it is in the coral reefs. Of course, seeing Morelet’s tree frogs that are critically endangered and scarlet macaws that are endangered in Belize brought the destruction of the tropical forest ecosystem and its organisms to the forefront of our minds, but it was not as if we were seeing dead stretches of forest while conducting our research.

This course completely exceeded my expectations. I did not expect to learn so much about Belizean culture and history, and I was definitely surprised by how much I enjoyed the fieldwork in both ecosystems. I also did not expect to make so many meaningful connections and friendships with my fellow TFBs. Going into this course, I expected to do the things listed on the schedule, but I did not expect to learn as much as I did from those things and for these experiences to have as much of an impact on my ideas for my future career as they did. I did not expect to come out of the trip as the McKenna that I am today with my new revelations and interests, but I am endlessly grateful that I did!

My favorite parts of the course were definitely those with fieldwork! Although the conditions were rough (washing machine currents, accidental fire coral collisions, and mosquitos / chiggers, extreme slopes to hike, and torrential downpours), I thoroughly enjoyed the day-in-the-life moments of being TFB, physical labor included! I also loved the food! I already miss Belizean food; I looked forward to every meal everyday and always felt replenished. My ultimate favorite part of the course was the people! The Belize Babes, Surf & Turf, the two smallest TFBs, the Glovers staff, Ruth and Claudios, the LCRS staff, I feel so lucky to have met and spent time with all of these people! I loved learning alongside the Babes and under the direction and motivating encouragement of Surf and Turf. Everyone I met in Belize was so hospitable and dedicated to ensuring that I enjoy my stay, and it was amazing to learn from these people too and their knowledge and experiences!

My least favorite part of the course was probably the bugs. However, my collection of bites are well-earned TFB battle scars! I also found it hard to get enough time day to day to fill out my field notebook, but after a few days I learned how to maximize my time so that I wouldn’t fall behind (as much as possible). Overall, I really enjoyed this course and didn’t have a big problem with anything; everything about this course qualifies as a “favorite” of mine, just some things are less favorited than others.

The biggest thing that I learned that I think will define where I take my future is my passion for (and my apparent skill for) science communication. I learned that I love talking about and communicating sciency things, and I was told that I’m easy to listen to when doing so. This has inspired me to pursue a future in communicating science! This course also opened my eyes to the complications of wildlife/ecosystem protection. Hearing from the marine safety officers and the Belize Fisheries Department taught me the difficulties of actually enforcing the regulations and restrictions of MPAs. Additionally, hearing from Rafael and Dario about the recent problem of poaching around LCRS made it clear that without the ability to fully surveil a protected area, even forest reserves can fall victim to destructive forces. It really helped me understand the intricacies that must be considered alongside an area’s label as being protected. By far, the most surprising thing that I learned during this course was what lionfish tastes like! I never in my life thought that I would have the opportunity to eat lionfish (especially in ceviche), but that experience will definitely not be forgotten.

This course/trip has been inexplicably elucidating on so many levels. I can’t thank everyone enough for this opportunity, and I already cherish these moments in memory. Belize holds a special place in my heart! Cheers to the end of an un-Belize-able experience and to the beginning of my travel fever and science communication career aspirations!

– McKenna

Uncategorized

Final Reflection Blog: An Unbelizeable Adventure!

Leave a comment

Throughout this course I have learned and experienced so much in such a short amount of time, and I have definitely walked away with an unshakeable sense of wonder and respect for these two tropical ecosystems. One of the main ideas this course has left me with is in the surprising amount of similarities between these two seemingly separate ecosystems, and how that might relate to their current biodiversity. Both coral reefs and rainforests are shaped by their how they maximize the use of limited resources such as light, nutrients, wave energy, and soil. The variety of complex ways in which these organisms adapt to these conditions is reflected in their unmatched biodiversity.

Some personal connections I made along the way are definitely related to what I studied for my topic lecture: the biogeographic history of the region. Both of the specific ecosystems we visited were highly shaped by the history of geologic processes in the region. Glover’s atoll was created by past volcanic activity, and the limestone sediments that characterize the karstic landscape of the Chiquibul were deposited millions of years ago. Actually, the origin of the calcium carbonate in this limestone is from the many millions of marine shelled creatures that lived there when that area was underwater, so the connections run even deeper! Both areas were also deeply impacted by continental movements, specifically the connection of North and South America 3 million years ago, which separated the oceans and joined the terrestrial organisms, but still both leading to continued diversification.

This course was more difficult in some ways than I expected, but also so much fun! I definitely expected to get lots of bug bites while there, but I certainly did not expect the sheer volume of mosquito, sand mite, and chigger bites I came home with! My least favorite part was probably getting seasick on the first boat ride in, that was pretty miserable. Future TFBs beware, and bring itch cream and Dramamine! But as is true with most field work, there were so many fun moments that made all the uncomfortable parts so so worth it! Some of my many favorite moments include: seeing giant ceiba trees, watching a jaguar feed, eating lionfish ceviche, holding a comb jelly, touring the Caracol Archeological Reserve, and seeing the beloved Mexican burrowing toad! And all of these moments were made even better by the friendships I made with my classmates, which I am very grateful for.

Before I post this final blog, I want to leave it by sharing some of the most important or surprising things I learned on this trip that will stick with me for a long time. The entire guest lecture by Dr. Arevalo was definitely memorable for me, especially in his dedication to the ecology and conservation of the scarlet macaw, and his point that there is only limited impact for ecology research if we do not actively apply it to conservation practices and efforts. I will also always remember our conversations on the health of coral reefs, and how quickly climate change can damage these beautiful places. It was something I was always aware of in the periphery of my mind, but there is something different about firsthand experiencing the incredible diversity of these reefs and then learning how threatened they really are. One final thing I will always remember is seeing  and learning about the insane complexity of leafcutter ant colonies! We learned that the characteristics of the ants change as the colony ages and can spread into massive structures that last with a single queen for a max of about 25 years! The fact that such complex eusocial animals have evolved is so insanely cool!

This class and the people I got to know along the way are unforgettable and I had such a great time!

-Phoenix