Despite their widely different biomes, the terrestrial tropical rainforest and its lush greenery, compared to the vast ocean and its mysterious creatures, both have developed rich, complex ecosystems. For instance, the forest sustains itself on light and plant matter, reaching different trophic levels and creating microhabitats by temperature and structure to allow biodiverse inhabitants. Similarly, the reefs of the coral reef, fed by billions upon billions of photosynthetic algae, create structural niches for fish and other fauna to reside in, developing hidden habitats as a result. On a greater level, the intense light, heat, and moisture within both systems has become a breeding ground for several producers, enhancing the food web further down levels of prey, mesopredator, predator, and apex predator. 

Personally, I have also noticed that both systems intrinsically propel organismal adaptations (both behaviorally and morphologically) for specialization through competition and symbiotic relationships. For instance, my taxon in the coral reef, the parrotfish, is known for its numerous speciation in the area. Observing their behavior through fish follow studies, we noticed some more adventurous, like the Striped parrotfish, while others like the Redband parrotfish more quickly hiding in reefs. Similarly, the forest’s big cats like pumas often appear at night on the ground while the smaller margay, or tiger cat, hunts its prey on trees despite also being nocturnal. And where there is a will, there is a way. Fungi and insects develop richly on the underside of logs and leaves, in the cracks of tree bark and soil, and atop other living organisms. Inundated with liveliness, neither the ocean nor the forest is ever silent, waiting and adapting with time.

The course far exceeded my expectations. I have been able to pick up so many skills listening and waiting patiently for organism interactions, developing field biology research predictions and methodology, and presenting research. I came in thinking about all the equipment we needed and how unnecessary it probably would be, but I’ve come to value literally every single thing I’ve used in the course, from the thick rubber boots to a tight mask and snorkel. My favorite part of the course is the sheer amount I’ve learned–be it listening to other people’s presentations, or meeting organizers of the various research stations. Another thing that shifted my perspective of both the forest and the reef was witnessing them at night, understanding the enormity of these systems amidst the bright, starry sky. My least favorite part was probably the heat. Traversing the rainforest’s dry season and the atoll’s brutal humidity, I could definitely feel my patience wearing thin at times. Still, it was very character-building. 

Five years from now, I think I’ll still remember a lot about this trip. My favorite, and biggest takeaway: everything can be an ecosystem, especially caves. Caves hold so much geological and biological adaptation, with much continually being explored. Second, ecosystems can be dangerous if you’re not careful. Snorkeling in strong ocean currents or not performing basic stingray (via the stingray shuffle) and snake checks can make or break your life. Thirdly, the more you stare at something, the more life you’ll find. While the reef and forest are not always as dynamic at the macro level, a single leaf can hold colonies upon colonies of lichen. And these relationships are complex, like leafcutter ants with their fungal gardens, adapting for millions and millions of years to form the most astounding dynamics.

Signing off! P.S. some final forest and reef pics 🙂