User:Isabella Jorgensen: Difference between revisions
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'''Identifying Algae and Protists January 27, 2015''' | |||
The contents of the 500 mL Hay Infusion Culture which were collected from a unique ecosystem on the AU campus, and are considered to be an ecosystem. As within the large ecosystem where the sample was collected, there are unique niches with different types of abiotic and biotic life forms. In the jar there are different types of microorganisms growing on the surface of the mixture and on the bottom of the jar. The purpose of this experiment is to examine the different life forms found in each of these niches and to determine their functions, appearance, whether they are motile or non-motile, and whether they are photosynthesizing, or non-photosynthesizing. | |||
To begin this experiment each group observed their culture, noting the smell, describing its appearance, and taking note of any form of mold or plant shoots. Following, each group should make a wet mount from the two different niches within the sample. Using a dichotomous key they should determine which type of protists and algae are present in each wet mount. Each group member should then draw pictures of the observed organisms and take note of whether they are motile/ non-motile, protozoa or algae, and whether they are photosynthesizing or not. Each organism should also be measured with the ocular micrometer and measurement should be converted to micrometers and recorded. | |||
[[Image:IMG_0725.JPG]] | |||
The ecosystem within the jar had an earthy smell with a hint of mold and old fish tank water. Its appearance was a translucent light brown. The top layer had a dirty film which appeared to be made out of mold, while the bottom of the jar had a settlement of dirt and leaves. The image above describes each organism and illustrates their appearances. | |||
As the purpose of this experiment was to gain knowledge about ecosystems and the vast differences seen within small niches within an ecosystem, observing different protists and algae helped to illustrate this. By using a dichotomous key to differentiate each organism found in the different niches within the ecosystem (jar), the students were able to see first hand how the environment dictates what type of life form can exist. | |||
IJ | |||
Revision as of 16:54, 27 January 2015
Identifying Algae and Protists January 27, 2015
The contents of the 500 mL Hay Infusion Culture which were collected from a unique ecosystem on the AU campus, and are considered to be an ecosystem. As within the large ecosystem where the sample was collected, there are unique niches with different types of abiotic and biotic life forms. In the jar there are different types of microorganisms growing on the surface of the mixture and on the bottom of the jar. The purpose of this experiment is to examine the different life forms found in each of these niches and to determine their functions, appearance, whether they are motile or non-motile, and whether they are photosynthesizing, or non-photosynthesizing.
To begin this experiment each group observed their culture, noting the smell, describing its appearance, and taking note of any form of mold or plant shoots. Following, each group should make a wet mount from the two different niches within the sample. Using a dichotomous key they should determine which type of protists and algae are present in each wet mount. Each group member should then draw pictures of the observed organisms and take note of whether they are motile/ non-motile, protozoa or algae, and whether they are photosynthesizing or not. Each organism should also be measured with the ocular micrometer and measurement should be converted to micrometers and recorded.
The ecosystem within the jar had an earthy smell with a hint of mold and old fish tank water. Its appearance was a translucent light brown. The top layer had a dirty film which appeared to be made out of mold, while the bottom of the jar had a settlement of dirt and leaves. The image above describes each organism and illustrates their appearances.
As the purpose of this experiment was to gain knowledge about ecosystems and the vast differences seen within small niches within an ecosystem, observing different protists and algae helped to illustrate this. By using a dichotomous key to differentiate each organism found in the different niches within the ecosystem (jar), the students were able to see first hand how the environment dictates what type of life form can exist. IJ
