something new everyday

Post date: Jul 26, 2013 4:10:16 PM

With only two weeks left in the program, we interns have to work extra hard to make sure each task is completed and accurate. We have finally finished the first 27 volumes of the Ostracods (the important ones) and are continuing to collect more data with measuring and inputting it into the spreadsheets. As Alondra stated in her last blog, “Though at times collecting data gets a little repetitive, we are aware that it will benefit us greatly when we start our own research projects”, this is true. I am working with Mayra and Alondra on a project concerning crinoids sizes and mass extinctions. We predicted that after each major extinction, crinoid sizes are expected to increase, and also that the larger the crinoids are, the more prone they are to extinction. We used the data we collected to compile graphs by typing in codes in R (a statistical program). After doing a T- test on the sizes and extinctions period, we realized that we are back to square one! There is no major change in sizes after extinction. I said, “We failed,” and Alondra said, “This is just the process of science,” and as corny as the moment was, my spirits were lifted and we will continue and push on with our project.

I learn something new everyday. It’s non-stop learning, especially on Wednesdays. I learned more about the underground water supply thanks to the Hydrology discussion. I learned more about earthquakes and “created my own earth-quakes”. And today, the History of Life interns explored Berkley’s campus for fossils and fault lines. We first visited the fossil collections at Berkeley and sorted out different types of fossils not by genera, but by physical appearances. It was fun and my brain became really creative. We then toured the museum, and I saw an eight inch crinoid fossil! You can only imagine my excitement (after all, my project is on crinoids). Then we hiked up a road and entered the stadium directly located on top of the Hayward fault line. After, we hiked up a bit more and followed a road to the creek. From there we learned about the geometrical appearances that the creek had. Overall, the trip was tiring, but worth every step. I hadn’t visited Berkeley before, so I was fascinated the whole day. Also, Matt, the marine biologist, pushed my dreams of scuba diving even farther.

The fossils that we sorted at the Paleontology Museum at UC Berkeley

TYRANNOSAURUS REX!!! (They really do have small arms)

Berkley's stadium! I'd love to play football here ;D

CRACK CAUSED BY FAULT LINES!

A path to enlightenment regarding about faultlines and water movement