I'm A Future Marine Biologist!

The I'm a Future Scientist! series is based on the Science Centre Singapore's Young Scientist badge programme.
It is designed to spark sustained interest in scientific fields, such as botany, zoology, marine biology, conservation, and the environment, through engaging and relatable content.
The books feature educational articles, fun cartoons, hands-on activities, full-color photographs, and illustrations, and augmented reality (AR) elements to help bring Science alive for children.
Additionally, the series offers opportunities for children to earn points for the Young Scientist Badge programme by using the links inside.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 56 pages
Publication date: 17 May 2022
Publisher: World Scientific Publishing Co Pte Ltd

Based on the Science Centre Singapore s longstanding and highly popular Young Scientist badge programme.

This exciting series of full-colour books for 6-12 year olds will spark sustained interest in scientific fields, such as botany, zoology, marine biology, conservation and the environment, astronomy, and many more, with delivering primary-school-level Science learning points in an engaging and relatable way!

Through clearly written educational articles, fun cartoons, suggested hands-on activities, as well as full-colour photographs and illustrations, these books are the perfect companions for budding scientists to delve further into a wide range of fields of Science.

In addition, Augmented Reality (AR) elements will also help to bring Science alive for children, helping them to retain the information provided better, and inspiring better learning!

And, as a bonus, earn points for the Young Scientist Badge programme from Science Centre Singapore, using the links inside!

Are corals plants or animals?

Coral reefs are some of the most diverse and beautiful ecosystems on Earth, and they are home to a wide range of marine life. But what exactly are corals? Are they plants or animals?

The answer to this question is not as simple as it may seem. Corals are actually a type of marine invertebrate, which means that they do not have a backbone or internal organs. Instead, they are made up of tiny cells called polyps, which are attached to a hard, calcium carbonate skeleton.

One of the most distinctive features of corals is their ability to grow and form complex structures. Corals can grow in a variety of shapes, including branches, plates, and columns, and they can grow to be several meters long. They also have a unique reproductive system, which involves asexual reproduction and sexual reproduction.

Asexual reproduction is the most common form of reproduction in corals, and it involves the polyps growing and dividing. When a polyp divides, it can produce a clone of itself, which is genetically identical to the parent polyp. This allows the coral reef to grow and expand over time.

Sexual reproduction, on the other hand, involves the fusion of male and female polyps. This process can result in the production of new coral species, which can have different colors, shapes, and sizes. Sexual reproduction is also important for the genetic diversity of coral reefs, as it allows for the mixing of genes from different individuals.

Despite their unique characteristics, corals are still considered to be animals. They are classified as a phylum of cnidarians, which includes other invertebrates such as jellyfish, sea anemones, and sponges. Cnidarians are characterized by their ability to produce and move gametes, which are the reproductive cells of the organism.

In conclusion, corals are a type of marine invertebrate that are made up of tiny cells called polyps. They have a unique reproductive system that involves both asexual and sexual reproduction, and they are capable of growing and forming complex structures. Despite their unique characteristics, corals are still considered to be animals, and they are an important part of the marine ecosystem.

Can sea stars regrow their limbs?

Sea stars, also known as starfish, are a fascinating group of marine invertebrates that are known for their unique ability to regenerate lost limbs. Sea stars have a central disc and five arms that radiate out from it. When a sea star loses an arm, it can regenerate a new one over time.

The process of limb regeneration in sea stars is a complex one that involves several stages. First, the sea star produces a new arm bud, which is a small, immature version of the lost limb. This bud is located near the center of the disc. Next, the sea star secretes a substance called collagen, which helps to strengthen the new arm bud.

Over time, the new arm bud grows and develops into a fully functional limb. The process of limb regeneration can take several months or even years, depending on the size and complexity of the lost limb. Sea stars can regenerate multiple limbs over their lifetime, which is an impressive feat considering that they are invertebrates.

One of the most interesting aspects of limb regeneration in sea stars is that it is not limited to just the arms. Sea stars can also regenerate their central disc and other parts of their body. This ability to regenerate is thought to be a result of a complex genetic system that allows sea stars to adapt to changing environmental conditions.

Sea stars are important to many marine ecosystems, as they help to control populations of prey

of other invertebrates and prevent the overgrowth of algae. They also play an important role in the food chain, as they are a prey item for many fish and other marine animals.

