User:Alison M. Mariano/Notebook/Biology 210 at AU: Difference between revisions
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'''Purpose:''' | |||
The purpose of this lab was to observe a 20 by 20 meter area of land on the American University campus that was defined by four popsicle sticks. Five groups were created and assigned to five different areas throughout American University. These observations that were made included general characteristics such as topography, location in regards to the campus, and biotic and abiotic features. Once these notes where taken, a Hay Infusion Culture was created for use in the next lab in order to observe protist and bacteria life from the transect. My group was assigned to transect number 5, which can be found on the main quad near the Eric A. Friedheim Quadrangle benches. Inside this transect was a grass area that included mulch, bushes, and some stone structures such as tiles, benches, and a wall. After observing the environment, I hypothesized that this area would lack wildlife since it is heavily populated by students as well as making the assumption that since it is well maintained by American University staff members it will constantly look very manicured. | The purpose of this lab was to observe a 20 by 20 meter area of land on the American University campus that was defined by four popsicle sticks. Five groups were created and assigned to five different areas throughout American University. These observations that were made included general characteristics such as topography, location in regards to the campus, and biotic and abiotic features. Once these notes where taken, a Hay Infusion Culture was created for use in the next lab in order to observe protist and bacteria life from the transect. My group was assigned to transect number 5, which can be found on the main quad near the Eric A. Friedheim Quadrangle benches. Inside this transect was a grass area that included mulch, bushes, and some stone structures such as tiles, benches, and a wall. After observing the environment, I hypothesized that this area would lack wildlife since it is heavily populated by students as well as making the assumption that since it is well maintained by American University staff members it will constantly look very manicured. | ||
'''Materials''' | |||
- transect 5 (Eric A. Friedheim Quadrangle benches) | - transect 5 (Eric A. Friedheim Quadrangle benches) | ||
| Line 21: | Line 21: | ||
'''Methods:''' | |||
The first procedure completed in this lab was the assignment of a transect to each group by the lab instructor, in my case number 5. Next, the lab instructor showed us to our designated area. From there, a notebook and pen were used to make observations about the topography, location, and biotic and abiotic features. A rough sketch was made of the area that included defining characteristics of the transect. Next, the lab instructor gave each group a 50 mL conical tube that was used to take a soil and vegetation sample. On the sketch below, the area where the sample was taken is indicated. The final steps of this lab included making a Hay Infusion Culture. Once back in the lab, 12 grams of the soil and vegetation sample were weighted with the use of a balance. Those 12 grams were then placed in a plastic jar along with 0.1 gm of dried milk and 500mL deerpark water (with the use of a graduated cylinder). With all the contents present in the jar, it was firmly shaken and then placed to rest on a table in the back of the lab. | The first procedure completed in this lab was the assignment of a transect to each group by the lab instructor, in my case number 5. Next, the lab instructor showed us to our designated area. From there, a notebook and pen were used to make observations about the topography, location, and biotic and abiotic features. A rough sketch was made of the area that included defining characteristics of the transect. Next, the lab instructor gave each group a 50 mL conical tube that was used to take a soil and vegetation sample. On the sketch below, the area where the sample was taken is indicated. The final steps of this lab included making a Hay Infusion Culture. Once back in the lab, 12 grams of the soil and vegetation sample were weighted with the use of a balance. Those 12 grams were then placed in a plastic jar along with 0.1 gm of dried milk and 500mL deerpark water (with the use of a graduated cylinder). With all the contents present in the jar, it was firmly shaken and then placed to rest on a table in the back of the lab. | ||
'''Data and Observations:''' | |||
The transect of my group was located on the main quad, near the stone structure that says Eric A. Friedheim Quadrangle. With my back to Hurst Building, facing Battelle the transect is the first corner of the stone structure. The topography of the area included bushes that lacked leaves (dead looking), many brown leaves scattered around the grass, mulch, weeds, stone tiles, benches, and a stonewall. There was, in fact, a sad looking fork found in the area. However, the space was mostly vibrant green grass, with a small portion being the stone structures. The sample was from the mulch and bush area. | The transect of my group was located on the main quad, near the stone structure that says Eric A. Friedheim Quadrangle. With my back to Hurst Building, facing Battelle the transect is the first corner of the stone structure. The topography of the area included bushes that lacked leaves (dead looking), many brown leaves scattered around the grass, mulch, weeds, stone tiles, benches, and a stonewall. There was, in fact, a sad looking fork found in the area. However, the space was mostly vibrant green grass, with a small portion being the stone structures. The sample was from the mulch and bush area. | ||
