Thursday, September 18, 2008
FINAL THOUGHTS
We found many interesting facts throughout the experiments. Through our tests, my partner and I drew many conclusions based on the data gathered throughout the experiments and use of the scientific method. We found the Isopods preferences of dark over light, motion over inactivity, moisture over dry environment as well as many other interesting conclusions.
WHAT I LEARNED
· I learned why Isopods prefer to settle down under rocks and wood and under other large surfaces.
· I learned why I found many of my Isopods near the streams and rivers as well as other moist surroundings.
· I learned that there are two different types of Isopods, Oniscus and Armadillidion.
· I learned that Isopods share a complex organization with the rest of God’s creation.
· I learned that Isopods have definite preferences in their environment.
· I learned to gather sufficient data before making rash assumptions or conclusions.
· I learned the steps of the scientific method and how to use them for an advantage
· I learned that to find Isopods, you need to understand their environment.
· I learned that group work plays a huge part of your success in science and in life.
· I learned that every part of God’s creation is great, big or small.
THE EXPERIMENTS
Our first assignment was to gather five or more isopods from the outside over the period of a couple days. After this, we paired up and conducted tests on the behavior of the Isopods. Amazing! The little bugs that I used to poke with a stick were now getting their behavior tested? This shows God’s amazing organization. Even the most seemingly insignificant creatures on this earth turn out to be wonders of his creation! You just have to look deeper. Below is the list of experiments my partner and I used to make conclusions about the behavior of the Isopods.
Two Colors
Introduction and Data
In this experiment, my partner and I set up two colors on either side of a T shaped container. We set the Isopod at the bottom of the T and waited for him to choose which color he would prefer. Below is the data from this experiment.
Grey Color: 4 times
Green Color: 5 times
Analysis and Conclusion
According to the data, the Isopod went to the green color five times and the grey color four times. Although we tested no other colors, we found that according to our data, no color preference was found between the green and the grey sides.
Right or Left
Introduction and Data
In the next experiment, we again set up the T container. We set the Isopod at the base of the T. When the Isopod reached the fork, we recorded the side he preferred. Below is the recorded data from the experiment.
Left Side: 3 times
Right Side: 7 times
Data and Conclusion
According to the data, the bug preferred the right side over the left side seven of the ten times. This shows a moderate preference of right to left. However, there is a possibility the test may have been flawed by lack of constants considering there had been previous experiments in the container prior to the left or right test. The Isopod could have been strayed by a remaining sent or adaptive memory from a previous award of food or vegetation that may have occurred on the right side. The test may have also been flawed by pure chance in numbers. It is inconclusive to state a preference between left and right with moderate preference in such a small number of tests.
Light or Dark
Introduction
In this test, we ventured to see if the Isopods preferred light or dark. We set up a dark area on one side of the container and a light side on the other. Below are the results from our experiment.
Two Colors
Introduction and Data
In this experiment, my partner and I set up two colors on either side of a T shaped container. We set the Isopod at the bottom of the T and waited for him to choose which color he would prefer. Below is the data from this experiment.
Grey Color: 4 times
Green Color: 5 times
Analysis and Conclusion
According to the data, the Isopod went to the green color five times and the grey color four times. Although we tested no other colors, we found that according to our data, no color preference was found between the green and the grey sides.
Right or Left
Introduction and Data
In the next experiment, we again set up the T container. We set the Isopod at the base of the T. When the Isopod reached the fork, we recorded the side he preferred. Below is the recorded data from the experiment.
Left Side: 3 times
Right Side: 7 times
Data and Conclusion
According to the data, the bug preferred the right side over the left side seven of the ten times. This shows a moderate preference of right to left. However, there is a possibility the test may have been flawed by lack of constants considering there had been previous experiments in the container prior to the left or right test. The Isopod could have been strayed by a remaining sent or adaptive memory from a previous award of food or vegetation that may have occurred on the right side. The test may have also been flawed by pure chance in numbers. It is inconclusive to state a preference between left and right with moderate preference in such a small number of tests.
Light or Dark
Introduction
In this test, we ventured to see if the Isopods preferred light or dark. We set up a dark area on one side of the container and a light side on the other. Below are the results from our experiment.
Light: 1
Dark: 5
Analysis and Conclusion
According to our data, the Isopod preferred the dark over the light five of the six times. This shows a large preference of dark over light. This is not surprising since the Isopods prefer dark area under rocks and wood in their natural environment.
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Isopod Information
Appearance:
Size: (See picture on right)
Three Body Parts: head, thorax, abdomen
Eyes: Simple Eyes
Legs: Seven Pairs of Legs
Color: Dark Gray to White
Food:
Size: (See picture on right)
Three Body Parts: head, thorax, abdomen
Eyes: Simple Eyes
Legs: Seven Pairs of Legs
Color: Dark Gray to White
Food:
Isopods tend to feed on dead or decaying plants or animals. They can also eat live plants.
Common Habitat:
Isopods need areas that contain high humidity and commonly live inder rocks or logs.
Positive and Negative affects on the Ecosystem:
Positive: Isopods improve soil and remain a food source for other organisms.
Negative: Large populations can damage crops and plants.
Introduction to Project Isopod
When I think back to when I was growing up, one of the things that I always remember is my sister and I harmlessly playing with what I knew then as “roly-poly” bugs. Since that time, my simple knowledge of the critters has not grown, and the little bugs seem like nothing but a goofy memory of the past that brings a funny nostalgic feeling from “back when.” That all changed when I was instructed to study the behavior of the Isopods. My potato bug resume not very impressive, but nevertheless, I decided I was ready to put my mind to the test.
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