MicroAquarium Set-Up/First Observation-October 17th, 2012
This is my first blog entry utilizing my Biology 111 Lab Blog. This project takes place over a three week period and results are recorded weekly based on observations taken weekly. Firstly, after obtaining our own MicroAquariums three dots were placed on the top left corner; the top dot was the color of our lab section, second dot was the table we sat at, and the third number is our seat at the table. Additionally, our initials were placed on the dots.
My partner and I were assigned to water sample number nine, which will be explained later. Using a pipet water was extracted in three increments. First, a pipet full of sediment from the bottom of the larger sample was placed in the MicroAquarium. Secondly, a middle later was extracted with the top-most layer placed last into the MicroAquarium. Along with the main sample two plants were placed into the MicroAquarium for further diversity; these plants were A, Amblestegium sp. Moss, and plant B,Utricularia gibba (McFarland 2012).
As previously mentioned my MicroAquarium consists of source number nine. This location is the pond at Sterchi Hills Greenway Trail on Rife Range Road in Knoxville.The pond has full sun exposure and encounters sheet runoff from hills for replenishment. N36 02.687 W83 57.159 1065 ft 10/9/2012 (Botany 111 Lab Blog).
After completion the first order of business was examination under the microscope. The meniscus of the water sample allowed the MicroAquarium to be turned on it's side for optimal examination. Due to the thickness of the aquarium only 4x and 10x zoom levels were recommended. Unfortunately, my water from the Sterchi Hills source was not very lively, I observed one flagella-driven organism in the water, this was the only living organism I observed. I believe the organism I observed was a multi-celled organism due to the fact I was able to clearly observe it through 10x strength. This organism seemed to swim through the bottom layer of the MicroAquarium, directly above the sediment. The two green plants both had chlorophyll within them. The sediment on the bottom of the MicroAquarium did not have any organisms visible yet or simply could not be seen at the available microscope strengths.
Sources:
As previously mentioned my MicroAquarium consists of source number nine. This location is the pond at Sterchi Hills Greenway Trail on Rife Range Road in Knoxville.The pond has full sun exposure and encounters sheet runoff from hills for replenishment. N36 02.687 W83 57.159 1065 ft 10/9/2012 (Botany 111 Lab Blog).
After completion the first order of business was examination under the microscope. The meniscus of the water sample allowed the MicroAquarium to be turned on it's side for optimal examination. Due to the thickness of the aquarium only 4x and 10x zoom levels were recommended. Unfortunately, my water from the Sterchi Hills source was not very lively, I observed one flagella-driven organism in the water, this was the only living organism I observed. I believe the organism I observed was a multi-celled organism due to the fact I was able to clearly observe it through 10x strength. This organism seemed to swim through the bottom layer of the MicroAquarium, directly above the sediment. The two green plants both had chlorophyll within them. The sediment on the bottom of the MicroAquarium did not have any organisms visible yet or simply could not be seen at the available microscope strengths.
Sources:
Botany 111 Fall 2012 (Blog). Watersource: 9. Sterchi Hills Greenway Trail on Rife Range Road in Knoxville (cited
2012 October 22). Available from: http://botany1112012.blogspot.com/
Botany 2012 MicroAquarium Blog. www.botany1112012.blogspot.com
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