ccc Kei San Secondary School

Biology

ield Study Report

Site: Chuen Lung

Date of studying: 18/3/2008

Name

Member List:

Chan Wing Sum

Chan Yim Shan

Cheung Wing Fung

Kwan Long Chung

Lau Chi Kin

Ma Kwok Lun

Class No.

Content

Introduction

Field study is an effective way to go deep understands into the

diversity of organisms and well understands the relationship between

organisms and the environment.

In order to learn through our daily experience, from 18/3/2008 to

20/3/2008, we went to Chuen Lung & Starfish Bay for our Biology field

study.

This time we have visited two sites in Chuen Lung, both of them (Site

A & Site B) are water stream while Starfish Bay is seashore.

Through this field study, we hope we can learn more about species and

the ecosystem of water stream and seashore, for example, observe the

living habitats and external features of organisms.

Besides, through the study of organisms we hope we can reflect on

how human activities affect the environment and enhance our

environmental awareness so as to concern more about our environment.

Studv Sites

Environment of Site A

Environment of Site B

I A sketch map of site A

Kev

1 Orange 1 Residential Area

Colour Blue Grey Yellowish green

Description Water Rock Farmland

isa.

A sketch map of site B

Kev u

Colour Description Blue Water Grey Rock Yellowish green grassland Green Land with trees

I

A brief description about water stream

There are two main types of freshwater habitats in Hong Kong - lentic

or standing water and lotic or running water. Water stream is thus one

example of a lotic habitat. There are three main factors identify such

habitats, variability of current, amount of detritus and variable oxygen

content. The result of this triad of factors is that stream animals are often

adapted to cling or attach themselves to surfaces, detritivores predominate,

and mechanisms for obtaining maximum oxygen supply are evident.

In our study sites, there is a little bit different in the nature of the

bottom, water colour and floating materials of the water way in site A and

site B. For example, the nature of the bottom of site A is quite hard as there

are stones on the seabed and on the other hand the nature of site B is

relatively soft and slippery due to the growth of algae. Besides, in site A,

the current speed is relatively slow and we can find foam and falling leaves

floating on the water surface while site B with a relatively fast current

speed and does not have any floating materials. Water in site A has bad

smell as well. With the different nature of habitats, organisms also vary in

their distribution along the stream. I

Field work A. Transect line

A portion of the stream was selected A 3m transect line was run across

the selected portion of the stream. All the investigations was done

around the transect line.

Bw Water sampling

Two sampling bottles were fully filled with stream water at the site of

study. They were brought back to the laboratory for chemical analysis.

C. Physical factors

Measures:

1. Light intensity on the water surface and at the bottom by a light probe

connected to a light meter.

2. Air temperature and water temperature.

3. Average current speed by a flow meter.

For each physical factor, they were measured at different points and

then the average value was taken.

Dw Sediment

About 1kg of sediment (if available) from the bottom of the stream was

collected by a trowel. The sample was placed in a plastic bag for further

investigation.

E. Freshwater plants

The habitats and approximate abundance of the plants (including algae

and fungi) which are related to the freshwater ecosystem in the area of

the study were recorded. Their roles in the ecosystem were noticed. The

Samples of attaching algae, sewage fungi and plankton in the stream

water were taken for farther microscopic investigation.

Freshwater animals

The animals moving on water surface or swimming in the water were

tried to identify and the approximate density of them were estimated

(e.g. number per m2). Their ecological roles were recorded. Only one

individual from each species was collected if capture was necessary for

identification and details.

For animals living at the bottom or in the sediment:

1. Stones were gently-lift from the bottom. Animals attaching on the stone

surfaces were looked for. A soft brush was used to remove the animals to

the plastic tray.

2. Animals moving at the bottom might be found after stones have been

removed. They were caught for identification if they could be caught. If

they were too fast, they were allowed to gone away and were counted.

