User:Jennifer M Thelus/Notebook/Biology 210 at AU
Using a Dichotomous Key to Identify Algae and Protist found in my Hay Infusion Culture
Observations of the Volvocine Line and a Niche at American University
15 January 2015
Purpose
Natural selection drives the evolution of different species. The three different conditions that must be met in order for natural selection to occur are variability, differential capacity or survival and reproduction, and heritability. Once it has been established that natural selection is occurring, the changing traits can be observed to determine whether or not evolution is taking place by observing different frequencies. Therefore evolution is taking place if a specific frequency is increasing or another is decreasing.
Materials and Methods
-Part 1:The Volvocine Line
First observe Chlamydomonas. Then measure the number of cells, as well as colony size in μm. Be sure to answer whether or not the cells are specialized, the mechanisms of motility for each genera, and if they are isogamous or oogamous. Then draw a picture of the live specimen. Repeat this process for the Gonium and Volvox. Record all data in a table.
-Part 2: Observing a Niche at American University
Observe the assigned 20x20 transect and take note of five abiotic and biotic components of the transect. Draw an aerial picture of your transect. Using a 50 mL conical tube, collect soil/ground vegetation that is representative of the transect. Once back in the lab, make a Hay Infusion Culture. To do this place 10-12 grams of the soil/ground vegetation sample in a plastic jar with 500 mLs of filtered water. Then add .1gm of dried milk and mix for 10 seconds. Without the lid on the jar place it in the indicated area in the lab and be sure to label the jar. Let it sit for a week.
Data and Observations
Table1: Evolutionary Specialization of Members of the Volvocine Line
It is evidenced by these three samples that over time they evolved from "chlamydomonas" to the "volvox"
Aerial View of Transect 5
The transect is located in the middle of campus. It is located mostly on soil and grass, with a small portion being concrete. Most of the northeast portion is covered in grass. Most of south portion of the transect is made of soil, which holds a flower bed. The flower bed is bare as it is winter and has many thorns. Within the transect there are biotic and abiotic components. The five biotic components are grass, the flower bed, the flower bud, leaves, and a spider. The abiotic components are soil, snow, a fork, cement, and woodchips. Most of the items were located in the southeast quadrant.
Conclusions and Future Directions
The data found from observing the volvocine line supports the claim that evolution is taking place. As for the transect it is a very diverse area. All biotic aspects may not have been present due to the cold weather. Samples from the transect were taken and a hay-fusion culture was made.
