User:Jose Valentin Camilion/Notebook/Biology 210 at AU

Identifying Algae and Protists

Intro

The purpose of this lab was to identify protists using the dichotomus key, which consist of two morphological choices. This was possible through the microscope, which through it’s use made it possible to observe specimens that would otherwise not be visible to the human eye. With a visible specimen, one may then know what kind of specimen is present by identifying it’s key characteristics. The Dichotomus key is a tool that offers the characteristics that certain organism have, which my then be used to determine what kind of specimen is being observed.

Methods

The jar with the Hay Infusion was observed for characteristics such as smell and appearance. Two different samples were collected from the jar, which were two different niches of the jar. One of the samples was from the top of the jar, and the second was from the bottom of the jar. Furthermore, two wet mounts for both of the samples were prepared and were looked at under a microscope. The organisms that were visible under the microscope were observed for their characteristics so that they may be identified. By looking at the characteristics, the Dichotomus Key would specify which organism would have the charactersitics that were observed. Additionally, for the next lab, a serial dilution was made. Four test tubes were used, each containing 5 mLs of series broth were labled 10^-2, 10^-4, 10^-6, 10-^8. Furthermore, 50 μL of the hay infusion jar was collected and placed in the 10^-2 test tube. The test tube was mixed, and then 50 μL of that test tube was placed onto the 10^-4 test tube. This continued until the 10^-8 test tube. Additionally, four nutrient plates were labeled as 10^-3, 10^-5, 10^-7, 10^-9. From the test tube of the 10^-2 content, 100μL was retrieved and added to the 10^-3. A sterile stick was used to spread the content onto the nutrient plate. Similarly, 100μL of the content from the 10^-4 was added to the 10^-5 nutrient plate. The steps continued for the nutrient plates and their respective test tubes.

Results

The Hay infusion jar had a foul smell. There were observable mold brown spots on the surface of the liquid, which means that organisms are clearly present in the jar. Most of the mixture was cloudy and murky and while about a fourth of the jar had a thick layer of dirt in the bottom of the jar, which also contains some grass.

Discussion

The purpose of this experiment was to identify the protists present in the hay infusion environment. Only three different organisms were present, which may make for an inaccurate representation of the transect. It could, however, also mean that the transect does not work well with algae and protists, which is why there was a low number visible. Improvements that could be made to identify more organisms are to leave the hay infusion sitting for more time so that there could be more growth taking place in the environment.

Examining Biological Life at AU

Intro

A transect is used in this experiment to make a study on the ecological components in American University. A transect is a sample of an ecosystem. The transect may consist of both the biotic, which are the living components present such as plants and insects, as well as abiotic, which may include soil and stone. The biodiversity that is present in these communities are a result of natural selection, which occurs by gene flow, mutations, and genetic drifts.

Methods

In this experiment, the transect observed was a lawn in American University that is behind the Hurst building. The transect was measured in 20 x 20 meters, and it was then observed closely. With a chosen transect, the experiment proceeded to identifying the biotic and abiotic factors present. A sample of the transect was selected, which was soil and grass, and was then placed into plastic bag. From that bag, 12 grams of the sample was placed into a jar along with 500 grams of deerpark water. Additionally , 0.1 grams of powdered milk were added to the jar. The jar was then shaken thoroughly for 10 seconds. The jar would then sit in the lab until the class met again two days later.

Results

The transect was mostly composed of grass and trees. The biotic factors present grass, trees, flowers, fungi, bees, flies, worms, birds, and squirrels. The Abiotic factors present were soil, water, air, light, statues, lams, and sprinklers. The transect was also next to a side walk and a road, where many people pass walking and by car respectively.

Figure 1 shows a map of the transect [[Image:]]

Figure 2 shows the transect

Discussion

The purpose of this experiment was to select a transect for some of the upcoming experiments. This experiment identified the biotic factors, such as the grass, trees, flowers, and bees; as well as the abiotic factors, such as air, water, soil, and rocks. Knowing the factors that are present are important so that the ecosystem can be better understood in terms of its composure. The hay infusion was also important for the necessary so that the organisms may grow and may be observed in the following experiment.