3. The top layer of the sediment was collected by using a trowel. The

sediment was transferred to the metal sieve and gently-stirred in the water.

The animals were sorted out and transferred to the tray.

4. For each species collected and identified, the number was counted and

their micro-habitats were recorded.

I

Laboratory work

I. Analysis of water sample

1. pH

The pH meter was used to measure. The pH meter was first washed

by deionized water and blotted with a clean tissue to absorb the

buffer solution. Then the probe was immersed in the testing solution.

2. Dissolved Oxygen

Dissolved oxygen in mg/L of the water sample was measured by

using the dissolved oxygen meter.

3. Ammonium content

1mL solution C (Kessler's reagent) was added to 25mL water sample

(if it is not clear, filter it firt). The mixture was agitated for 20sec. A

yellow colour indicates the presence of ammoniacal nitrogen. The

transmittance of the solution was measured by a spectrophotometer

and the result is compared with the standard curve.

4. Phosphate content

1 drop of solution A (ammonium molybdate 1 H2S04 solution) and 1

drop of solution B were added to 25mL water sample (if it is not

clear, filter it first). The mixture was agitated for about 20 sec.. A

blue colour indicates the presence of phosphate. The transmittance of

the solution was measured by a spectrophotometer and the result was

compared with the standard curve.

5. Total dissolved solids (T.D.S.)

The total dissolved solids meter was used.

6. Total suspended solids (T. S .S .)

A filter paper was dried in an oven. It was weighed and used to filter

100-5 0 mL water sample. The filter paper was dried and weighed

again. 0 7. chemical Oxygen Demand

(i) 5 mL concentrated sulphuric acid and 10 mL 0.05 M potassium

perrnanganate (KMn04) were added to 100 rnL water sample

and well-shaken. The solution was put in a 95-100° water

bath for 30 minutes.

(ii) 100 mL 0.0125 M sodium oxalate (Na3C2O4) was added to the

solution.

(iii) The solution was titrated with 0.01 M potassium permanganate

until a light red colour appears.

(iv) The amount (no. of mole) of potassium permanganate titrated

was known, the amount of oxygen required to oxidize the

reducing agent in the water sample can also found out. The

result was recorded in mgll.

II* Analysis of sediment

1. 500mL sediment was put into a 100OmL measuring cylinder. Water

was filled in until it reaches the 100OmL mark. The mixture was

vigorously-shaken and settles for a few hours. The proportion of each

component-gavel(diameter >2mm), coarse sand(diameter 0 -2-2mm),

fine sand(diameter 0.02-0.2mm), silt(diameter 0.002-4.02mm), clay

(diameter <0.002 mm) and humus(on water surface) were estimated.

2. The colour, smelly texture (softy hard, sticky, loose, etc.) and any

other relevant features of the sediment.

III* Studv of living specimens

1. The microscope was used to study micro-organisms in the water and

in the sediment.

2. The living organisms which brought back fiom the field were studied.

Their adaptive features - nutrition, respirationy locomotiony

attachment and defense against predators were especially noticed.

Results'

Differences of Physical factors:

I site A Site B

1 size of stone 1 Relatively small Relatively large

Surface 44OOOLUX 779OLUX Light intensity

Bottom 35OOOLUX 67OOLUX

&r 29 26 Temperature(OC) -

Water 22 21

1 Average flow rate(ms-l) 1 0.0 1

Differences of Chemical factors:

1 Phosphate content (ppm) 1 Ammonium content (ppm)

Total dissolved solids (ppm) 1 1 Total suspended solids (mg/L) 1

Site A

1

Site B

1

Dissolved oxygen (mg/L)

Chemical oxygen demand (mg/L)

7.18

12.8

7.285

5.

