Thursday, November 10, 2011

This week concluded our observations for our microaquariums. Although this is true, I still think I will continue to observe my aquarium; at least until after Thanksgiving break. 


Like every other week, the first thing I noticed was that most of the water in my aquarium had evaporated. Also, a lot of my organisms from the first week have completely died off. There are forgotten skeletons of rotifers and cyclopses near and throughout the bit of sediment on the baseline of the aquarium. These organisms have now been replaced by diatoms. There are literally diatoms EVERYWHERE!! Today I also  was able to identify an Arcella Artocrea. An Arcella is typically enclosed in a chitinous, umbrella-shaped test (or shell) that has a single central aperture through which the pseudopods – which are used for locomotion – extend out. In some species the aperture is surrounded by a ring of pores (Wiki). There were also a few rotifers still active in the open areas of the aquarium. 

 To the left: A free swimming rotifer

 These next three images are all examples of the Arcella Artocrea

 

 

Thursday, November 3 Observation

On Thursday, November 3rd, I observed my microaquarium for the third time. This week i was a bit disappointed to find out that many of my organisms had died. There were many empty shells/skeletons of once living cyclopses and rotifers on the bottom layer of my aquarium; mixed in with the thin layer of soil. Although many of my organisms seemed to either be hiding or no longer living, i was still able to identify a few new organisms.

-I identified a Litonotus
-I also identified with Dr. McFarland's help, two Euchlanis (a type of rotifer)
-I also was able to get a picture of a large group of Diatoms. The Diatoms seem to be taking over all the once open space in my aquarium

 To the left: An example of a Litonotus

 To the left: The two Euchlanis (rotifers)