User:Cosette Brianna Taggart

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Lab Write Ups

January 28, 2015 -- CT

~Identifying Algae and Protists~

Introduction - Algae and protists are the larger groups of unicellular eukaryotes, organisms that have membrane bound nuclei and organelles (Bentley, 2015). Algae is a eukaryote that photosynthesizes and protists are eukaryotes that consume/hunt nutrients to survive (Bentley, 2015). The purpose of this week's experiment is to observe and identify algae/protists in each groups Hay-infusion, created in the previous week. There is a multitude of different types of algae/protists which a tool called a dichotomous key can be used to facilitate the identification of each (Bentley, 2015).

Materials & Methods - In this class the Hay-infusion container, made last week, consisting of 10-12 g of soil from the group's niche, 500 mL of water, and 0.1 g of dried milk was collected without being disturbed. The hay infusion (Image 1) was then opened and studied for smell and appearance. After observation of the Hay-infusion 2 samples were taken with a pipette from the top (Image 2) and the bottom (Image 3) of the container. From the samples wet mounts were made to observe what protists and algae were present in each. Drawings and measurements of protists and algae were recorded.

Data -The hay-infusion had a very pungent odor when opened. It was a musty, earthy, and lake-like smell. The hay-infusion in appearance had a translucent mold film with small white round colonies dispersed throughout. The top niche sample from the hay infusion contained paramecium bursaria, spirostomum, and blepharisma. The bottom niche sample from the hay infusion contained pandorina, peranema, paramecium multimicronucleatum, and spirostomum.

Image 1

Image 2

Image 3

Conclusion -

January 26, 2015 -- CT

~Biological Life at AU~

Introduction - Ecology is the study of how organisms interact with one another in one environment (Bentley, 2015). In this experiment the lab class explored different niches around AU campus. The purpose of this experiment was to observe an ecosystem of biotic, living, organisms and abiotic, nonliving, components (Bentley, 2015). Both biotic and abiotic features are important to the biodiversity of an ecosystem/ niche. By students familiarizing themselves with their niche, it will be helpful for the upcoming experiments.

Materials & Methods -The class was broken into multiple groups of 3 and assigned a transect. Each group received a tube to collect a soil sample. At arrival of the group's transect, they observed the surroundings for abiotic and biotic factors. They then drew a birds-eye view of their transect. Lastly, the groups collected a soiling sample which the group was to believe most representative of their transect. The soil was brought back to the lab for a Hay-Infusion Culture.

Data - The transect was located behind Leonard Hall in the fenced AU garden/farm. The abiotic factors included: the fence, wooden planters, mulch, rocks and watering hoses. The biotic factors included: grass and plants that were growing in the planters. The transect birds-eye view can be seen below in Figure 1.

Figure 1

Conclusion -This experiment showed one of the many transects on campus which portrays the diverse ecosystem on campus. As stated in the purpose many biotic and abiotic features were noted for such a small area. To further the understanding of this transect a hay infusion will be studied next lab for protists and algae.

References - Bentley, Meg. 2015. A Laboratory Manual to Accompany: General Biology II. American University: Washington, DC. Pg.16-17

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