Experiment - The Microbiome

Exercise 1

1. Do the Hydra and Daphnia have the same organs for motility? Use the information collected in Data Table 1 to support your answer.

2. Create a food chain for the Hydra, Daphnia, and bacteria. List the highest predator first.

3. What habitat do the organisms of Exercise 1 share?

4. Daphnia are considered to be a microcrustacean. Explain the terms "micro" and "crustacean". Give an argument as to why a Daphnia might also be considered a macroorganism.

5. Are Hydra considered a microorganism? Explain your answer.

Data Table 1: Life History Descriptions

Exercise 2

1. How did light availability affect the community that you observed in the bean microcosms? Use your observations to support your answer.

2. In the aquatic setup, did you observe any differences in the initial versus final setup? Describe any reproduction or colonization you observed. (For example, algae may have grown and reproduced in your setup or algae from the atmosphere may have colonized your setup.)

3. Compare and contrast the bean microcosm and the aquatic setup. List the major similarities and differences between the two.

Data Table 2: Microcosm Observations

Photo 1: Light Microcosm Photo

Photo 2: Dark Microcosm Photo

Data Table 3: Microbial Observations

Data Table 4: Aquatic Setup Observations

Photo 3: Initial Aquatic Setup Photo

Photo 4: Final Aquatic Setup Photo

Data Table 5: Microscopic Community of Aquatic Setup

Photo 5: Microscopic Community Photo