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Living Together

Topic

  • Cell Biology
  • Cell Communication
  • Microbiology
  • Bacteria

Resource Type

  • Activities
  • Phenomenal Images

Level

High School — GeneralHigh School — AP/IB
Saved By
11 Users
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Description

This activity explores images of the bobtail squid, which serve as phenomena for learning about symbiosis and interspecies interactions.

The Hawaiian bobtail squid has a pouch inside its body called the light organ, which hosts bioluminescent bacteria such as Aliivibrio fischeri (formerly Vibrio fischeri). The relationship between squid and bacteria is a classic example of symbiosis. The squid provides the bacteria with food and shelter, and the bacteria emit a blue light that hides the squid from predators and prey. These images include a photograph of a bobtail squid and a picture of a squid’s light organ created from a video-microscopy recording.

The “Educator Materials” document includes background information and implementation suggestions for using the images as phenomena. The “Student Handout” includes the images and background information.

“Light Organ” image by Janna Nawroth, Research & Development, Emulate, Inc.

Student Learning Targets

  • Examine images of phenomena, make observations, and ask questions.

  • Collaborate with peers on ideas, ask questions that require higher levels of reasoning, and develop deeper understanding of concepts.

  • Explain the concept of symbiosis.

Estimated Time

Within one 50-minute class period.

Key Terms

bacteria, bioluminescence, camouflage, cilia, counterillumination, host, marine biology, microbe, microscopy, mutualism, symbiosis

Primary Literature

McFall-Ngai, M. “Divining the Essence of Symbiosis: Insights from the Squid-Vibrio Model.” PLoS Biology 12, 2: e1001783. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pbio.1001783.

Terms of Use

Please see the Terms of Use for information on how this resource can be used.

Accessibility Level (WCAG compliance)

PDF files meet criteria.

Version History

Date Published 01.22.18
Date Updated 05.22.18

NGSS (2013)

HS-LS2-2; SEP1

AP Biology (2019)

ENE-3.D, ENE-4.B, IST-5.A; SP3

IB Biology (2016)

4.1, C.1

AP Environmental Science (2020)

Topic(s): 1.1
Learning Objectives & Practices: ERT-1.A, SP2

IB Environmental Systems and Societies (2017)

2.1

Common Core (2010)

ELA.WHST.9-12.9

Vision and Change (2009)

CC2, CC5; DP1

Materials

Download Bobtail Squid image (JPG) 317 KB
Download Light Organ image (JPG) 3 MB
Download Educator Materials (PDF) 350 KB
Download Student Handout (PDF) 492 KB

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