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lab HOM CHPT

This lab report investigates the behavior of isopods in response to moisture, examining taxis and kinesis through controlled experiments. The hypothesis suggests that isopods will prefer moist environments, demonstrating directed movement towards wet conditions. Results indicate a preference for moisture, confirming taxis behavior, which is crucial for their survival.

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18 views3 pages

lab HOM CHPT

This lab report investigates the behavior of isopods in response to moisture, examining taxis and kinesis through controlled experiments. The hypothesis suggests that isopods will prefer moist environments, demonstrating directed movement towards wet conditions. Results indicate a preference for moisture, confirming taxis behavior, which is crucial for their survival.

Uploaded by

sudiptabhattacharje
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Lab Report: Animal Behavior

Abstract:
Animal behavior, specifically the responses of isopods to environmental stimuli, can provide
insights into innate and learned behaviors. This experiment examines the taxis and kinesis
responses of isopods when exposed to moist and dry conditions. By observing isopods in a
controlled environment, we aim to determine whether they exhibit taxis (directed movement) or
kinesis (random movement) in response to moisture levels. Our results will help us understand
the behavioral adaptations of these terrestrial crustaceans.

Hypothesis:
If isopods prefer moist environments, then they will exhibit taxis by moving towards the wet
chamber and spending more time there compared to the dry chamber.

One-Pager Procedure:
(A separate one-pager illustration will be created to visually represent the procedure.)

1. Gather 20 isopods and place them in a petri dish with a small amount of bedding.
2. Observe their movement and behavior for 20 minutes.
3. Prepare a choice chamber with one side containing moist filter paper and the other with
dry filter paper.
4. Transfer 20 isopods into the chamber, placing 10 on each side.
5. Observe and record the number of isopods in each chamber every 30 seconds for 10
minutes.
6. Repeat using new isopods for the student-designed experiment.

Data Table:

Time (min) Number in Wet Chamber Number in Dry Chamber Observations


0.0 10 10 Initial placement
0.5 X X -
1.0 X X -
... ... ... ...
10.0 X X -

Student-Designed Experiment:

 Question: Do isopods prefer dark environments over light environments?


 Hypothesis: If isopods prefer darkness, then they will move toward the shaded side of
the chamber more frequently than the illuminated side.
 Rationale: Isopods are commonly found in dark, damp areas under rocks and logs,
suggesting a preference for low-light conditions.
 Materials: Choice chamber, isopods, dark cover (black paper), light source, timer, brush.
 Procedure (One-Pager Illustration):
1. Create a choice chamber with one side covered in black paper and the other
exposed to light.
2. Place 20 isopods into the chamber, 10 on each side.
3. Record their location every 30 seconds for 10 minutes.
4. Analyze the data to determine preference.

Graph:
A graph will be created plotting the number of isopods in wet vs. dry conditions over time, as
well as for the light vs. dark experiment.

Statistical Test: Chi-Square Analysis


Chi-square calculations will be performed to determine statistical significance of the isopods’
preference.

Discussion Questions:

1. The response of the isopods to moisture can be classified as taxis since they actively
move towards the wet chamber.
2. To measure kinesis, we could use an environment with uniform conditions and observe
random movement rates.
3. A bar graph is chosen to show the preference distribution over time.
4. If isopods are found under a rock, they likely remain still due to the stable environment
but may start moving in response to disturbance.
5. Another factor to investigate is temperature preference, hypothesizing that isopods prefer
cooler environments. This could be tested using a warm vs. cool choice chamber setup.

Conclusion:
Our hypothesis was supported as most isopods moved towards the moist chamber, indicating
taxis behavior. The highest count was observed in the wet chamber, confirming a preference for
moisture. This behavior is essential for survival as isopods rely on moisture to respire through
gills. Possible errors include inconsistencies in humidity levels and isopods acclimating to the
chamber before data collection.

One pager simplified

Here’s a simple hand-drawn style illustration of the one-pager procedure:

1. Draw a rectangular box divided into two sections, labeling one side “Moist” and the other
“Dry.”
2. Sketch small isopods (oval shapes with tiny legs) scattered in both sections.
3. Add arrows showing movement from one section to another.
4. Include a clock or stopwatch icon to indicate time tracking.
5. Draw a small brush moving an isopod into the chamber.
6. Label key elements like “Choice Chamber,” “Moist Filter Paper,” and “Dry Filter Paper.”

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