User:Corey J Salas/Notebook/Biology 210 at AU
LAB #1: Biological Life at AU
PURPOSE The general purpose of the lab observations were to observe biodiversity as it exists in the environment as well as providing a means for a sample in order to create a Hay Infusion Culture which would further allow students to observe biodiversity on a more microbiological level.
MATERIALS & METHODS
During the in class portion of the lab, the volvocine line was observed in order for students to view the evolution of a line as well as to reorient themselves with the use of the microscope.
The materials used in the latter half of the lab were a sterile 50mL conical tube in which a soil/ground vegetation sample was placed as well as a clip board, notebook paper, and pencil in order to take accurate and detailed notes. A cell phone with a camera was also recommended in order to take photographs of the area. Students were randomly assigned a transect and were instructed to then travel to and observe the area, take detailed notes, as well as take a soil sample which was representative of the entire transect. In addition to making notes about the topography and general characteristics of the area biotic and abiotic features of the area were also recorded.
A secondary part of the lab was to prepare a hay infusion culture from the approximately 10-12 grams of the soil/ground vegetation sample mixed with 500mL of deer park brand water and 0.1g of dried milk powder. The mixture was mechanically disrupted with a lid on the jar and allowed to sit for approximately one (1) week. The hay infusion culture will be used to observe, on a microbiological level, the biodiversity present in the assigned transect.
DATA & OBSERVATIONS
General Transect Characteristics: The transect observed is an approximately 20 by 20 meter plot marked with four popsicle sticks. The transect was labeled transect #3 and is not perfectly rectangular in shape, rather one might compare it to the shape of a trapezoid. The ground is relatively mound shaped with consistent elevation in the center of the transect gradually decreasing toward the outer regions of the plot with concrete sidewalks surrounding the edges of the transect. The highest point of the transect is approximately 2.5 feet at its highest point measuring from the level of the concrete sidewalk. The transect is located approximately 20-30 feet from the bender sports arena and is located at approximately 38 degrees N and 77 degrees W. It is located near other areas of the recreational park as well as a major roadway that runs through the American University campus. The area is primarily used as a park area for students, faculty, staff and visitors to American University to relax and perform recreational activities. There are small shrubs, taller trees, and rotting foliage present within the plot as well as a diversity of animals and humans that come through the area at various times.
Biotic Features: 1) Squirrel, 2) Human, 3) Leafy Green Plants 4) Trees, 5) Small bushes Abiotic Features: 1) Metal light post, 2) plastic meter box, 3) ribbon 4) concrete side walk, 5) stones
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CONCLUSIONS & FUTURE DIRECTIONS Based on the observations of the transect and the sample collected and prepared in the hay infusion culture, it is advantageous to say that there is much biodiversity present in and around the American University campus. It is also important to note that the changing biotic and abiotic features of the transect will be of particular interest to observe as the semester progresses.
Test. Wednesday, January 21, 2014. *Corey J Salas 15:02, 21 January 2015 (EST):
