User:Jose Valentin Camilion/Notebook/Biology 210 at AU

Examining Biological Life at AU

Intro

A transect is used in this experiment to make a study on the ecological components in American University. A transect is a sample of an ecosystem. The transect may consist of both the biotic, which are the living components present such as plants and insects, as well as abiotic, which may include soil and stone. The biodiversity that is present in these communities are a result of natural selection, which occurs by gene flow, mutations, and genetic drifts.

Methods

In this experiment, the transect observed was a lawn in American University that is behind the Hurst building. The transect was measured in 20 x 20 meters, and it was then observed closely. With a chosen transect, the experiment proceeded to identifying the biotic and abiotic factors present. A sample of the transect was selected, which was soil and grass, and was then placed into plastic bag. From that bag, 12 grams of the sample was placed into a jar along with 500 grams of deerpark water. Additionally , 0.1 grams of powdered milk were added to the jar. The jar was then shaken thoroughly for 10 seconds. The jar would then sit in the lab until the class met again two days later.

Results The transect was mostly composed of grass and trees. The biotic factors present grass, trees, flowers, fungi, bees, flies, worms, birds, and squirrels. The Abiotic factors present were soil, water, air, light, statues, lams, and sprinklers. The transect was also next to a side walk and a road, where many people pass walking and by car respectively.

Figure 1 shows a map of the transect

Figure 2 shows the transect

Discussion The purpose of this experiment was to select a transect for some of the upcoming experiments. This experiment identified the biotic factors, such as the grass, trees, flowers, and bees; as well as the abiotic factors, such as air, water, soil, and rocks. Knowing the factors that are present are important so that the ecosystem can be better understood in terms of its composure. The hay infusion was also important for the necessary so that the organisms may grow and may be observed in the following experiment.