Comparison of Species in 2 sites:

Species

Damselfly nymph

Dragonfly nymph

Water Penny

Freshwater Minnow (Javenile)

Mayfly Nymph

Site A Site B

A = Present

Mosquito Larva

Small Long-armed Shrimp

Spe - &-

Canton Bee Shrimp 1

Toothed Bee Shrimp

Clithon retropictus

Brotia hainanensis

Sucker-belly Loach

Water skater

Site A

A

Site B

A = Present

Bee S ~ Ã ˆ : , , ,

I . . . 4 1 I , I , I

I I I I

0J: 1 I& A, 2 k

Adaotations

I. Sucker-belly Loach

Picture of Sucker-belly Loach

1. Sucking-disc +help the fishes to cling onto stones in the stream +prevent dislodged by wave action

2. Camouflage coloring -> prevent predator

3. Eyes on the top . live at the bottom . it can watch the upper surface of the water

4. Flatten body ->closer to the seabed +prevent dislodged by wave action

11. Water Penny Larva

Picture of Water Penny Larva [@der Coleoptera, Family Psephenidea, Genus Psephenus ]

Key features; 3 pairs ohegs very flat, oval or round in shape, like a penny only smaller tan, brown, or black

Description: It looks ike a suction cup, but it's alive! The slow-moving larva munches

on algae tha 1 grow on the rocks. A silvery sheen on its belly is caused by air trapped in a lcoat of fine hairs. This is where its gills are too. The water penny can only live in streams or rivers that are clean and have lots of oxygen. The presence of !water pennies indicates that the stream or river has year-round, pollution-frek water. It can be used as a biological species of good oxygen levels and fast flod of water.

Adaptation: 1. Has a dcprso-ventrally flattened body that allows it to live on rocks in very

fast water, where it is protected from predators by the swift current 2. Six sha hooked feet that permits the water penny to hang on to the

current- wept rocks, and the fringe of hairs around the outer shell that

away.

tp deflects the current, keeping it from getting under the insect and washing it

3. Fluffy tufts of gills collect dissolved oxygen and help get rid of carbon dioxide.

Picture of Goby

1. Pelvic fins ->as a sucker to help to cling onto stones in the stream

IV. Taro

Picture of Taro

Description: Large heart-shaped leaves on long stalks and a slender yellow flower spike. 1 Grows along permanently wet, well-lit stream margins, especially in places close to human habitation or abandoned farms. Have lowers in May. Is a tropical plant grown primarily as a vegetable food.

Adaptation It can grow in a wide range of soil, such as flooded soil and non-flooded soil for prolonged period of time.

V . Bidens 1 ipinnata

Family: Co ' positae B Common name: Bur-Marigold

A c o d o n herb grows on wastes ground. It grows to about 25cm in height and Has an erect, purple, heavily ribbed stem.

I

4 The lea es are trifoliate with elliptical, tooth-margined leaflets.

The flo er heads an outer whorl of white ray florets with central P whorls of oqange disc florets.

The fruits develop in a rayed cluster. They are 1 cm long cypselas, black in colkur and narrowly triangular in shape with three hooked awls at the apex enabling it to attach to fur or clothing for dispersal.

Picture of Bidens bipinnata

VI. Stellar! 1 media Cyr. ( Caryophyllaceae )

Common ndme: Common chickweed

A weakly tufted annual or perennial plant with prostrate branching

stems which have a single longitudinal line of soft hairsA very common

weed and widespread in most countries of the world.

Leaves opposite,simple,oval,0.5 - 2 X 0.3 - 0.5 cm.Leaf apex

acute,base founded to somewhat cordate,or running slightly down the I

leafstalk,makgin entire and wavy.Lower leaves with a short stalk,upper

ones lacking a stalk.

I ~ l o w e r i h ~ in spring.Flowers single at the ends of branches or in the

leaf axils,stalked ( stalk length 1-3 cm ).Flowers bisexua1,regular;calyx of

five hairy sepals 0.3-0.5 cm 1ong;petals five although appearing ten

because they are deeply cut into two lobes,about the same length as the

sepa1s;stam~ns one to se~en~generally three,four or five with brown

an the r s ;ov~ superior,one-celled,with three styles.

