Biology Ecology

1.    Would you expect endangered species to be more frequently generalists or specialists? Explain your answer.

An endangered species is more likely to be a generalist.  Although they can adapt to various factors within their environment they are forced to compete with other species that can adapt as well.  More frequently they are the invasive species.

2.    How does temperature affect water availability in an ecosystem?

In warmer temperatures, there is an increase in evaporation of water into the atmosphere. This increase evaporation causes moisture and can leads to a lot of rain, which changes in the soil pH levels, the water level and salinity as well as the nutrients and toxicity concentrations. These are all chemical factors that will affect an organisms living in a particular ecosystem.

3.    Choose a species and describe some adaptations that species developed that allow them to survive in their native habitat.

According to the black bear biology, “like all animals, black bears exhibit specific adaptations that help them survive in their habitat.” Black bears are scientifically classified as Carnivora, which is the order of eutherian mammals. They are also considered to be omnivores with their diets varying depending on location. They mostly live in large forested areas, but may leave the forest in search of food.  The Black bear has huge body structure with thick legs, enormous shoulders, a short back and canine teeth. This kind of teeth is designed for strength and power when catching and devouring their prey. Although they can move at a fast pace over short distances, with maximum speeds of up to 30 miles per hour, black bears quickly overheat due to their size.  Usually the plants they consume make up approximately 95% of their diet, and swiftly move through the bear’s digestive systems. Since most of the plant fiber is undigested, fewer nutrients are removed. Black bears tend to solve this situation by eating huge amount of food, before it hibernates. They also selectively search for easily digestible plants with concentrated nutrients of nuts and fruits. The black bear has canine teeth and detached lips. This kind of adaptation helps them to yank berries from trees and shrubs. The black bear’s long, curled claws help them to climb tree trunks to reach seeds, nuts, and leaves; and allow them to rip open logs and insect mounds; and overturn rocks to scavenge for insects. These bear have plantigrade feet allowing them to stand uprightly quickly and improve their ability to hear and see. Also the bear can stand to tear apart huge tree trunks or fence posts, to display aggression against other bears. They also use their noses to detect mates, sniff and avoid danger and find food. When the black bears search for prey, they primarily rely on their sense of hearing and smelling to locate nuts, berries, and other plant foods. http://blackbearinfo.com/biology/

Experiment 1: Effects of pH on radish seed germination

Table 1: Radish Seed Observation and Germination (6 pts)

Solution    pH    Days 1-2    Day 3    Day 4

Observation    Seeds Germinated    %    Observation    Seeds Germinated    %    Observation    Seeds Germinated    %

Water    5    4 seeds burst from shell in full, the others are barely shooting up from their shells    10    100%    All seeds shoot up    10

100%    Full bloom of green leaves, but leaning to the sides    10

100%

Vinegar    4    Light shell color    0    0     No changes

0           0                        No changes    0    0

Baking Soda    8    Dark brown color shell    0    0    No changes    0    0    No changes    0    0

Table 1 Continued: Radish Seed Observation and Germination (6 pts)

Solution    pH    Day 5    Day 6    Day 7

Observation    Seeds Germinated    %    Observation    Seeds Germinated    %    Observation    Seeds Germinated    %

Water    5    8 standing uprightly    10    100%    All are standing uprightly    10    100%    All are growing tall, Almost touching the petri dish lid    10    100%

Vinegar    4    Light shell color    0    0    No changes    0    0    No changes    0    0

Baking Soda    8    Dark brown shell    0    0    No changes    0    0    No changes    0    0

Experiment 1: Post-Lab Questions (15 pts)

Create your own graph and insert here as an Excel file or jpg file.  Otherwise, you can draw on this figure and scan it into your computer for submission:

1.    Dissect the IV and DV in this experiment.  Why was it a true experiment?

The IV was the radish seed. The DV was the water, vinegar and Baking soda. The experiment shows that acidic precipitation can affect the health of a seed and impact the survival rate.  When seeds were given basic water they were clearly able to thrive and grow on their own, however when seeds are given vinegar or baking soda mixed with water there was no hope for them to live.

2.    Was there any noticeable effect on the germination rate of the radish seeds as a result of the pH?  Compare and contrast the growth rate for the control with the alkaline and acidic solutions. Yes there was a noticeable effect on the germination rate of the radish seeds when acid and base were compared with water. When compared with water both solutions produced no growth.  When given basic water the seeds were able to thrive and grow. When given vinegar or baking soda mixed with water they were no growth.

3.    According to your results would you say that the radish has a broad pH tolerance? Why or why not? Use your data to support your answer.

No. Radish seeds do not have a tolerance for a range of pH values. The radish seeds only thrive with water. Water has a pH value of 5. Even though the vinegar had a pH difference of only 1, it grew no seeds. Likewise, the baking soda whose pH was 3 levels higher, also produced no growth.

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