The Correlation of Feeding and Planaria Negative Phototaxis Behavior

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The Correlation of Feeding and Planaria Negative Phototaxis Behavior Abstract: Planarias exhibit a negative phototaxis behavior where they avoid being exposed to distinct light (Inou et al., 2004). This gives the assumption that food would be a more positive attraction in the dark than in the light. I test this hypothesis by taking two groups of planaria and feeding one group with constant light exposure and the other in the dark covered by a box. These two different environments would test which one is more attractive measured by the amount of planaria feeding. During each of the five minute trials conducted there was no significant results as to whether light or dark was the more positive stimuli. The experiment showed there was no difference in activity. Introduction: The intention of the experiment is to see whether food is a more positive attraction in the dark or light for planaria. The biological hypothesis tested is that more planaria will be attracted to food in the dark rather than in the light based on their negative phototaxis behavior which is an avoidance of light. We would answer the question by measuring the amount of planaria feeding on chicken liver conducted in five different trials, a duration of five minutes each. Because land planarians are photo-negative during daylight hours, they are commonly found in dark, cool, moist areas under objects such as rocks, logs, in debris, or under shrubs, and on the soil surface following heavy rain. Movement and feeding occur at night (Esser, 1981). This experiment will help support the notion that planaria negative phototaxis behavior has a correlation with their preferred environment to feed in. Methods: To test my hypothesis I prepared an experiment where I collected a total of ten planaria to divide them into two separate petri dishes. Planarias are sensitive to organic pollution but

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