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Daily Digest Archive for April 27, 2004
Q: (Initially posted April 16, 2004) FROM STUDENT
MEMBER ALEXIS K. IN VA
I am going to the Virgin Islands this summer through the
Earthwatch program to help with termite and coral reef fish
research (I
don't know yet which one I will be assigned to; maybe both).
This is going
to be incredible! I will work with two scientists and will get
to learn
about real field research. Since I'm considering being a field
researcher, I
believe this trip will be highly beneficial. Before I leave,
I want to learn
more about termites and reef fish. I would like to spend some
time learning
basic stuff about these creatures. Can anybody tell me where
to find info
that's not too scientifically worded or verbose that will help
me get
started? General searching on the web hasn't been helping much,
so I'm kind of at a loss. Thanks! |
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April 27, 2004
A: FROM MENTOR AMY MCMILLAN
IN NY
Hi Alexis, WOW, that sounds like a terrific opportunity!!
Wish I were
going. As you may already know, here is the website for the
termite
research being done by the Earthwatch group you are considering.
http://campus.murraystate.edu/academic/faculty/claire.fuller/termres.htm
This appears to be a similar species and there is some general
termite
information here
http://www.termite.com/termites/florida-damp-wood-termite.html
Here is a picture of the soldiers of Nasutitermes acajutlae
plus links
to more pictures
http://www.utoronto.ca/forest/termite/naspage.htm
and a termites of the world website that looks good
http://www.utoronto.ca/forest/termite/dist_spc.htm
Reef fish is a bigger issue - there are more than 400 species
of fish
that live on or near the reefs of the Virgin Islands coast
(this
according to the following websites)
http://biology.usgs.gov/s+t/SNT/noframe/cr135.htm
http://biology.usgs.gov/s+t/SNT/noframe/cr134.htm
If you are interested in books about reef fishes - go to www.amazon.com
and type in Virgin Island reef fishes - there are many good
choices with
great pictures and information. Once you get titles you might
be able
to get some of these books at the local library.
This site was about restoring a coral reef and has some basic
information and pictures
http://www.friendsvinp.org/Programs/canon/canonhome.htm
I am sure there are others and maybe some of the other mentors
can get
some good sites for you. Meanwhile, enjoy your trip and treasure
it! I
hope you have a great time and learn a bunch!
********************
A: FROM MENTOR ANNE LUCIETO
IN IL
I'm not sure if you are interested in termites as a whole
or if you have chosen a type... we actually have a family
member that has been studying the Fermosan Termite for years.
He is at UF Davie... studied at UC Riverside. You may want
to check Universities with programs in Entimology. There is
quite a bit out there. We've also found a large base of information
on the Internet...
Good luck and what a great opportunity you have this summer!
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