THE BIOLOGY PONDS :Brandy Reynolds THE ROCK BATTLE When I think about the Biology ponds, I always think of the turtles. Therefore, I chose to sit at the pond with all the turtles. Some days I go by and notice that none of the turtles are out on their rocks. On other sunny days, I find many of them out on the rocks ìsunbathing.î Do they really come out to enjoy the sun, or is there some other reason? I also noticed that if all the rocks are taken they have no problem using each otherís back for a rock. It is cute to see a little baby turtle on top of a bigger turtle. It is like an older brother helping out a younger brother. On the rock to the left of me sit six turtles that have secured a nice spot on the rock. Then up comes a different turtle, that I have named Fred, that keeps struggling to get on the rock. He has fallen a couple of times but keeps trying. He could have a spot that is half in the water but he doesnít seem satisfied with that. He seems to want the spot ;that the largest turtle is occupying. It also happens to be the highest spot on the rock. Darwin would say that they are fighting and competing and only the strongest or fittest will prevail. For now some of the other turtles have won and Fred will have to ìsettleî for less. As Darwin states, ìFor as all the inhabitants of each country are struggling together with nicely balanced forces, extremely slight modifications in the structure or habits of one species would often give it an advantage over othersî (341). Maybe if Fred was quicker or stronger he wouldíve had the spot. What is funny is that I can see plenty of other high and dry places for Fred, but he doesnít want those. As I sit here, more and more turtles are vying for a position on this rock. It is like this is ìTHE ROCKî to be on, and they are going to fight for a position. Some of the turtles have even pushed others off in an attempt to get on. Others have struggled and struggled only to end up back in the water facing defeat. I think this is a great example of survival of the fittest, even though it is about something minor like rock position. The theory still applies. You either have what it takes to be on ìTHE ROCKî or you are thrown back into the pool with all the others that donít seem to have what it takes. It is a tough cruel world in the pond when it comes to rock position, and just like us, the turtles better be ready to put up a fight. *** ìThey are not brethren, they are not underlings; they are other nations, caught with ourselves in the net of life and time; fellow prisoners of the splendour and travail of the earthî (Slovic, 93).***