Taxis Lab Report

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Aim: To determine the effects of wet and dry environments on the hydrotaxis of mealworms in a choice chamber by counting the number of mealworms in each choice chamber environment. Hypothesis: The different environments will cause the mealworms to locate themselves differently due to them moving to an environment that will best accommodate them. Null Hypothesis: A difference in wet and dry environments will not have an effect on the taxis of mealworms. Variables: Independent | Wet or Dry EnvironmentThis will be manipulated by placing wet tissues on one half of a tray and dry tissues on the other half, creating a choice chamber for the mealworms. | Dependent | Mealworm present in Each Environment (Hydrotaxis of mealworm)This will be measured by using a choice chamber. The number of mealworms in each side of the choice chamber will be measured by counting them. | Controlled Variables | TemperatureThe temperature will be kept constant for all trials by ensuring the room temperature is the same for all trials with a thermometer and using an air conditioner to control the room temperature. MealwormsThe same mealworms and same number of mealworms will be used for all the trialsSize of Each ChamberThis will be controlled by drawing a line down the middle of the tray used for the experiment to indicate the boundary between the wet and dry halves. Time for each TrialEach trial will be carried out over 3 minutes. The mealworms will be allowed 3 minutes to move to either side of the choice chamber starting from the instant the beaker is lifted and the mealworms are allowed to move freely within the tray.Light IntensityThe entire testing chamber will be exposed to equal amounts of lighting.Air ExposureThe surface area of each choice chamber will be kept equal.Surface of Experimental AreaThe surface of the experimental area must be flat, ie not tilted. |
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