At this observation, distinct algae types could be seen in the bottom layer of the MicroAquarium. Algal growth increased since last time. Spirogyra were present, as well as motile; single-celled; circular green algae that moved quickly. Diatoms, different types of Chlamydomonas, and organisms which likely were Desmids were observed in the muck layer.
Various types of Rotifers and Ciliates were common in both the bottom layer and the left side of the above layer. Much algal growth and several Ciliates were present in the right side of the MicroAquarium, though there was generally less activity in this region.
These observations can have the effect of impressing upon one a sense of the aliveness of the surrounding world. While many would look at a puddle of water, or a bit of pond sludge and perceive it as inert, inanimate... a project like this one is an introduction to the presence of the diversity of life which cannot be observed with the naked eye but is very much there nonetheless.
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Friday, October 23, 2009
Observation 2, Thurs. Oct. 22, 2009
This observation showed some consistencies with last week's and some new developments. The bottom/muck layer was the busiest area. There were new organisms that Dr. McFarland identified as rotifers. There were two types, one being a Lacane rotifer, and about 10 of each kind were observed. They swim in and around the edge of the muck. They are bigger than most organisms in the MicroAquarium, and some have a forked tail/flagella. Five round ciliates were observed. They spin and have short flagella all around them, with one long flagellum. The same sluggish organisms as last week remained and a greenish tint can be seen in them. The most notable thing from this observation was a large stationary organism called a Coleps, that Dr. McFarland hadn't seen before (Fig. 375 Patterson, 1996).


The bottom and middle layer both have amoebids. In the middle layer, there was more activity around Plant B than Plant A. Amoebids, diatoms, the same tiny black swimmers as last week, and green organisms that looked like a chain of three circles all were present.
Dr. McFarland pointed out the emergence of algal growth, including Desmot, Spirogyra, and clustering algae, among others.
Lastly, one pellet of food was added to the MicroAquarium and more water was added because of evaporation.
Works Cited
Patterson, D.J. "Free-Living Freshwater Protozoa: A Colour Guide." Wiley 1996. pg. 162.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
MicroAquarium Setup and Observation 1- Wed, Oct 11, 2009.
Setup:
The MicroAquarium included a bottom layer of muck a few millimeters thick topped by water to fill the MicroAquarium roughly 1/3 full, both layers from source 5: Meads Quarry (Island Home Ave, Knox Co. Tennessee Partial shade exposure Rock )*.
Two plants were included into the micro environment at the middle layer of water. On the left side of the viewing plate is Plant A, Amblystegium varium, collected from Natural spring. at Carters Mill Park, Carter Mill Road, Knox Co. TN. Partial shade exposure. On the right side is Plant B, a carnivorous plant grown in water tanks outside of greenhouse at Hesler Biology Building*.
*Ingredients and locations, http://botany1112009.blogspot.com/
The MicroAquarium was then filled to within millimeters of the top using the same water as before.
Observations:
In plants A and B, relatively tiny, flea-looking organisms were observed zooming around in squiggly paths.
Also observed in both plant regions were peppercorn -looking organisms, possibly Tardigrades (http://www.una.edu/faculty/microaquarium/Organisms.htm), that remained stationary.
Around Plant A specifically, larger insect-type organisms were present. They were tick-shaped, but spikier. In the region of plant B particularly, were slow-moving sluggy things that may have been Ciliates (http://www.una.edu/faculty/microaquarium/Organisms.htm).
The MicroAquarium included a bottom layer of muck a few millimeters thick topped by water to fill the MicroAquarium roughly 1/3 full, both layers from source 5: Meads Quarry (Island Home Ave, Knox Co. Tennessee Partial shade exposure Rock )*.
Two plants were included into the micro environment at the middle layer of water. On the left side of the viewing plate is Plant A, Amblystegium varium, collected from Natural spring. at Carters Mill Park, Carter Mill Road, Knox Co. TN. Partial shade exposure. On the right side is Plant B, a carnivorous plant grown in water tanks outside of greenhouse at Hesler Biology Building*.
*Ingredients and locations, http://botany1112009.blogspot.com/
The MicroAquarium was then filled to within millimeters of the top using the same water as before.
Observations:
In plants A and B, relatively tiny, flea-looking organisms were observed zooming around in squiggly paths.
Also observed in both plant regions were peppercorn -looking organisms, possibly Tardigrades (http://www.una.edu/faculty/microaquarium/Organisms.htm), that remained stationary.
Around Plant A specifically, larger insect-type organisms were present. They were tick-shaped, but spikier. In the region of plant B particularly, were slow-moving sluggy things that may have been Ciliates (http://www.una.edu/faculty/microaquarium/Organisms.htm).
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