A Walk in the Park By Joshua Wei, Darrell Lim, Daniel Lai & Ryan Chua

The Question On 23 May 2013, we went for a Science Enrichment Program, taking down photos and notes along the way. We were also given the question “HOW DO WE KEEP A BALANCE BETWEEN URBAN AND NATURAL ENVIRONMENT?”

The Answer Natural environment needs to be cleared for urbanization (building of MRT rails, HDB flats, etc.) Yet we need to save natural environment to save the Earth (Plants produce oxygen) The Solution: As our Government (URA) plans for roads, houses, etc., they need to conserve some of the natural environment in Singapore.

TASK We were asked to identify the three features of the eco-system and describe how they aid in the survival of specific organisms. So several unique organisms seen during the activity will be listed down.

1. Strangling figs (Ficus aurea) Germinates in the canopy of a host tree Takes a long time to germinate Strangles host tree while climbing to receive sunlight Takes the place of the host tree after strangling it

2. Fig tree fruit (wú hu ā guo) Female flower hidden in fruit Female wasps go inside the fruit and lay their eggs, the males hatch first and mate with the females then die, then the females hatch and try to get out of the plant, while the plant gets pollen all over them.

3. Green crab spider Arranges legs in claw like formation Hides under leaves and in flowers Eats small insects Extremely long front legs Able to move forward, backward and sideways

What helps them survive in their ecosystem? Abundance of natural fruit (food) Variety of prey No human predators and no accidental introduction of foreign species A lot of pollinators

Threats Increase in carbon emissions Clearing of natural environment for urbanization

How to deal with threats To reduce carbon emission: Use fan instead of air- conditioner (air-con gives out carbon dioxide and uses electricity) Use public transport (so as to reduce number of cars on roads because the cars produce carbon emissions) or use alternative methods to travel, eg. bicycle or walking Try to prevent the clearing of natural environment or use alternative ways so that the extent of damage to the natural environment will be decreased Supporting groups wanting to save natural environments, eg. S.O.S Bukit Brown

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