Fruit an egg-shaped or cylindrical capsule opening by splitting downwards I

from the top between the three to five valves,seeds usually eight.

Picture of Stellaria media Cyr

VII. Acorns gramineus (Grass-leaved Sweet Flag)

Long, strap-like leathery and a green flower spike.

Commonly associated with the margins of stony, shaded streams.

Can survive underwater for short periods, but cannot tolerate

prolonged submergence.

V I I I . Arthesia vulgaris L. (Compositae) Common name: Mugwort

An erect perennial aromatic plant, up to 100 cm or more in height.

Leaves alternate, deeply cut, to 8 cm long. Leaf apex acute, base

tapering, margins deeply cut into three, five or seven linear lobes, the lower

lobes sometimes also secondarily cut. Leaf surface below white with a

close and dense coating or hairs. Leaves at the top of the plant often

simpler.

Flowering in late Summer through to early Winter. Flowers clustered

together in heads, each head surrounded by an involucre of overlapping

green bracts. Heads numerous, forming a long leafy panicle. Outer row of I I

flowers in ' the heads ten to twelve, female, with a yellow tubular,

three-toothed corolla. Inner disc florets about equal in number to the

female flowers, bisexual and fertile, with a tubular five-toothed corolla and

five stamens joined by the anthers. Neither disc nor ray florets have a

pappus. Ovary inferior, one called. Style simple, forked at the tip.

Fruit an achene. The leaves have a bitter taste and have been long used

in herbal medicine both in east and west.

IX . Diplazium crinipes (Athyriaceae) ,̂@@BE

It is one of the largest genera of ferns in Hong Kong.

It is differs from all other large ferns having a woody and erect

stock.

It i s found rooted among rocks in the middle of a strain at high

altitudes.

Rhizome: erect, massive, light grey in colour, rooted among rocks

Stipes: strong, covered with brown scales at the base

Lamina: bipinnate, rachis hairless and brown, stalked, deeply lobed

Sori: elognated, located along each vein but not reaching the

margin, indusium absent when mature

Spores: monolete, ellipsoidal with prominent wing-like folds I

Picture of Diplazium crinipes

X. White-fl wered Embe r Ha Ernbeliu ribes (Myrsinaceae) a ffi@j@T (%&+

Attributes ofplant: edible Height: 0.5 - 2 m Flowering period: 1 - 7 Fruit: 5 - 12

Identification: Usually with horizontal branches, alternative oval shaped leaves of juicy texture. The leaves are tramparent green in colour with pale yellow transparent mid vein and the lower surface often with whitish bloom. Fruits ak round in shape, green at first and then turn to red and finally black.

Something ~nteresting: Embelia xibests leaves a d -hits are round and juicy, attractive to local wildlife.' 1 They are, sour in taste, as indicated in its Chinese name. Fruits a berry, tipped with a remains of the style, resembling a currant ( Ribes spp.) thus name. Embelia ribes is similar to Embelia laeta in outlook but the colour of leaves and stems are much lighter and less woody.

Habit: Native evergreen climber in Hong Kong, South China, India, Myanmar and malaysia; very common plant species in the thickets or on margins of forest.

Preference: Prefer partially shaded and humid environment such as south facing valley.

Pictures of Embelia ribes

Firstly, let's talk about the physical factor of both site A and site B.

Light is an essential factor for both plants and animals. Plants get use of it

during photosynthesis to produce food. Animals can get the ultimate source

of light energy through the food chain. Comparing the two sites, we

noticed that the difference in light intensity, which is very important that it

may affect the amount of plants at the bottom, (surface and bottom) at site

A is higher than that of site B. This may probably due to the suspended

solid on the water surface. Whereas, the light intensity difference at site B

is much smaller than that of site A, this may due to the low total suspended

solid level at Site B.

