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Day 1,  Session 1
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22 Feb 2010: 10.00am – 12.00am.
Venue: LS Lab 7A
Panel: Sivasothi, Erica Sena and Laura Yap

Group 1 – “Oh Crab, Run for Leaf”
Presented by Lee David Nicholas, Foo BiaoSheng Atticus, See Sze En Jessica, Tan Huang Ming and Teng Ning.
Abstract – Our project aims to gain more insight into the behavior of mangrove tree-climbing crabs when faced with different stimuli or threats. Our findings are based primarily on our observations of these mangrove-dwelling crabs at Sungei Buloh. These species include Episesarma spp, Metopograpsus spp, and Selatium brockii. The kinds of stimuli that we will cover are the crabs’ responses to water, vibration, sunlight and shadow, and the motions of neighboring crabs. We have discovered that the behavior of crabs depends upon their size, and what that they react most to are sunlight and shadow.

Group 2 – “Feeding Behavior of Tortoises on Kusu Island“
Presented by Daphne Tan, Lim Zikai, Ng Shi Lei, Wang Yongren Marcus and Xiong Lingyi.
Abstract – Our study is based on tortoises released into an artificial pond in Kusu Island, Singapore. We devised a food test that was tested inter- and intraspecifically. Among the food we brought, the tortoises favored bananas the most, and bread the least. This is explained in terms of nutrition and adaptive significance. We also observed when and how they feed, and explore which behaviors are learned, or instinctive, and why. The study highlights a tortoise’s anomalous behavior to juxtapose its weakness at learning certain feeding behaviors. It also suggests that signs of violence in tortoises is significantly related to their ecology.

Group 3 – “Bats (Malayan Flying Fox) in Captivity VS Wild“
Presented by Cai Peiyi Rowena, Abdul Hakim B Jaafar, Teo Zheng Yang, Lim Xin Ling Clara and Quek Chin Hwee.
Abstract – Through research and observation at the Singapore Zoo, we seek to find out whether these captive bats exhibit any social behavior that is different from wild bats, mainly focusing on their roosting and feeding behavior. Also, are the bats able to interact well with other animal and plant species? We will also discuss the effects of their captivity and how it has impacts on their behavior. How has their natural feeding times changed? We found out that apart from their feeding behavior, bats in captivity are not so different from their wild counterparts after all.

Group 4 – “Home Remedies for Cockroach“
Presented by Chan Xin Hui ,Foo Hui Chyi Dahniela, Stephanie Tay Qiantong, Jasmin Toh Jia Min and Melissa Lim Ying Pei.
Abstract – Cockroaches are considered to be a pest in urban built communities. Although there are pesticides available in the market, they are often toxic, even to humans. Home remedies can be used as a substitute as it is a safer, non toxic alternative. Our group set out to test how effective these remedies are by conducting experiments to measure the degree of avoidance exhibited by the behaviour of the cockroaches.

Group 5 – “Aggression of long-tailed macaques in the face of urbanisation and human interaction“
Presented by Harsharan Kaur D/O Gurcharn Singh, Lim Kai Sheng, Tay Han Wee Wilson and Zhang Huifen Grace .
Abstract – Our project seeks to find out if macaques’ aggression is due to urbanisation or there are other factors influencing them. Through observations of two troops of long-tailed macaques who are exposed to different levels of urbanisation and human interaction, we concluded that the aggression of macaques towards humans will be dependent of their experiences with humans. In addition, we observed the presence of elderly macaques in the troops may have certain influence on the macaques’ actions and aggression towards humans.

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Day 1,  Session 2
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22 Feb 2010: 10.00am – 12.00am.
Venue: LS Lab 7C
Panel: Zeehan Jaafar and Seok Ping

Group 8 – “Slime or smell?“
Presented by Abhinay Anand, Koh Tat Wei Daniel, Tan Yong Dai, and Zhu Liying Jolene.
Abstract – To explore the role land snails’ slime trails and sense of smell play in its foraging behaviour, a two-part experiment was conducted on the land snail species Achatina fulica. In the first part, the snails were individually placed in a Y-chamber maze, with lettuce and beer in either chamber. In the second part, snails preferentially moved towards slime trails when no other odour stimuli were present in its environment. When a food source was introduced, the snails detoured from the slime trail after a short time period.

