Life In A Cubic Foot Observations #1

• This spider had Cursorial legs
• It seemed to have a Labium
• Main colors: khaki, dark brown, light brown, and a brown that seemed to be almost black.

(More details of this spider in right hand corner photo)

We also caught this fly for Lia which has:

• Legs-Cusorial
• Mouth-Sponging
• Antenna-Aristate
• Wings-Haltere
• Three body segments

Initial Plant Research- Part 1 (Blue Bedder Salvia)

I believe this plant is a root crop. Its growing season is: Mid Spring,Late Spring/Early Summer,Mid Summer, and Late Summer/Early Fall. It takes four days to germinate and it sprouts in ten to fifteen days. I think it does make sense because this plant flowers in summer-frost therefore this would be the right time to begin. The seed's depth is 1/4 inches and its spacing is 9-12 inches and can grow 12-18 in/18-24 in height wise. It's soil requirements include some sand to clay loam. It likes ordinary, enriched, and acidic to alkaline soil. This plant has a characteristic of being long lasting and should be exposed to partial shade or full sun (full sun is defined as exposure to more than 6 hours of continuous, direct sun per day). Salvias are also often recommended as companion plants for larger, taller or showier flowers or plants like roses or irises.

Watering:

1. Fast-growing herbaceous plants require more attention to watering than woody plants
2. When possible, water in the morning to avoid promoting diseases from night watering
3. Water slowly and deeply when plants begin to wilt and do not perk up at night
4. Watering twice, a few minutes apart, helps water soak in deeper
5. Soaker hoses and trickle or "drip" irrigation are very efficient and water-conservative
6. Never overwater, or you may cause root problems
7. Mulches help reduce water evaporation in hot or dry weather
8. In dry climates, form a soil "ring" around plants to hold water longer
   

Other details:
This plant is attractive to bees, butterflies and/or birds
Drought-tolerant; suitable for xeriscaping
Average Water Needs; Water regularly; do not overwater
This plant is resistant to deer

Journal In Class: Article from the Union-Tribune

How was your routine changed on Thursday afternoon and evening?
My routine was changed because it took me about three hours to get home, which is half of what it would take me in a regular school day. In the evening, I would usually stay home, but in this case, my family and I went over to my neighbor's house and chatted for a long time.

What do you really need in terms of electricity?
In terms of electricity, I think we need flashlights,perhaps a generator, and at least a cellphone to call the police in case of an emergency.

Were you surprised by the reactions of those around you to the loss of electricity? How/Why/Why no?
I was not surprised by their reactions because they were not freaking out, they were cautious due to the situation, but not frightened. I think this was because this had happened before in San Diego, just not for this long. Also because they were aware of why the blackout was caused.

Invasive Species: Xenopus laevis

Xenopus laevis, also known as the African Clawed Frog, is Native indigenous such as South Africa, Zimbabwe, Congo, and many more. Its name was derived from three short claws on each hind foot. This frog was first collected in CA in Orange County in the late 1960s. Its ecosystem is fresh water and/or wetlands usually found in ponds and rivers. They can grow up to 5 inches height wise and live 5 to 15 years.

These frogs are usually greenish grey and their underside is creamy with with yellow tinge. Males are usually 20% smaller than females. These frogs lay eggs. After these frogs shed their skin (which is after every season), they eat the skin they shed. The African Clawed Frogs are veracious predators and easily adapt. For this reason, they can easily become harmful invasive species.

*Xenopus=strange foot
*laevis=smooth

Move, Learn, Eat

Move:How will you be active this semester?
This semester, I will be in the Soccer X-Block to keep myself active.

Eat: Commit to trying one new food this semester. What will it be?
I have always wanted to try out the mini octopus soup, but seeing the octopus in the soup disgusts me, even though many say it's pretty tasty. This year I want to see if I can accomplish this. If this does not work out, I want to try Greek food.

Learn: What is one new thing you want to learn this semester? Can be ANYTHING!
I want to learn how to do hand embroidery.

Extra question: What is one goal you want to accomplish this semester? Can be ANYTHING!
This year I want to get good grades and go to a O.W.W. that is outside the country.