Secondly, for the nature of stream bottom at site A, it is composed of

many small stones and sand while that of site B is composed of rocks. This

difference in the nature of bottom may cause the difference in water flow,

species living in the area and survival of species. The rate of flow of water

will directly affect the distribution of organisms. This results in the

constant erosion of the stream bed so that sand and silt are washed away

from the fast moving zones and deposits where the current flow is slower

or in the vicinity of large stones and boulders. This movement of sand and

silt can remove some organisms of their substrate but it will also cover the

other organisms. Those organisms living at both site A and site B need

special adaptation to adapt to the water flow in order not to be washed

away by it.

According to the table of chemical factors, it also showed that Site A is

more polluted than Site B.

i I Firstly, Site A has a higher total suspended solid level than that of Site

B. Those suspended solids are insoluble in water and flow on the water

surface at Site A. These suspended solids will increase the turbidity of

water. When the water is getting more and more turbid, less light will be

available for the submerged vegetation to carry out photosynthesis. Since

these suspended solids are insoluble in water, it will reduce the light

penetration and decrease the productivity of the stream. Also, there are

some farmlands near Site A with the use of fertilizers, those fertilizers will

be leached away and get into the stream. So this will detain on the water

surface and prevent sunlight from entering the bottom of the stream.

With regard to the total dissolved solids level, it is obvious that the

total dissolved solids level at Site A is much higher than that of Site B.

These dissolved solids may be inorganic fertilizers from the farmland

nearby or some soluble organic matters. These substances can be uptake by

the aquatic organisms and cause an increase in the nutrient contents. Also,

during the decomposition of the organic matters, they require oxygen for

the oxidation of the organic matters.

For phosphate content at Site A, it is higher than that of Site B. We

assumed that the difference may due to the release of effluent from the

restaurants and farmlands nearby. When the releases of the effluent to the

stream and water surface run off, the content of the effluent is rapidly

decomposed by the decomposer in the stream. As the content is rich in

I I organic compound, it will be converted into inorganic substances and

hence causes an increase in the phosphate content. These inorganic matters

can be absorbed by the organisms (especially aquatic plants) for use. It will

easily increase the plant nutrient content and cause eutrophication in the

long term. ,

Oxygen is essential for living organisms. It is required for the

oxidation of food to release energy during respiration. So the oxygen

content in the water (the dissolved oxygen level) will greatly affect the

survival and distribution of aquatic organisms.

For the dissolved oxygen level at Site A, the amount of dissolved

oxygen is lower than that of Site B due to the geographical features of

different sites. At site By there are many rocks at the stream which cause a

narrow way for water flow. Narrower the stream way brings about faster

rate of water flow. Therefore, the water collected from Site B has a higher

concentration of dissolve oxygen.

On the other hand, there are fewer stones stuck in the stream way in

Site A, thus there has a wider stream way than that of Site B and it has a

lower rate of water flow. Since the water flow is low, stream water will be

usually saturated with oxygen, therefore, a relatively low concentration of

Similarly, the COD (chemical oxygen demand) at site A is relatively

high. The chemical oxygen demand is an indicator of the amount of

organic matter in the stream. These organic matters are in the intermediate

form. They can be farther oxidized, so oxygen is consumed and reduces

the oxygen amount in the stream. At Site A, both of the suspended and

dissolved solids levels are higher than that of Site B, the high levels will

allow the decomposers to oxidize the organic matters and thus the chemical

oxygen demand is high. However, at Site B, the suspended and dissolved

solids levels are low and therefore the COD is low, too.

Also, some species are sensitive to pollution. It is called the indicator

species. Stanefly nymph is an example of this. It is very sensitive to

pollution. It will only survive at the place without heavy pollution. At Site

B, stonefly nymph can be found. So this can deduce that there is not any

pollution at Site B. However, at Site A, stonefly nymph cannot be found

and the number of species is relatively low.

