A Walk in the Park

1. A Walk in the Park By Joshua Wei, Darrell Lim, Daniel Lai & Ryan Chua

2. The Question • On 23 May 2013, we went for a Science Enrichment Program, taking down photos and notes along the way. • We were also given the question “HOW DO WE KEEP A BALANCE BETWEEN URBAN AND NATURAL ENVIRONMENT?”

3. The Answer • Natural environment needs to be cleared for urbanization (building of MRT rails, HDB flats, etc.) • Yet we need to save natural environment to save the Earth (Plants produce oxygen) • The Solution: As our Government (URA) plans for roads, houses, etc., they need to conserve some of the natural environment in Singapore.

4. TASK • We were asked to identify the three features of the eco-system and describe how they aid in the survival of specific organisms. • So several unique organisms seen during the activity will be listed down.

5. 1. Strangling figs • Takes a long time to germinate • Strangles a host tree to get its nutrients while climbing to receive sunlight What’s this?

6. 2. Golden Backside Ant

7. 3. Crab spider • Arranges legs in claw like formation • Hides under leaves and in flowers • Eats small insects • Green in colour

8. What helps them survive in their ecosystem? • Abundance of natural fruit (food) • Variety of prey • No human predators and no accidental introduction of foreign species • A lot of pollinators

9. Threats • Increase in carbon emissions • Clearing of natural environment for urbanization

10. How to deal with threats • To reduce carbon emission: • Use fan instead of of air- conditioner (air-con gives out carbon dioxide and uses electricity) • Use public transport (so as to reduce number of cars on roads because the cars produce carbon emissions) or use alternative methods to travel, eg. bicycle or walking • Try to prevent the clearing of natural environment or use alternative ways so that the extent of damage to the natural environment will be decreased • Supporting groups wanting to save natural environments, eg. S.O.S Bukit Brown