User:Student 65/Notebook/Biology 210 at AU: Difference between revisions
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Figure 1: Photograph of the transect from the North East side (facing South West) | Figure 1: Photograph of the transect from the North East side (facing South West) | ||
[[Image:IMG_4209.JPG]] | [[Image:IMG_4209-2.JPG]] | ||
Figure 2: An ariel diagram of the transect with abiotic and biotic factors labeled | Figure 2: An ariel diagram of the transect with abiotic and biotic factors labeled | ||
Revision as of 19:17, 4 February 2016
January 14, 2016 - Exercise I: Examining Biological Life at AU
Purpose:
The purpose of this experiment was to observe a specific 20 by 20 meter transect of land here at American University with which we will later characterize the different forms of life inhabiting that specific transect (the protists, bacteria, plants, invertebrates and animals). A hay infusion culture was made using a sample of the soil from the transect and will be used to analyze the protists and invertebrates from the specific niche. Our group hypothesized that our hay infusion culture will yield a variety of different organism, specifically protists and algae.
Materials and Methods:
For transect - Identify the transect (marked by four popsicle sticks with the number 1 on them). Record all observations of the transect, including its topography and location. Take a photo of the transect and draw an ariel-view diagram of the transect, making sure to note both abiotic and biotic features. Collect a sample from the transect to be used in the hay infusion.
For Hay Infusion - Mix 10-12 grams of collected sample, 500 mLs deerpark watered 0.1 gram dried milk in a closed, labeled jar for 10 seconds. Remove lid to jar and let sample sit in safe place in lab until next lab period.
Data and Observations:
The transect was located to the North East of Hurst Hall on the other side of the cross walk. It is a flat section of land with a sidewalk on one side and a cement fence on the other. The transect contains a variety of different biotic and abiotic components and some manmade components (light posts, sprinklers, etc.). Some of the biotic components observed include: a large tree, smaller trees and bushes, grass, organisms living in the soil, and potential animals living in the environment. The abiotic components of the transect included: soil, the sprinklers (a source of water), light (from the light post), and litter (a straw and cigarette).
Figure 1: Photograph of the transect from the North East side (facing South West)
Figure 2: An ariel diagram of the transect with abiotic and biotic factors labeled
Conclusions and Future Directions:
After observing the transect, it can be concluded that there is a variety of different abiotic and biotic components to our transect. The next step is to analyze what niches are present in our ecosystem. The hay infusion will be observed in the next class, with which we hope to gain a better understanding of our transect.
--Emily J. Kinneston 17:28, 2 February 2016 (EST)
