Habitat 1: Forest
Species observed:
Eastern gray squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis)
White-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus)
Red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis)
Genetic variation observed:
The Eastern gray squirrels had variation in their fur color, with some individuals having darker or lighter shades of gray.
The White-tailed deer had variation in their antler size and shape, with some individuals having larger or more branched antlers than others.
The Red-tailed hawk had variation in their feather coloration, with some individuals having darker or lighter shades of red on their tails.
Negative impacts on the habitat:
Deforestation and habitat loss due to human activities such as logging and urban development can negatively impact the forest habitat of these species.
Pollution, including air and water pollution, can also negatively impact the health of the forest ecosystem and the species that depend on it.
Habitat 2: Coral reef
Species observed:
Clownfish (Amphiprioninae)
Blue tang (Paracanthurus hepatus)
Green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas)
Genetic variation observed:
The Clownfish had variation in their coloration, with some individuals having brighter or darker stripes than others.
The Blue tang had variation in their fin shape, with some individuals having longer or more pointed fins than others.
The Green sea turtle had variation in their shell pattern, with some individuals having more or fewer scutes (the bony plates that make up their shell).
Negative impacts on the habitat:
Climate change and ocean acidification can negatively impact the health of coral reefs, which in turn can affect the species that depend on them.
Overfishing and destructive fishing practices can also damage coral reefs and reduce the populations of fish and other species that depend on them.