Students in Professor of Biology Lane Loya’s Invertebrate Zoology course traveled to Chincoteague Bay in Virginia on Oct. 14-15.
This trip provided students in the course with the opportunity to study marine invertebrates firsthand and bridge the gap between classroom concepts and real-world observation.
“The goal was to get them to actually handle, identify and learn the behavior of organisms in person,” said Loya. “To actually see them alive.”
Loya said that learning about organisms in a book and seeing them in person are very different experiences.
“The first thing we do is drive out to Chincoteague Island and go out into Chincoteague Bay and – for the next two to three hours – go from spot to spot, doing what’s called trawling,” said Loya.
The group collected a variety of marine organisms during this trawling experience.
A highlight of the trip was the opportunity to examine hermit crabs using snail shells as homes. It was a reminder to Loya and the students of the resourcefulness of marine life.
Loya said he hopes his students will develop a deeper appreciation for marine invertebrates and their role in the ecosystem.
“Even if they (hermit crabs) aren’t as charismatic as a dolphin, I hope they’ll recognize that they still play an important role.”