Group 9 – “The Tale of the Elephant’s Tail“
Presented by Hoang Thi Minh Ngoc, Goh Teck Ting, Tan Chan Boon Andrew, Teo Qi Ling and Choy Seng Tuck.
Abstract – A study has shown that emotions like fear or excitement affect the movement of elephants’ tails. Our initial observation of the Asian elephants at the Singapore Zoological Garden revealed to us that these elephants tend to curl up their tails when in water but uncurl them upon reaching dry land. This was later confirmed from subsequent observations under different timings, namely during leisure and when they are performing.  The purpose of our study is to explore the different possible factors that cause this phenomena.

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Day 2,  Session 1
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08 Mar 2010: 10.00am – 12.00am.
Venue: LS Lab 7A
Panel: Sivasothi, Seok Ping and Stanley Seah

Group 13 – “True Color“
Presented by Chua Yan Lin Amy, Jasmine Wee Xi Ying, Lim Guang Yong, Tay Lai Chye and Huang Jianwei.
Abstract – Our research seeks to explore whether pigeons have preferences in the display of food. Experiments that we carried out involve placing the same type of food on different colour plates. This is to test whether pigeons are wary of a particular colour or the colours do not serve any form of deterrence at all. With our findings, we hope to aid in finding a preventive measure to deter pigeons from feeding on leftovers in public places.

Group 15 – “Pigeons: Dumb or intelligent creatures?“
Presented by Neo Jinn Soon, Jacqueline Tan, Charlotte Yap and Yeo Zhi Qi.
Abstract – Commonly perceived as less-than-intelligent creatures, this project aims to investigate if such a perception of pigeons holds true. Through a series of experiments in which the birds were given a choice between real and artificial fruits, we hoped to gain insight into the primary senses used in food foraging. Close and detailed observations revealed that i) pigeons showed interest only in the real fruits, and ii) have a preference for bread over fruits. The fact that the pigeons completely ignored the artificial fruits challenges the common stereotype of them being dumb and the urbanization of pigeons’ habitats might well explain the alteration in food preferences.

Group 16 – “Mudskipper Territoriality – “Are mudskippers always territorial?“
Presented by Chu Yiu Tak, Leem Pei Woon, Loh Siew Lian Cindy, Ngim Xiao Ying Glory and Tan Hwee Shan Eunic.
Abstract – An in-situ comparison study of territorial behaviors between two species of mudskippers (Periophthalmodon schlosseri and Boleophthalmus boddarti) was conducted at the mangroves of Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve. The mudskippers were observed for a total of six hours at three different sections of the mangroves on two days during low tide. There was a greater number of territoriality displays during morning than afternoon, as well as in areas of higher conspecific density. The result suggests that P. schlosseri may be more aggressive than B. boddarti. Territorial behaviors of both species seem to be influenced by environmental temperature, population density and diet.

Group 17 – “Do monkeys who perform more grooming on others have higher mating opportunities?”
Presented by Lim Siew Peng, Moy Wan Fang Cindy, Hong Xue ‘En, Fauziah Bte Alang Mohammad Rom and Then Ai Ping.
Abstract – Our group will prove that monkeys who perform more grooming on others have higher mating opportunities. The main premise is mating opportunities, and the minor premise, the act of grooming. In the course of our observation, there were gaps in our understanding. For example, monkeys did not mate immediately after they groomed. But through interferences and research, we understood that grooming was a process of establishing relations, and done so before they mate. Hence, our group’s analysis will include our limitations, employ theories to explain their behavior, and include other factors that contribute to higher mating opportunities.

Group 18 – “Does size matter to thieves?”
Presented by Jane Lim Hwee Ling, Lim Shao Wei Felle, Seah Cai Ping Jasmine, Xu Weida Aloysius and Yeo Ya Ling Amy.
Abstract – Nephila pilipes, a species of golden orb-web spider, can be commonly found in Singapore.  For our project, we visited the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve and observed many female spiders of this species. Our hypothesis is that bigger female golden orb spiders hosted more kleptoparasites (food thieves) on the web. We conducted experiments by measuring the size of the female spiders and counting the number of kleptoparasites on the webs. From our findings, the data proved that the webs spun by  the larger female golden orb-web spider hosted more kleptoparasites.  This is mainly attributed to more potential prey for the kleptoparasites.

