User:Liam Purdy/Notebook/Biology 210 at AU

January 25, 2015 Liam Purdy:

       Lab 1: Biological Life at AU

In today's lab, we examined the variations in organisms of the same species that can occur due to evolution. In specific, we examined specimens that were each members of Chlorophyta, a green algae group. The specific line that was examined was the Volvocine Line. Three members of this line were examined in this experiment in order of their evolutionary complexity; Chlamydomonas, Gonium, and Volvox; characteristics of group of organisms were then recorded in the lab book.

The second portion of this lab was to go outside and examine our group's designated transects. My group received Transect 3, which was located by the bronze AU Eagle statue and referred to as "Tall Bushes". Transect 3 is located right outside of AU's Bender Arena and is the surrounding environment to a small circle with benches for students tot sit and relax in. Because the are has tall foliage, it isn't uncommon for smoking students to enter this secluded area, which in turn means that cigarettes butts are a common cite. The transect is surrounded by concrete sidewalk with more natural features in the center. The middle of this transect is comprised of multiple bushes of various sizes that range from very short, floor hugging bushes to taller thornier bushes. The ground is made of wood chip and dirt, which was relatively frozen due to the recent snow storm.

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Photo 5: The following image is a hand-drawn arial view of transect 3:

While at our Transect, our group took note of the biotic and abiotic features of the area.

Abiotic Factors: Lampost (2x) Sidewalk/ Concrete Sprinklers (3x) Soil Snow and ice Electrical wires (For the lampposts)

Biotic Factors: Tall and short bushes Wood chips Fallen leaves Low-lying Plants 1 tall tree

January 21, 2015 Liam Purdy. Now I found the way! LP