Biology Department Newsletter Issue 10: week commencing 15 June 2020
Biology in the news with Mrs Oatridge The accelerating threat of a “sixth mass extinction” New evidence that the disappearance of wildlife is happening is an at alarming rate has reignited fears of a human-prompted “sixth mass extinction”. Using available population data for 29,400 terrestrial vertebrate species, researchers report that of 543 extinctions since 1901, 173 took place between 2001 and 2014. Furthermore, it is likely that the extinction rate will only accelerate, as 515 species are classed as critically endangered with populations of under 1000. Examples include the Hainon gibbon (around 30 left) and the Sumatran rhino (less than 100 left). Not only does the future look bleak for biodiversity but the researchers are also concerned about the impact on humanity: “when humanity exterminates other creatures, it is sawing off the limb on which it is sitting” says Prof Paul Ehrlich at Stanford University. The power of a bee’s bite Researchers is Switzerland have published evidence suggesting that a bee’s bite can encourage early blooming in flowers. Bees can make a series of incisions on leaves and in a series of experiments, they found that pollenstarved bumblebees were more likely to do so that bees from well-fed colonies. Plants exposed to the nibbling were also found to flower considerably earlier: by a whole month for tomato plants! Why the bees bite has an effect is unknown, but the scientists suggest it could be providing a cue to the plant that is “bee-specific”. Summaries adapted from ‘The Week’
Reintroducing glow worms Glow worms are set to be reintroduced to the British countryside as a way of supporting their dwindling population. Take a look here to read why these fascinating little beetles are so important The Times.
There’s no genetic basis for race It's been used to define and separate people for millennia. But the concept of race is not grounded in genetics. Read this article in National Geographic to find out more about why race is a human construction.
Biology Department Newsletter Issue 10: week commencing 15 June 2020
Mr Glanville’s pond and aviary update This is a common hawker (Aeshna juncea) dragonfly that has just emerged from Mr Glanville's pond. The dragonfly's body is approximately 7 cm long. The exuvia (larval case) that the adult dragonfly emerged from is visible behind the dragonfly which is still drying out ready to fly for the first time. Dragonflies spend two to three years underwater as larvae and during this stage of their lifecycle they are fierce predators feeding on tadpoles and small fish. When they are ready to emerge they climb an emergent plant and then the larval case splits open and the adult emerges. The adults will live for several months feeding on flying insects including mosquitoes. Contrary to common folklore the adults cannot bite or sting humans. Did you know fossil dragonflies have been found with 30 cm wingspans? Wikipedia!! Female common hawkers will sometimes dive out of the sky and feign death in order to avoid copulating with males!
The pair of orange headed ground thrushes Zoothera citrina in Mr Glanville's aviary suddenly abandoned their nest so Mr Glanville has been hand-rearing the young. They have to be kept at 37 degrees and fed every couple of hours. Their favourite food is wax moth larvae which are offered to them with forceps. Yummy! They reside on Mr Glanville’s desk so are present during remote learning lessons.
The ‘Bird Whisperer’ in action!
Terrific trees What better way to get some exercise and fresh air than to go for a walk (maintaining all government guidance of course). The TreeTalk app helps you get the most out of your walk by educating you about the trees that we pass every day without a second thought. It’ll even create a daily walk for you!
Biology Department Newsletter Issue 10: week commencing 15 June 2020
Springwatch with Mr Coleman Over the last half of the Summer term, Year 7 have been having some nature-themed lessons with the aim of getting the boys outside in their gardens or local parks to appreciate their local wildlife. Readers over a certain age will have fond memories of long hours spent playing outdoors with no more than a stick for entertainment! The youth of today need reminding from time to time that the natural world is not just a screen saver but a living thing of breath-taking beauty that can be found in any environment – outdoors! Modern life is deprived of nature and so we are losing the skill of noticing it but that is exactly where to start. Outside, away from the screens, nature starts with the noticing…
Springwatch lessons have included biological drawings, photography, making homes and shelters for wildlife and filming any visitors. Over the next few issues, I will bring you a selection of Year 7s’ work starting with their anatomical drawings of specimens. Below are just a few of 7Ms’ efforts for the Nancy Rothwell drawing competition which aims to celebrate and highlight the benefits of combining art and science. Jolly well done to all of Year 7 for their best efforts – I only wish that I could draw as well as you boys!
Evan Vayanos, 7M Rian Shah, 7M
Shiv Gohail, 7M
Biology Department Newsletter Issue 10: week commencing 15 June 2020
Springwatch with Mr Coleman Did you know that the term ‘butterfly’ is thought to derive from the colour of the male Brimstone’s upper wings?
If you are a boy or girl aged 7 to 18 and you have been inspired by 7 Meadows’ efforts, then why not give it a go yourself? Remember that scientific drawing is about observing structure and accuracy. It is great if it looks beautiful, but communication is the most important purpose.
Brimstone, Gonepteryx rhamni
A female Brimstone (like the one below laying eggs) is a more margarine-like colour.
Citizen Science project If you’ve been inspired by us to get involved with the natural world, why not take part in the Open University’s brand new citizen science project, OU Pollinator Watch. Introduced on Springwatch on 11th June (that’s the BBC Springwatch programme, not Mr Coleman’s Springwatch!), this exciting endeavour brings together the observations from people across the country, allowing scientists to learn more about these critical species. All you have to do is upload photos of the pollinators you see and answer a few questions. There’s even a really beautiful identification guide to help you. Give it a go. And also start to watch Springwatch!!