User:Issah M. Younassi/Notebook/Biology 210 at AU

Lab 2 Identifying Algae and Protists: January 22, 2015

Purpose: The experiment was conducted to understand and identify the characteristics of algae and protist in a transect. The dichotomous key was used to determine the specific organism based on its observed characteristics. This gave an understanding of which organisms thrive within each niche of an ecosystem.

Methods and Materials: During the first procedure a wet mount was created and observed. Soon after, a dichotomous key was used to determine the organism. During the second procedure the hay infusion culture that was created in the previous lab was observed. A sample from two different niches in the culture were collected and observed through different objectives in a microscope. One niche was from the top of the sample and the other from the bottom. A dichotomous key was used to determine which organisms dwell within each niche. A total of six organisms were observed and recorded.

Data and Observation: The culture smells like old cigarettes, feces, and old dirt. Its appearance is thick blackish brown with hints of green liquid. There was a type of mold on top of the culture, which indicates photosynthesis.

Conclusion and Future Direction: In conclusion, two out of the six organisms were undergoing photosynthesis due to their green appearance. I believe this is because the last three organisms were collected from the top of the culture where the mold was growing. This could mean organisms that thrive close to the top require more sunlight to survive. Each organism meets the criteria of life by having cells that are organized, uses energy, can reproduce, and interacts/adapts with its environment. The future direction would be to let this hay infusion culture grow for two months and observe what happens. I predict that the organism that uses photosynthesis will thrive and the ones that don’t will die off. This is because the food source of dried milk will be depleted and the ones who can make their own food will survive.

Lab 1 Biological Life at AU: January 14th 2015

Purpose: The purpose of procedure 1 in the experiment was to be able to identify the Volvocine evolution line by certain characteristics. Also, during the second procedure the purpose was to be able to identify and elaborate on the biodiversity of a transect. The rational behind these observations is to differentiate and compare between different cells, organisms, and their nonliving environment.

Materials and Methods: During the first procedure in the experiment, the Volvocine was observed through a microscope and particular characteristics were recorded. During the second procedure, a transect of 20m by 20m was observed. The biodiversity of the transect was recorded, including abiotic components. After the observations were completed 50ml conical tube was used to take a sample. This sample was used to create a hay infusion culture. This was created by combining 10-12g of the sample into a plastic jar accompanied with 500mls of water and 0.1g of dried milk. Once combined the culture was mixed the culture was placed and labeled on the table with no lid on.

Data and Observations

Transect 1: This is picture of transect 1. The image is facing north and the transect is located on the northwest section of American University. The transect has an area of 20mX20m.

Biotic: Directly to the left of the picture are cat tails and to the right of that are red bushs. As well as, right below are fallen leaves,moss,short/tall grass, and weeds. In the right corner of the picture are red cardinal flower bush.

Abiotic Rocks, dirt, felt, snow, candy wrapper, cigarette buds, and unidentifiable trash were found on the ground of the transect. Some snow was found on top of a few organisms.

Data from identifying Volvocine evolution line

Conclusion and future direction In conclusion, organisms and abiotic factors can be determined and identified by certain characteristics and observations. In the future, these observations will give the observer the beginning steps of identifying the biodiversity in a ecosystem and be able to characterize it in groups.