User:April Rose Schattner/Notebook/Biology 210 at AU

January 29, 2015 - Biological Life at AU: Characteristics of Transect 5

Purpose This procedure was conducted as a means to discover Transect 5 at American University and make observations about the characteristics of the small section of land. Both biotic and abiotic materials were collected from the transect, for use in a hay infusion to later determine some of the living organisms in plot 5.

Materials & Methods Once assigned to Transect 5 on American University's campus, the section of land was observed, diagrammed, and biotic and abiotic samples were collected from it and brought into the lab. 11.7 grams of the sample of soil and vegetation from Transect 5 were added to a jar with 500mLs water and 0.1g dried milk. This jar was left uncovered for one week to be observed in the next lab.

Data & Observations

General Observations: There is a lot of man-made materials in Transect 5; a stone hedge, stone path, and concrete benches. There is also manicured grass and maintained bush landscaping. While the grass is green, the landscaped bushes have fewer leaves at this time of the year.

Biotic Species: Grass clumps, manicured grass, flower bush, round berry plant, small ground cover/weeds

Abiotic Species: soil, snow, concrete bench/column, wood chips, stone path

Visual of Transect 5 April_Schattner_Transect_5_Diagram.jpg

Conclusion & Predictions This lab was a useful introduction to Transect 5. I predict that as the Spring weather approaches the landscaping in this transect will blossom and change the nature of plot of land. I predict the hay infusion will produce a lot of bacteria and fungus, and we will be able to observe life in the next lab, given that the soil and vegetation was brought into the warm laboratory and fed through the dried milk.

AS

January 21, 2015

Breakfast foods are the best foods.

AS