User:Harrison J. Solomon/Notebook/Biology 210 at AU
1/28/15 HS.
Lab 2: Identifying Algae and Protists.
Introduction:
The purposed of this lab was to familiarize us with the methods and techniques used in biology today to observe and identify different types of organisms using a dichotomous key. This week, using our Hay Infusion sample created in last week’s lab, we gathered samples from different niches within that ecosystem and we compiled wet mount slides of the different samples to later identify the different organisms present.
Methods and Materials:
Starting with our Hay Infusion, my lab group took four different samples from the infused ecosystem, two were taken from the top of the ecosystem and two were collected from the bottom of the ecosystem. The reason for gathering samples from different niches within the ecosystem was to find out how the two layers differ from one another. A little bit of mold was observed on the surface of the top layer in our ecosystem. One of the top samples was taken directly from the surface of the ecosystem, allowing some of the plant mold to be collected. The other top sample was taken from just below the surface of the infusion. The two bottom samples were taken from the bottom about half an inch above the bottom of the jar. Once the samples were all collected, our lab group prepared wet mount slides of all four samples. Using these slides and a dichotomous key, our group identified the different organisms found in the samples.
Data and Observations:
If the Hay infusion were to be left out for another two months we would definitely see some changes that are not present in our sample today. To start off, organism need time to grow and reproduce, therefor if we were to wait another two months we would certainly see a rise in population amongst the organisms present. I would predict that if we were to leave the sample out for another two months we would also start to see some growth of new species such and molds and other bacteria. We could also potentially see some plant growth if we were to keep our samples in an area with direct exposure to sunlight. Sunlight could also serve and one of the selective pressures that could affect the community of our sample. The organism Gonium was one of the species we collected from our Hay infusion and Gonium meets all of the necessary qualification to be living as described in Freemans text on page 2. Gonium has all of the features including the use of energy, it contains cells, it has the ability to process information, it can replicate as we will hopefully see in our next lab, and it has been through the process of evolution. (Freeman, 2008).
Conclusion and Future Directions:
In this experiment, my lab group discovered five different species living in our Hay infusion that we took from our Wildlife habitat using the dichotomous key. In just one week we saw how different species grew and how the ecosystem changed. We were very pleased with our results and we look forward to seeing what else we will discover in our ecosystem in the following lab.
HS.
1/22/15 HS.
Lab 1: Biological Life at AU
Intro:
In this lab, my lab group and I were assigned a transect located on American University’s campus and our task was to report to this location, make detailed observations regarding this 20 by 20 meter plot of land, sketch the transect, and collect a soil sample to be used in future lab. My group was given transect 2, also known as the Wildlife habitat. This transect is located in between Hughes Hall and Cassel Hall. Given its name, the Wildlife habitat is expected to be high in its biodiversity. Throughout this semester my lab group and I will be observing the different interaction between the biotic and abiotic features in our transect.
Materials and Methods
This lab did not entail that many materials, when observing the transect, the only item brought with us was the tube to collect the soil sample to later be analyzed. When we first arrived on the scene, my group and I began recording what we saw, heard, smelt, and felt. Once we felt comfortable in our new transect we began to sketch out the area and note the different biotic and abiotic features. Once all of our observations were made we collected the soil sample and brought it back to the lab. Using 11 grams of the collected soil, we created a Hay Infusion in a jar where the protist collected in the soil could survive. The fusion was made by mixing the soil with 0.1 grams of dried milk and 500 mL’s of deerpark water. Once the solution was mixed for 10 seconds, the lid of the jar was removed and the sample was placed aside to allow the ecosystem to generate during the following week.
Data
Our Wildlife habitat transect is located on the north side of American University’s campus right in between Hughes Hall and Cassel Hall. The topography of our transect was pretty flat throughout, with a few bumps located towards the outer perimeter of the plot. There were both biotic and abiotic features observed in our first encounter with the transect. The biotic features consisted of four trees, all of different sizes. Two of the trees were rather large where as the other two were on the smaller scale. There were multiple shrubs observed in our habitat, along with a nice stream of stones. As far as animals go, not too many were seen since we observed the transect late at night, however a rat was both heard and felt during our time in the transect. For abiotic features, a piece of tissue paper was discovered along with many smaller rocks. There were also many leaves spread out throughout the transect and the soil was firm and cold all around.
Conclusion
This lab was not an experimental one, therefor no hypothesis was made or tested. It was just an observational lab and it was a good first interaction with our new found transect. Based on this week’s observations, I look forward to seeing what else presents itself in our wildlife habitat over the duration of the next semester.
Test 1/20/15
Didn't know what to write, so heres a riddle.
A man and a woman just get married and they decide to go to Hawaii for their honeymoon. While flying to Hawaii, the plane crashed and every single person on the plane dies. Two weeks later, the same two people are seen alive drinking coffee in a coffee shop. How is this possible?
HS.
