Stream Study - Ecology and Zonation
Stream Study – Ecology and zonation
Aim:
The aim of this activity is to investigate an aspect of two river ecosystems (Turitea stream and Mangaone stream) and to present a formal report about a presence (or absence) of a pattern. The distributions of invertebrates are compared in both streams for an analysis to be taken out on the distribution of the invertebrates in relation to biotic and abiotic factors.
Introduction:
The focus of this investigation is to compare the distribution of Mayfly nymphs (Ephemeroptera) and Stonefly nymphs (Plecoptera) in both the Tiritea stream and the Mangaone Stream and also to analyse the distribution of the Mayfly and Stonefly nymphs in relation to biotic and abiotic factors. Also, habitat patterns (or absent) are identified that the organisms follow. The first part of the investigation included collecting and recording data in the two streams where the experiment was taken.
Hypothesis:
The distribution between stoneflies and mayflies will be different due biotic and abiotic factors of the Tiritea Stream and Mangaone Stream.
Materials:
• String (transect line)
• Meter ruler
• Small clear container
• Quadrat (15x15cm)
• Small net
• Small bottle (x2)
• Small stick
• Stopwatch
• Thermometer
• Turmeric paper
• Agar plate
Method:
1. Equipment that was needed for collecting data and for recording the data was organized.
2. Groups of four students were taken to the Turitea Stream.
3. Equipment was set up after a suitable investigation place for analysis was chosen.
4. A transect line was tied to a branch and stretched across the width of the stream. Every 50cm of the transect line was marked.
5. The quadrat was placed directly under each marked point of the transect line.
6. For each 50cm where the quadrat was placed, a net was used to collect all the organisms, plants, sand, and shingle after the ground was rustled using a hand.
7. The contents of the net were emptied into a clear plastic
Aim:
The aim of this activity is to investigate an aspect of two river ecosystems (Turitea stream and Mangaone stream) and to present a formal report about a presence (or absence) of a pattern. The distributions of invertebrates are compared in both streams for an analysis to be taken out on the distribution of the invertebrates in relation to biotic and abiotic factors.
Introduction:
The focus of this investigation is to compare the distribution of Mayfly nymphs (Ephemeroptera) and Stonefly nymphs (Plecoptera) in both the Tiritea stream and the Mangaone Stream and also to analyse the distribution of the Mayfly and Stonefly nymphs in relation to biotic and abiotic factors. Also, habitat patterns (or absent) are identified that the organisms follow. The first part of the investigation included collecting and recording data in the two streams where the experiment was taken.
Hypothesis:
The distribution between stoneflies and mayflies will be different due biotic and abiotic factors of the Tiritea Stream and Mangaone Stream.
Materials:
• String (transect line)
• Meter ruler
• Small clear container
• Quadrat (15x15cm)
• Small net
• Small bottle (x2)
• Small stick
• Stopwatch
• Thermometer
• Turmeric paper
• Agar plate
Method:
1. Equipment that was needed for collecting data and for recording the data was organized.
2. Groups of four students were taken to the Turitea Stream.
3. Equipment was set up after a suitable investigation place for analysis was chosen.
4. A transect line was tied to a branch and stretched across the width of the stream. Every 50cm of the transect line was marked.
5. The quadrat was placed directly under each marked point of the transect line.
6. For each 50cm where the quadrat was placed, a net was used to collect all the organisms, plants, sand, and shingle after the ground was rustled using a hand.
7. The contents of the net were emptied into a clear plastic
Bibliography: • http://bioweb.uwlax.edu/bio203/2010/kalmuck_tyle/adaptation.htm • http://chamisa.freeshell.org/mayfly.htm • http://www.cals.ncsu.edu/course/ent525/water/aquatic/pages/03_jpg.htm • http://www.ecospark.ca/changingcurrents/mayfly • http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20080229202451AA0mqy2 • http://www.great-lakes.net/teach/teachers/curricula/pdf/envtrediscoveries.pdf • Mayfly – Adaptation Presentation – Lazere.ppt • http://www.britishecologicalsociety.org/documents/education/adaptations_ponds.pdf • http://www.ecospark.ca/changingcurrents/stonefly • http://streamwatch.org/bug-blog/stoneflies