User talk:Courtney Krawczyk/Notebook/Biology 210 at AU

Study of Biological Life in an Ecosystem January 28, 2015

Purpose In this study both biotic and abiotic components were observed in an ecosystem. This portion of the study includes analyzing the specific 20 x 20 meter transect, specifically looking at what makes up this ecosystem. After a collection of the biotic and abiotic components was taken, a hay infusion culture was created to later observe protists, bacteria, and changes in the culture overtime.

Materials and Method After being assigned a specific transect to observe, my lab partners and I first drew a map of the area. Everything was labeled that was visible, for example, plants, soil, rocks, leaves, and even manmade objects. A list of five biotic and five abiotic components found in the transect was also composed. Then a sample consisting of soil and plants was put into a 50mL conical tube. After returning back to the lab, 11.7 grams of the sample was placed into a jar with 500mLs of water. Then 0.1 gm of dried milk was also added to the sample and mixed for about 10 seconds. The jar, known as a hay infusion culture, was then labeled with our transect number (5), and left in the lab for a week with the lid off.

Data and Observations Attached below is a hand drawn map of the transect as well as other pictures of the area. The 20x20 meter transect consisted of a larger grass area. It also contained an area of soil with bushes, weeds, berries, dead leaves, and twigs. Coming into one corner of our transect was also a man made concrete sign.

5 biotic components of the transect -bushes (possible rose plants) -grass clumps under bushes -grass -berries -weeds

5 abiotic components of the transect -soil -dead leaves -snow -manmade stone structure -wood chips/twigs

Conclusion and Future Directions It can be concluded that both biotic and abiotic components make up the transect. I predict that next week when observing the hay infusion culture, it will probably appear moldy and have a noticeable smell. When observing slides with samples taken from the culture, I expect to see protists within the sample.

CK