User:Peter To/Notebook/Biology 210 at AU

Lab 2 Identifying Algae and Protists Purpose The Objectives for this lab was to understand the structure of protists. Protist samples were prepared for practice on identifying protists based on their look by using a dichotomous key. Identifying skills were then used to examine algae and protists from transect samples. The samples are from the Hay Infusions Jars prepared in the previous lab. Materials and Methods

The Hay Infusion Culture: Prepared last week. Samples from the transect was added to a jar with water and milk powder. Mile powder acted as an energy source for organisms to grow.

Sample Protists: Sample protists were pre-made in lab. We added a few drops to a slide to make a wet mount slide.

Data and Observations Protist practice observations: -Oval Shape and elongated -4 ocular spaces which makes it 40 micrometers -Dichotomous key determined it as Euglena

Hay Infusion Culture Jar Data: -Smelled like a sewer -It was a opaque brown color with dirt settled at the bottom. There was a mold like film on the top of the liquid. Samples were taken for observation from two different niches -Organisms close to plant matter may be different because they have more resources. They might be in a symbiotic relationship with the plant matter.

-Samples from two different niches Surface sample had white moldy stuff Bottom sample had dirt, twigs, and very dirty water. -Samples were taken from the very bottom of the Hay Infusion Jar and the top of the hay infusion jar -Wet mount from two different niches results: 1. Bottom Sample, 5 ocular spaces or 12.5 micrometers. Ameoba 2. Bottom Sample, swimming around and colorless, 5 micrometers, Chlamydomonas 3. Surface Sample, 150 micrometers, Paramecium aurella 4. Bottom Sample, Arcella, 40 micrometers 5. Surface Sample, Slow and fast Movements, 70 micrometers, Colpidium 6. Surface Sample, 70 micrometers, Paramecium Bursania

Conclusions Paramecium Bursannia meets all the requirements of life. It has an energy source in the hay infusion culture to metabalize energy to substain life. It has a membrane to separate itself from the outside world.

If the Hay Infusion Culture Grew for another two months there would be a decline in the organism because there would not be enough resources. Some organisms that are larger and faster will be able to compete for longer and they will be the only survivors. Selective pressure would affect the weaker less fit organisms. They will die off and will not be able to reproduce offspring.

PT.1/29/2015

1.27.15 Good first lab book entry. Need to include more detail, addressing all red text in lab manual and organize into Purpose, Materials & Methods, Data & Observations and Conclusions. Also need to include diagram of transect and list 5 biotic and 5 abiotic features. SK

Lab 1 Biological Life at AU 1/15/15

This lab was performed to observe characteristics of a niche. Different niches were looked at by different groups. A niche is an environment that includes biotic life and abiotic materials. There is interaction between the biotic life and the abiotic materials to create an ecosystem. Dirt and plant samples were collected from each respective transect for further observation and study for future experiments. The area of each transect was 20 by 20 and was predetermined by the Lab instructor.

My Group Transect Characteristics The area was a 20 by 20 with tall grass throughout the area. The AU president house and Cassell Hall and Hughes Hall surround the transect. This area is considered North Campus. Biotic features included insects, moss, grass, trees and fungus. The abiotic features included benches, rocks, metal, dead leaves, and wood. Locations The fungus was growing on the trees. Moss, grass and insects were found throughout the transect. There was a rock/stone path on the side of the transect closer to South campus. There were two benches next to the rock/stone path. There was a metal sign in the corner of the transect. There were also dead leaves throughout the transect.

A 50ml conical tube was filled with a dirt sample and vegetation sample. Back in the lab a Hay Infusion culture was prepared.

-PT

First Time on Open Wet Ware Notebook 1/22/15 12:58pm Data about niche and lab 1+2 will be entered shortly. -PT