Week 1

Approximately one week later, on Tuesday 10/21/08, many observations were taken note of in MicroAquarium. The aquarium consists of type 4 water source along with plants A & B. The type 4 water solution was gathered from a local horse pond located in Knox County. Sections of the pond were visible to sunlight, while others were exposed to shade. Also, the two types of plants that were added to the aquarium consist of Amblystegium varium, Plant A, which is a type of moss. This specimen was gathered from a natural spring located in Fountain City Park. Along with Plant A was Utricularia valgaris, Plant B, which is a carnivous plant collected from the White Ave. Biology greenhouse. These two plant sources were combined with the pond water to create a new evolving adaptation for future observations. After a week span, a variety of organisms were observed; some were more common then others. Plants A & B showed very little growth rate. However, the Utricularia was studied more in depth, due to it's unique bladder characteristics. The single-celled protist organism, Rotifer, was detected various times throughout the observation. It moved in an inch-worm like motion; periodically, it stopped and extended it's cilia lined mouth in order to engulf different particles. Also, another organism that was recovered was the Cyclops. However, when discovered, it was completely still, and there was no motion taking place. Another organism much like the Cyclops with little motion, was the Amoeba. The Amoeba was not noticed at first due to it's slow range of motion. The ectoplasm circulated throughout the unicellular organism, gradually moving from one side to another and extending the plasma membrane. Also, a Tachysoma was spotted during the time of observation. Fibrils were detected at superior and inferior locations of the organism. The unique organism was found and defined through "Free Living Freshwater Protoza," a colour guide. Unlike the Rotifer, there was only one Tachysoma, Cyclops, and Amoeba discovered. More observations will be detected and noted of in the future.