Despite their impressive ability to regenerate, sea stars are not immune to threats from human activities. Overfishing, pollution, and climate change can all have a negative impact on sea star populations, and they are listed as a species of conservation concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

In conclusion, sea stars are a fascinating group of marine invertebrates that are known for their unique ability to regenerate lost limbs. The process of limb regeneration is a complex one that involves several stages, and it is not limited to just the arms. Sea stars are important to many marine ecosystems, as they help to control populations of other invertebrates and prevent the overgrowth of algae. However, they are not immune to threats from human activities, and they are listed as a species of conservation concern by the IUCN.

Does an octopus have blue blood?

Octopuses are a fascinating group of marine invertebrates that are known for their intelligence, adaptability, and unique physical characteristics. One of the most intriguing questions about octopuses is whether they have blue blood.

The idea that octopuses have blue blood has been around for centuries, and it is still a topic of debate among scientists. While some scientists argue that octopuses have blue blood, others argue that they do not.

The reason for this debate is that octopuses have a unique circulatory system that is different from that of other animals. Octopuses have three hearts, which are connected by a network of blood vessels. One of the hearts is used to pump blood to the gills, while the other two hearts are used to pump blood to the rest of the body.

One of the key features of blue blood is that it contains hemoglobin, which is a protein that carries oxygen to the cells of the body. Hemoglobin is typically found in vertebrates, such as fish, birds, and mammals, and it is responsible for transporting oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body.

However, hemoglobin is not found in invertebrates, such as octopuses. Instead, octopuses have a protein called hemocyanin, which is similar to hemoglobin but contains copper instead of iron. Hemocyanin is also found in other invertebrates, such as mollusks and crustaceans.

Despite the lack of hemoglobin, octopuses have a blood color that is similar to blue. This is because hemocyanin is able to bind oxygen more efficiently than hemoglobin, which allows it to carry more oxygen to the cells of the body. This is why octopuses are able to breathe underwater, where there is less oxygen available than in air.

However, it is important to note that the blood color of octopuses is not the same as blue blood. Blue blood is a term used to describe the blood of vertebrates, which contains hemoglobin and is typically bright red. Hemocyanin, on the other hand, is a protein that is blue in color, but it does not contain iron and is not responsible for transporting oxygen to the cells of the body.

In conclusion, while octopuses have a unique circulatory system that is different from that of other animals, they do not have blue blood. Hemocyanin, which is similar to hemoglobin but contains copper instead of iron, is responsible for their blood color, which is similar to blue. However, it is important to note that hemocyanin is not the same as hemoglobin and is not responsible for transporting oxygen to the cells of the body.

Why does a pufferfish puff up?

Pufferfish, also known as blowfish, are a fascinating group of marine invertebrates that are known for their unique ability to inflate themselves to protect themselves from predators. When a pufferfish senses danger, it rapidly fills its internal organs with water, causing them to expand and become spherical. This process is known as inflation, and it can make a pufferfish look like a balloon or a beach ball.

The reason for inflation is to increase the pufferfish's volume and density, which makes it difficult for predators to swallow. Pufferfish have a unique digestive system that allows them to extract nutrients from their prey, even when it is difficult to swallow. By inflating themselves, they can make themselves even more difficult to swallow and increase their chances of survival.

Inflation can also be used as a form of communication. Pufferfish are social animals that live in groups, and they use inflation to communicate with each other. When a pufferfish is threatened, it will inflate itself to appear larger and more intimidating to the predator. This can help to scare off the predator and prevent it from attacking the pufferfish.

However, inflation can also be dangerous for pufferfish. If a pufferfish inflates too much, it can become unable to breathe. This can lead to suffocation and death. Pufferfish also have a sensitivity to changes in water pressure, which can cause them to inflate or deflate.

In conclusion, pufferfish are a fascinating group of marine invertebrates that are known for their unique ability to inflate themselves to protect themselves from predators. Inflation can increase the pufferfish's volume and density, make it difficult for predators to swallow, and be used as a form of communication. However, it can also be dangerous for pufferfish if they inflate too much or are sensitive to changes in water pressure.

