23 November, 2023

Ecology Trip to FRIM

Our Year 11 and Year 13 students recently ventured into the Forest Research Institute of Malaysia (FRIM) for an eye-opening ecology field trip. They used quadrats to study plant diversity in managed and unmanaged rainforests, observing how various factors affect these ecosystems. Not stopping there, both groups explored aquatic life through kick sampling in a nearby river, revealing a thriving biodiversity beneath the surface.

Year 11 students took on systematic sampling along a transect, mapping biodiversity changes across different zones. Meanwhile, Year 13 students honed in on the impact of light intensity on organism distribution, gathering statistically significant data. Their findings illuminated the intricate relationship between environmental factors and biodiversity patterns.

Students had an exciting encounter with various species, such as the Yellow-spotted Fungus Beetle, Spotted Litter Frog tadpoles, dragonfly larvae, shrimp and fighting fish. Amidst their discoveries, they were thrilled to spot the endangered Dusky Leaf Langur monkey swinging through the tree canopy. This sighting added an exhilarating dimension to their exploration, offering a unique insight into the diverse wildlife thriving within these ecosystems and enriching their understanding of local biodiversity.

These hands-on experiences have left our students with a deeper understanding of ecosystems and a newfound appreciation for the delicate balance of nature. Their time at FRIM was more than a trip, the extensive knowledge provided by our experienced guy, Gary Khaeril Zach, allowed students to dive into the fascinating world of ecology, sparking a passion for environmental conservation and exploration.

A big shout-out to Hadi (Y13) and Merjaan (Y11) for securing the Eco Explorer Award, recognizing their exceptional enthusiasm, keen observational skills, and impressive ecological technique knowledge.

And finally, a special mention to Marjorie (Y11), Aviv (Y11), Jordan (Y11), Terry (Y11) and Alaa Yoosuf (Y11) for winning the BioSpotter Award for exceptional observational skills during the trip.

Congratulations on these well-deserved achievements!