The ecosystem can be affected by the biotic factors. In every ecosystem,

predations and competitions are inevitable. For predation, this interaction

is beneficial to one species (the predator) but detrimental to the other (the

prey). The number of both the predator and the prey is regulated by each

other. Sine they will regulate the number of each other, the prey ^ population will always be larger than that of predators. This is due to the

energy loss between the energy transferring among the tropic level. With

reference to the food web of the stream, mayfly nymph is both the prey and

predator in the web. In order not to be preyed by the predator, special

offence behavior is developed in the species so that it can survive safely.

For mayfly nymph, its tails bear dense lateral fringes of swimming hairs.

The middle tail is fringed on both sides but the lateral tails are fringed on

the inner side only. The fringes of the three together compose the webbing

of an excellent tail fin; the half-bare laterals are its cutting edges, and the

ready adjustment of its position gives wonderful control of the direction of

movement.

' I Let's talk about another biotic factor. Competition occurs when 2 or

more individuals share the same resources that are in limited supply, such

as food, spaces and so on. There may be two competitions known as

inter-specific competition (with different species) and intra-specific

competition (with same species). Each species has an ecological niche, the

closer the ecological niche, the more intense the competition. In general,

the more adaptable or more tolerant organism will be able to survive in the

competitive condition. In this food web, dragonfly nymph is the common

food for the fish and the water skaters, so the fish and the water skaters will

compete with each other for the dragonfly nymph as food. These

inter-specific competition will make a decrease in the population of both

the fish and the water skaters. However, dragonfly nymph is not the only

food, there is another source of food for the fish. So fish is more tolerate to

the competitive environment.

With reference to the physical and chemical factors, it shows that site A

is in a risk of heavy pollution.

: I At first, in this three-day biology field study, we think that there was

not enough time for us to study at the Site A and Site B. We had about three

hours to study both Site A and Site B and we had only found a few species

within the time limit. We think that only a few species can't complete the

food web perfectly. Also, the food web can't stand for the real situations of

the species that found in Site A and Site B.

I

Secondly, we think that the three-day biology field study is not enough

for us to measure the biological oxygen demand, which is used to measure

how fast the biological organisms use up oxygen in water.

So it could be considered as an indication of the quality of water that

collected from Site A and Site B.

Finally, we think that we study Site A and Site B only. The data

collected from Site A and Site B can't represent the real situation of the

Chuen Lung. It is because we had only studied at Site A and Site B, which

is only a small part of the water stream in Chuen Lung.

Imnrovements: 1 1

Firstly, we suggest that the time for this field study may be longer for

us to do a fully investigation in Chuen Lung. So we can have enough time

to find the species living at Site A and Site B to complete the food web

perfectly.

i I Also, we suggest that the study site in this biology field study can be

enlarged. It is because the data that we collect may be more accurate and

closer to the original situation of Chuen Lung. Moreover, we can find more

species at a larger range of the study site which helps us to complete the

food web and do investigations for the water quality and the condition of

Chuen Lung in depth.

Measures taken bv the HK Government:

Various conservation designations including country parks special

areas and conservation zonings have been done by the government; it also

has designated 23 country parks and 15 special areas with a total area of

about 41,600 hectares. They cover over 60% of the forests, 55% of the

shrub land, 40% of the grassland. All the fresh water reservoirs and most

of the stream origins in the territory, and the fauna and flora associated

with these habitats. These areas are under the active management of

~~ricul ture , ' Fisheries and Conservation Department, which enables the

conservation of the wildlife there. Moreover, the government has

designated another 6,600 hectares of land to protect them from

developme t threats.

1 Our government has conducted regular ecological surveys to take

inventory and update the status of our biodiversity assets and conserved

endangered species of animals and plants through controlling their

international trade.