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Day 2,  Session 2
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08 Mar 2010: 10.00am – 12.00am.
Venue: LS Lab 7C
Panel: Zeehan Jaafar and Erica Sena

Group 19 – “What determines the feeding rate of Cattle Egrets?”
Presented by Boon Huay Ping Heike, Lee Jin Loong Clarence, Lim Kenny, Teo Ya Hui Michelle and Wee Jun Wen.
Abstract – The Cattle Egret mainly patrols Western Singapore. We focused on three sites – Sunset Way, NUS and Simei ITE where we noted different feeding patterns of the egrets. While those at Sunset and Simei foraged at a slower rate, those at NUS did so at a much faster pace. With factors like time, weather, noise and food observed to be as consistent as possible, we had a plausible reason to attribute to their differing rates of feeding. We will present our data, analysis, initial theories and our final thesis. The three sites had different levels of human traffic which is what affects the rates of feeding.

Group 19 – “Food Preferences of Weaver Ants”
Presented by Chiang Yu Li Constance, Khoo Kim Lin Clara-Ann, Lee Zhi Jun , Neo Chun Choon and Yeo Ga Yeon.
Abstract – “Is it true that ants have a sweet tooth?” To find out, our group conducted an experiment on Weaver Ants to determine what food preferences they have using different sandwich spreads – tuna, peanut butter and strawberry jam on pieces of wholemeal bread. From our observations, the ants consistently preferred the tuna and showed an increasing interest towards the jam. On the other hand, both the peanut butter and plain bread were the least sought after. Therefore, when both proteins and sugars are present, the ants preferred the former. More specifically, they were more attracted to animal proteins than plant proteins.

Group 21 – “3 blind mice (rats)”
Presented by Ang Su Ching Merissa, Josiah Chan Chin Chun,Quay Xiu Hui , Sim Liang Yi and Usha Devi D/O Somasuntharam.
Abstract –This study aims to observe the behaviour of gerbils in the domestic realm, specifically socialisation and use of sensory abilities. Two studies were conducted to question and test our hypotheses. A series of observations were done throughout a period of 4 weeks.  By introducing a new member to the existing clan, we seek to understand how they accept and interact with one another.  Also, method using food will be used to gain a better understanding with regards to the eye sight of gerbils.

Group 22 – “Survivor” – The Crab Edition
Presented by Venket S/O Chilvan Naidu, Vishnupriya Naidu D/O Vijayan, Rajaratnam Nithya, Punitha D/O Panisilvam and Loo Jiamin.
Abstract – Most of us know Crabs as a tasty delight more than as a fierce animal in the mangrove ecosystem. As such,this project wishes to provide valuable insights on the behaviour of two species of crabs from the Grapsidae family found in Pasir Ris Park’s Mangrove. It also seeks to expound on the use of their claws in relation to three specific areas such as for seeking food,for camouflaging and for fighting with fellow family members for territorial protection. It is indeed true that even in the crab world,there is a need to “Outwit, Outlast and Outplay” to survive!

Group 23 – “Do scents affect play behavior in cats?”
Presented by Oei Grace Yunita, Loh Sze Sian, Toh Wei Kit, Wong See Jing Mercy and Wu Yubai.
Abstract – It has been documented that cats have an acute sense of smell that guides them in their daily activities. As such, we seek to investigate if scents affect the play behavior in cats. This is done by using three different scented toys – that of catnip, lavender and hamster scents – against that of regular, unscented ones. Quite consistently, our results showed that the cats responded more actively towards the scented toys. We also noticed that different scents seem to evoke different responses and different degrees of aggression from the cats.

Group 24 – “Mirror Mirror on the wall, is that my twin I see?”
Presented by Ngoh Xiao Yan Aline, Thng Wei Wei, Chen Peiyan, Melissa Tan Puay Hoon and John Khoo Chew Meng .
Abstract – Tiger Barbs are active schooling fishes that form loose hierarchies in an aquarium. Our project aims to study whether the schooling behaviour of Tiger Barbs changes in response to a video stimulus of themselves. Previous studies on the behaviour of tiger barbs have shown that there is no significant different schooling behaviour response to stimulus around them.  Over the years, there have been alternative observations amongst fish lovers who have reported peculiarity in their tiger barbs.  Hence, we’ve carried out an experiment to find out if their schooling behaviour changes in response to a video stimulus of themselves.