The I'm a Future Scientist! series is an exciting series of full-colour books for 6-12 year olds that will spark sustained interest in scientific fields, such as botany, zoology, marine biology, conservation and the environment, astronomy, and many more, with delivering primary-school-level Science learning points in an engaging and relatable way! Through clearly written educational articles, fun cartoons, suggested hands-on activities, as well as full-colour photographs and illustrations, these books are the perfect companions for budding scientists to delve further into a wide range of fields of Science. In addition, Augmented Reality (AR) elements will also help to bring Science alive for children, helping them to retain the information provided better, and inspiring better learning! And, as a bonus, earn points for the Young Scientist Badge programme from Science Centre Singapore, using the links inside!

Based on the Science Centre Singapore's longstanding and highly popular Young Scientist badge programme, this exciting series of full-colour books for 6-12 year olds will spark sustained interest in scientific fields, such as botany, zoology, marine biology, conservation and the environment, astronomy, and many more, with delivering primary-school-level Science learning points in an engaging and relatable way! Through clearly written educational articles, fun cartoons, suggested hands-on activities, as well as full-colour photographs and illustrations, these books are the perfect companions for budding scientists to delve further into a wide range of fields of Science. In addition, Augmented Reality (AR) elements will also help to bring Science alive for children, helping them to retain the information provided better, and inspiring better learning! And, as a bonus, earn points for the Young Scientist Badge programme from Science Centre Singapore, using the links inside!

Are corals plants or animals?

Coral reefs are some of the most diverse and beautiful ecosystems on Earth, and they are home to a wide range of marine life. But what exactly are corals? Are they plants or animals?

The answer to this question is not as simple as it may seem. Corals are actually a type of marine invertebrate, which means that they do not have a backbone or internal organs. Instead, they are made up of tiny cells called polyps, which are attached to a hard, calcium carbonate skeleton.

One of the most distinctive features of corals is their ability to grow and form complex structures. Corals can grow in a variety of shapes, including branches, plates, and columns, and they can grow to be several meters long. They also have a unique reproductive system, which involves asexual reproduction and sexual reproduction.

Asexual reproduction is the most common form of reproduction in corals, and it involves the polyps growing and dividing. When a polyp divides, it can produce a clone of itself, which is genetically identical to the parent polyp. This allows the coral reef to grow and expand over time.

Sexual reproduction, on the other hand, involves the fusion of male and female polyps. This process can result in the production of new coral species, which can have different colors, shapes, and sizes. Sexual reproduction is also important for the genetic diversity of coral reefs, as it allows for the mixing of genes from different individuals.

Despite their unique characteristics, corals are still considered to be animals. They are classified as a phylum of cnidarians, which includes other invertebrates such as jellyfish, sea anemones, and sponges. Cnidarians are characterized by their ability to produce and move gametes, which are the reproductive cells of the organism.

In conclusion, corals are a type of marine invertebrate that are made up of tiny cells called polyps. They have a unique reproductive system that involves both asexual and sexual reproduction, and they are capable of growing and forming complex structures. Despite their unique characteristics, corals are still considered to be animals, and they are an important part of the marine ecosystem.

Can sea stars regrow their limbs?

Sea stars, also known as starfish, are a fascinating group of marine invertebrates that are known for their unique ability to regenerate lost limbs. Sea stars have a central disc and five arms that radiate out from it. When a sea star loses an arm, it can regenerate a new one over time.

The process of limb regeneration in sea stars is a complex one that involves several stages. First, the sea star produces a new arm bud, which is a small, immature version of the lost limb. This bud is located near the center of the disc. Next, the sea star secretes a substance called collagen, which helps to strengthen the new arm bud.

Over time, the new arm bud grows and develops into a fully functional limb. The process of limb regeneration can take several months or even years, depending on the size and complexity of the lost limb. Sea stars can regenerate multiple limbs over their lifetime, which is an impressive feat considering that they are invertebrates.

One of the most interesting aspects of limb regeneration in sea stars is that it is not limited to just the arms. Sea stars can also regenerate their central disc and other parts of their body. This ability to regenerate is thought to be a result of a complex genetic system that allows sea stars to adapt to changing environmental conditions.

Sea stars are important to many marine ecosystems, as they help to control populations of other invertebrates and prevent the overgrowth of algae. They also play an important role in the food chain, as they are a prey item for many fish and other marine animals.