Our government also promotes public awareness and participation in

nature conservation through publicity and educational activities. Country

and Marine Parks Authority organizes different education programmes for

instance School Education Programme, Marine Parks Ambassador Scheme,

Public Educational Activities and Marine Parks Publications.

Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department has been

implementing conservation plans for the protection of important habitats

and species found in Hong Kong to ensure that they will continue to

survive and sustain. For example, the conservation management plan for

the Mai Po Inner Deep Bay Ramsar Site has been implemented since 1998

to promote the conservation and wise use of the wetlands, and to raise

public awareness about their importance.

The Wild Animals Protection Ordinance provides restricted areas to

protect important habitats from disturbance. Access to these areas is

restricted through a permit system administered by the Agriculture,

Fisheries and Conservation Department.

Despite Hong Kong is a small size city and rapid developments over

the years; it still enjoys a rich biodiversity. A wide variety of plants and

animals can be found here including over 3,100 species of vascular plants,

50 species of mammals, 450 species of birds, 80 species of reptiles, more

than 20 species of amphibians and 140 species of freshwater fish. Insect

diversity is also very high with more than 230 species of butterflies and ' I

100 species of dragonflies. Most of them in the wildlife are already

represented in the protected areas. These areas currently put under various

conservation designations not only offer a sanctuary for wildlife, but also

facilitate informed planning by developers who can avoid ecological

sensitive areas at the early planning stage.

From time to time, there are criticisms about the inadequacy of the

existing measures in conserving ecologically important sites under private

ownership.

Moreover, the ecological information currently available is not

extensive enough in respect of areas covered and details of information

collected. We suggest the government should build up a comprehensive

ecological database that can facilitate the formulation and implementation

of nature conservation policy and measures.

So we need to protect ecologically important areas from adverse

development impacts by requiring proponents of designated projects to

avoid causing adverse environmental impact as far as practicable.

After this Biology Field Trip, there is something more than the sweat

and tiredness. We have paid a visit to the fresh water stream and the

seashore, cooperating with each other in our own group, giving the teacher

and tutor a chance to share their experience. What's more, we have

accomplished a presentation on our own effort: we look up the reference

books, surf the Net and we will unable to achieve this without a little help

from our teacher and the tutor.

Biology is often regarded as a boring and difficult subject. We sit in the

classroom and listen to some incredibly confusing theories and laws,

without understanding them very much.

But in fact, the true nature of Biology is to explore the world, a world

full of beautiful creatures and plants, varying in sizes, structures and

habitats. We cannot really understand if we only stay in our classroom.

We appreciate the chance of getting off our seats and participate in

collecting samples, taking photographs of them and carrying out

identification and experiments, checking whether it is the one we are

looking for or to count the populations of them. We are also lucky enough ' I to be able to use some apparatus which are new to us --- something besides

the simple one in school laboratory. And state-of-the-art facilities found in

university.

In the presentation section, we can share the information and findings

to others students. We received queries and questions from teachers

enthusiastic in asking questions and realize our weakness. We also receive

neutral comments from the tutor in Ho Koon and the advises help us to

consolidate our knowledge and overcome our weakness.

In our trip, what we know is not only the background information of

the place we are going to investigate or the tasks we are going to do, but

the dangers that habitats are facing. It brings out another thing we should

understand and keep in mind. To conserve and protect the environment, in

the sake of a sustainable future, our future generations and our lovely

planet.

At last, we hereby to give our most sincere appreciation to the tutor in

Ho Koon, Mr. Dickson Wong and our biology teacher, Mr Kan.

' I References

Hong Kong Ferns published by The Urban Council Publication ! I

Hong Kong Herbs Vol.1 & 2 published by The Urban Council

Publication

Hong Kong Shrubs published by The Urban Council Publication

Hillstreams published by Wan Li Book Co., Ltd.

Common Shrubland Plants published by Hong Kong Discovery Ltd.

Hong Kong Fruits & Seeds published by The Urban Council

Publication