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Tiffany, Maggie, and I started our first research experiment. The aim is to find out if there is any pattern to the holes found naturally in the leaves of a certain species of the family Araceae (Aroids). We ventured out into the cloud forest surrounding the ecolodge, collected samples using a methodology involving a random numbers table, and then traced our samples onto graph paper so we could determine surface area. The data included distance from ground, position (number) on the plant, number of holes, and percent holes. So far, it appears that there is no correlation.

Here are some pics we took while doing our research… and goofing off at the same time.

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Working…

Gathering data #1

Gathering data #2

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Playing and exploring…

Strangler Fig #1 — This strangler fig was at a 45-degree angle. We decided to climb up in it.

Strangler Fig #2 — It was slippery so I really couldn’t go too far.

Strangler Fig Conquerors #1 — Maggie and Tiffany climb up too! Notice the excellent example of an Aroid plant next to Tiffany’s hand. We are studying the relationship of the natural holes in the leaves, which you can clearly see here.

Strangler Fig Conquerors #2 — Oh my god! It’s the Amazon women!

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Alien Chamber #1 — What the hell is this? Ok, it’s a small strangler fig of which the host tree is gone. But doesn’t it look like something out of the movie Alien? We had to get inside… Oh my god! I’m trapped! Wait, I’m smiling.

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Giant Strangler #1 — We found this giant strangler fig tree that was perfect to fit inside. This was our first attempt at taking a self-timer pic. Hahahaha.

Giant Strangler #2 — That’s better.

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Jane of the jungle #1 — Tiffany shows her acrobatic skills, take one.

Jane of the jungle #2 — Take two!

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Animal life…

Butterfly #1

Moth #1 — A very fuzzy and orange moth that I found resting on the deck of the ecolodge after we got back from collecting data.