User:April Rose Schattner/Notebook/Biology 210 at AU

January 29, 2015 - Identifying Algae and Protists in Transect 5

Purpose

The purpose of this week's experimental method is to use a dichotomous key to identify the protists and algae in the hay infusion from the samples of soil and vegetation in Transect 5. One sample of material was collected from the bottom of the hay infusion culture, near the soil, and one was taking from the middle of the culture, next to roots of a plant. I make the prediction that we will observe more protists and life from the sample taken near the soil, than the sample taken in the middle of the culture near roots of a plant.

Materials & Methods

Last week, 11.7 grams of the sample of soil and vegetation from Transect 5 were added to a jar with 500mLs water and 0.1g dried milk. This jar was left uncovered for one week to be observed.The growth that appeared in the jar of the hay infusion from samples from Transect 5 were observed, and samples were collected from two niche areas of the sample; one near the bottom of the jar by the soil, and one near the middle of the jar, near roots. The samples were observed under a microscope to identify protists that were living in the hay infusion, and thus, in Transect 5. Once the observations were recorded, serial dilutions of the remaining sample in the jar from Transect 5 were plated on agar plates to observe the growth of prokaryotic organisms and fungi next week.

Data & Observations

Description of Hay Infusion Culture There was a strong, bitter, pungent smell coming from the jar. It smelled moldy, and was very strong. There appears to be a mold or fungus on the top off the culture, across the surface of the water.

Observed Organism in Sample by Soil: Sample 1

Colpidium

37 micrometers

Motile - cilia

Peroneam

~30 micrometers

Motile - flagella...difficult to see

Spirastomum

Length:10 micrometers

Motile - difficult to see flagella or cilia

Chldamydomous:

Size was unattainable...

Motile - Difficult to see flagella

Observed near Roots: Sample 2

Colpidium

37-45 micrometers

Motile - cilia

Euglena

Body Length: 12.5 micrometers (but could be longer with flagella. Flagella was difficult to observe)

Spirastomum

Length: ~10 micrometers

Motile - difficult to see flagella or cilia

AS

January 29, 2015 - Biological Life at AU: Characteristics of Transect 5

Purpose This procedure was conducted as a means to discover Transect 5 at American University and make observations about the characteristics of the small section of land. Both biotic and abiotic materials were collected from the transect, for use in a hay infusion to later determine some of the living organisms in plot 5.

Materials & Methods Once assigned to Transect 5 on American University's campus, the section of land was observed, diagrammed, and biotic and abiotic samples were collected from it and brought into the lab. 11.7 grams of the sample of soil and vegetation from Transect 5 were added to a jar with 500mLs water and 0.1g dried milk. This jar was left uncovered for one week to be observed in the next lab.

Data & Observations

General Observations: There is a lot of man-made materials in Transect 5; a stone hedge, stone path, and concrete benches. There is also manicured grass and maintained bush landscaping. While the grass is green, the landscaped bushes have fewer leaves at this time of the year.

Biotic Species: Grass clumps, manicured grass, flower bush, round berry plant, small ground cover/weeds

Abiotic Species: soil, snow, concrete bench/column, wood chips, stone path

Visual of Transect 5

Conclusion & Predictions This lab was a useful introduction to Transect 5. I predict that as the Spring weather approaches the landscaping in this transect will blossom and change the nature of plot of land. I predict the hay infusion will produce a lot of bacteria and fungus, and we will be able to observe life in the next lab, given that the soil and vegetation was brought into the warm laboratory and fed through the dried milk.

AS

January 21, 2015

Breakfast foods are the best foods.

AS