Napleon

Isopods Lab Report

Isopods Lab Report

By: Gabi Costa Partner: Nicole Adler

By: Gabi Costa Partner: Nicole Adler

Background Info

Background Info

Isopods have many names such as Pillbugs or Rolly Polly, but their actual name is isopod. These isopods aren’t actually bugs they are crustaceans. Their bodies are spilt into sections connected into pairs. They have a brownish gray color, measuring as adults up to ¾ of an inch. They body give the same look as an armadillo. They have one set of eyes, seven set of legs, and two sets of antennae. They roll into a tight ball when they are disturbed.

An Isopods habitat is outdoors near moist areas. They feed on decaying organic matter and occasionally young plants and their roots. They also like flower beds, grass clippings, leaf litter, rotting boards, trash, and rocks. Moisture is essential for their survival, and they stay in groups to reduce water loss.

Hypotheses

Hypotheses

Purpose: to see which side Isopods would prefer.

1. Dry-Dry: The Isopods will not have a preferred side.

2. Dry- Moist: The Isopods will go towards the moist side.

3. Light- Dark: The Isopods will go towards the dark side.

Procedure

Procedure

1. Create a choice chamber with an index card with a door cut out.

2. Tape the choice chamber into the Petri dish. (making sure no tape in exposed)

3. Place half circle filter paper on each side of the Petri dish.

4. Use a cuetip and transfer 5 isopods on each side.

5. Record data every 30 seconds for 5 mins.

6. Make notes on the general appearance, movement, and interaction with each other.

7. To prod or poke the dish if the isopod are not moving. You want to make your observations as valid as possible.

8. For the next part of the experiment line one side of the Petri dish with moist filter paper.

9. Repeat steps 5-7.

10. Cover one side of the choice paper with paper and have a flash light on the other side.

11. Repeat...