SPACE BIOLOGY SUPERHERO
AMY the astrohero with features of great organisms
Amy the astro hero ready to launch!!
Hi! I am Amy the astro hero ready to start my venture into space! First, you might wonder how I can survive in space. This time, I am equipped with a Space Biology Lab. This lab contains adaptations, instincts and so much more of amazing organisms. Let's explore each organism in my lab and use them to become a SPACE BIOLOGY SUPERHERO!
OVERVIEW OF ORGANISMS IN SPACE BIOLOGY LAB.
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Elysia Chlorotica
Hypsibius dujardini
Platypus
Mystrium camillae
Moloch horridus
Snakes -
Squirrels
Elysia Chlorotica
But for the sea slug Elysia chlorotica, things are very different. The mollusc has acquired chloroplasts during its development, i.e. during the transition from larval to adult form. Chloroplasts then remain functional throughout the life of the sea slug. Thus, Elysia chlorotica seems to feed on algae only at the beginning of its existence, then it is drawing its energy exclusively from photosynthesis. Experiments have shown that in the presence of light and CO2, Elysia chlorotica is able to incorporate CO2 into its organic matter through photosynthesis. The capability of this animal will help in survive in space without food and gain energy from the sun. I will not have to wait for food regular food supply from Earth.
[Source. © Patrick J. Krug, Creative Commons CC BY-NC 3.0 license, via Wikimedia Commons]]
Hypsibius dujardini - Tardigrades
Cute microscopic animals called tardigrades are found almost anywhere there is fresh water. They can also survive extreme conditions—even exposure to the cold vacuum of outer space—and their DNA can withstand a battering by X-ray radiation. Until now, researchers weren’t sure how they did it. Previous studies in Ramazzottius varieornatus pointed to the effects of damage suppression protein (Dsup), which protects from radiation. These amazing capabilities of this tiny organism will help me survive in microgravity and tolerate high radiations.
Credit: Kazuharu Arakawa and Hiroki Higashiyama
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PLATYPUS
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The native Australian platypus spends its days eating crustaceans and plants at the bottom of rivers, lakes and streams, or resting in its burrow. With its shy nature, this species is happy leading a solo life. Despite sharing the same body of water at times, these unique, egg-laying mammals will only come together during breeding season or when a mother is nurturing her young. These instincts of a Platypus will help me adapt to long periods of isolation so that I don't feel lonely!
© Clive - stock.adobe.com
MYSTRIUM CAMILLAE
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Mystrium Camillae also known as Dracula Ant are the fastest known moving animal appendages, snapping shut at speeds of up to 90 meters per second. Entomology and animal biology professor Andrew Suarez and his colleagues studied the speed and mechanical characteristics of the Dracula ant. The excellent circulatory system and good muscle development and movement of this type of ant will help me control my muscles and regularise fine motor skills in space.
MOLOCH HORRIDUS
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The thorny devil (Moloch horridus), which is also commonly referred to as the thorny dragon, is typically found in desert areas in Central Australia. The thorny devil captures rainfall and dew during drier conditions through layered scales on its body that have a hinge which enables it to trap moisture and water droplets between the scales. The collected water is then transported under the skin to the mouth. The process is enabled by tongue movements that create the needed pressure to draw water to the back of the mouth. These instincts will help me survive in space without water.
SNAKES
Snakes can lower their metabolic rates by up to 70 percent, allowing them to survive prolonged periods without food while growing longer nonetheless, a new study shows.
“These animals take energy reduction to a whole new level,” said lead author Marshall McCue, a biology graduate student at the University of Arkansas.
Image credit: James Van Dyke
SQUIRRELS
Tree squirrels are able to descend a tree head-first by rotating their ankles 180 degrees so the hind paws are pointing backwards, allowing them to better grip the tree bark. This feature of a squirrel will help me move around in anti gravity.
image credit: Squirrel by Oldiefan.
BYE! I HOPE TO SEE YOU IN SPACE NEXT YEAR...WITH MORE AMAZING ORGANISMS
TEAM: SPACE BIOLOGY SUPERHERO
TEAM MEMBERS: MAGILVATHANI R