A list of biotic and abiotic characters can be see below…. | A list of biotic and abiotic characters can be see below…. | ||
| Line 42: | Line 42: | ||
- trash (sad looking fork) | - trash (sad looking fork) | ||
'''Conclusion:''' | |||
The observations taken from the area can help to further understand what type of environment it is within our ecosystem. With the help from the Hay Infusion Culture to see what type of organisms are present, are hypothesis can be supported in future labs once the results are conclusive. However, these observations on location and topography will further help my group to understand the environment. | The observations taken from the area can help to further understand what type of environment it is within our ecosystem. With the help from the Hay Infusion Culture to see what type of organisms are present, are hypothesis can be supported in future labs once the results are conclusive. However, these observations on location and topography will further help my group to understand the environment. | ||
A.M. | A.M. | ||
Revision as of 21:25, 26 January 2015
1/25/2015 Observing a Niche at AU
Purpose:
The purpose of this lab was to observe a 20 by 20 meter area of land on the American University campus that was defined by four popsicle sticks. Five groups were created and assigned to five different areas throughout American University. These observations that were made included general characteristics such as topography, location in regards to the campus, and biotic and abiotic features. Once these notes where taken, a Hay Infusion Culture was created for use in the next lab in order to observe protist and bacteria life from the transect. My group was assigned to transect number 5, which can be found on the main quad near the Eric A. Friedheim Quadrangle benches. Inside this transect was a grass area that included mulch, bushes, and some stone structures such as tiles, benches, and a wall. After observing the environment, I hypothesized that this area would lack wildlife since it is heavily populated by students as well as making the assumption that since it is well maintained by American University staff members it will constantly look very manicured.
Materials
- transect 5 (Eric A. Friedheim Quadrangle benches) - a notebook - a pencil/pen - sterile 50 mL conical tube - soil and vegetation sample - plastic jar - 500 mLs of deerpark water - graduated cylinder - 0.1 gm dried milk - tape for labeling purposes - balance for weighing
Methods:
The first procedure completed in this lab was the assignment of a transect to each group by the lab instructor, in my case number 5. Next, the lab instructor showed us to our designated area. From there, a notebook and pen were used to make observations about the topography, location, and biotic and abiotic features. A rough sketch was made of the area that included defining characteristics of the transect. Next, the lab instructor gave each group a 50 mL conical tube that was used to take a soil and vegetation sample. On the sketch below, the area where the sample was taken is indicated. The final steps of this lab included making a Hay Infusion Culture. Once back in the lab, 12 grams of the soil and vegetation sample were weighted with the use of a balance. Those 12 grams were then placed in a plastic jar along with 0.1 gm of dried milk and 500mL deerpark water (with the use of a graduated cylinder). With all the contents present in the jar, it was firmly shaken and then placed to rest on a table in the back of the lab.
Data and Observations:
The transect of my group was located on the main quad, near the stone structure that says Eric A. Friedheim Quadrangle. With my back to Hurst Building, facing Battelle the transect is the first corner of the stone structure. The topography of the area included bushes that lacked leaves (dead looking), many brown leaves scattered around the grass, mulch, weeds, stone tiles, benches, and a stonewall. There was, in fact, a sad looking fork found in the area. However, the space was mostly vibrant green grass, with a small portion being the stone structures. The sample was from the mulch and bush area.
A list of biotic and abiotic characters can be see below….
Biotic - grass - bushes - leaves - squirrels - insects abiotic - mulch - snow - benches - tiles - soil - trash (sad looking fork)
Conclusion:
The observations taken from the area can help to further understand what type of environment it is within our ecosystem. With the help from the Hay Infusion Culture to see what type of organisms are present, are hypothesis can be supported in future labs once the results are conclusive. However, these observations on location and topography will further help my group to understand the environment.
A.M.
1/21/2015 To all those who are lost upon using this website, I suggest reading the lab manual. A.M