Despite their impressive ability to regenerate, sea stars are not immune to threats from human activities. Overfishing, pollution, and climate change can all have a negative impact on sea star populations, and they are listed as a species of conservation concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

In conclusion, sea stars are a fascinating group of marine invertebrates that are known for their unique ability to regenerate lost limbs. The process of limb regeneration is a complex one that involves several stages, and it is not limited to just the arms. Sea stars are important to many marine ecosystems, as they help to control populations of other invertebrates and prevent the overgrowth of algae. However, they are not immune to threats from human activities, and they are listed as a species of conservation concern by the IUCN.

Does an octopus have blue blood?

Octopuses are a fascinating group of marine invertebrates that are known for their intelligence, adaptability, and unique physical characteristics. One of the most intriguing questions about octopuses is whether they have blue blood.

The idea that octopuses have blue blood has been around for centuries, and it is still a topic of debate among scientists. While some scientists argue that octopuses have blue blood, others argue that they do not.

The reason for this debate is that octopuses have a unique circulatory system that is different from that of other animals. Octopuses have three hearts, which are connected by a network of blood vessels. One of the hearts is used to pump blood to the gills, while the other two hearts are used to pump blood to the rest of the body.

One of the key features of blue blood is that it contains hemoglobin, which is a protein that carries oxygen to the cells of the body. Hemoglobin is typically found in vertebrates, such as fish, birds, and mammals, and it is responsible for transporting oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body.

However, hemoglobin is not found in invertebrates, such as octopuses. Instead, octopuses have a protein called hemocyanin, which is similar to hemoglobin but contains copper instead of iron. Hemocyanin is also found in other invertebrates, such as mollusks and crustaceans.

Despite the lack of hemoglobin, octopuses have a blood color that is similar to blue. This is because hemocyanin is able to bind oxygen more efficiently than hemoglobin, which allows it to carry more oxygen to the cells of the body. This is why octopuses are able to breathe underwater, where there is less oxygen available than in air.

However, it is important to note that the blood color of octopuses is not the same as blue blood. Blue blood is a term used to describe the blood of vertebrates, which contains hemoglobin and is typically bright red. Hemocyanin, on the other hand, is a protein that is blue in color, but it does not contain iron and is not responsible for transporting oxygen to the cells of the body.

In conclusion, while octopuses have a unique circulatory system that is different from that of other animals, they do not have blue blood. Hemocyanin, which is similar to hemoglobin but contains copper instead of iron, is responsible for their blood color, which is similar to blue. However, it is important to note that hemocyanin is not the same as hemoglobin and is not responsible for transporting oxygen to the cells of the body.

Why does a pufferfish puff up?

Pufferfish, also known as blowfish, are a fascinating group of marine invertebrates that are known for their unique ability to inflate themselves to protect themselves from predators. When a pufferfish senses danger, it rapidly fills its internal organs with water, causing them to expand and become spherical. This process is known as inflation, and it can make a pufferfish look like a balloon or a beach ball.

The reason for inflation is to increase the pufferfish's volume and density, which makes it difficult for predators to swallow. Pufferfish have a unique digestive system that allows them to extract nutrients from their prey, even when it is difficult to swallow. By inflating themselves, they can make themselves even more difficult to swallow and increase their chances of survival.

Inflation can also be used as a form of communication. Pufferfish are social animals that live in groups, and they use inflation to communicate with each other. When a pufferfish is threatened, it will inflate itself to appear larger and more intimidating to the predator. This can help to scare off the predator and prevent it from attacking the pufferfish.

However, inflation can also be dangerous for pufferfish. If a pufferfish inflates too much, it can become unable to breathe. This can lead to suffocation and death. Pufferfish also have a sensitivity to changes in water pressure, which can cause them to inflate or deflate.

In conclusion, pufferfish are a fascinating group of marine invertebrates that are known for their unique ability to inflate themselves to protect themselves from predators. Inflation can increase the pufferfish's volume and density, make it difficult for predators to swallow, and be used as a form of communication. However, it can also be dangerous for pufferfish if they inflate too much or are sensitive to changes in water pressure.

Weight: 174g
Dimension: 152 x 229 x 7 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789811252204