The Year 13 Biology class visited the Orokonui Ecosanctuary, the flagship biodiversity project for the South Island for their internal and practical investigation.
We looked at plant biology studying and taking samples from the many plants found at the ecosanctuary.
Taylor Davies-Colley, an expert Botanist, was there to help us with our work. It was cold for all three days but the experience was worth pushing through the bad weather.
On the first day, we learnt about what the internal would require. We then started collecting data on the second day and began writing and refining our reports on the third.
There were many parts of plant biology to investigate:
- The stomatal density of the leaves, leaf thickness and surface area of the leaves. There were also many plants to study, Wineberry, Lemonwood and Marble Leaf to name a few
- There was also a great selection of birds to view as we took our data. These birds were able to thrive in the predator-free environment the ecosanctuary provides
- The area also contains New Zealand’s largest tree, a true spectacle of the power of nature.
We are in the process of finishing our reports ready to be turned in on the last day. Wish us luck!
Sam Dorne-Cumming