Biology 215 Labs: Nutrient Procurement

Bio 215 Home Lab Schedule

In this laboratory you will investigate a variety of feeding strategies. Using both the compound light microscope and the dissecting microscope, you will make observations concerning prey preference and foraging strategy. Answer the questions below and in the "For further thought..." section to better prepare you for the laboratory session.

Below is a picture of a dragonfly larvae.

1. Try finding a photo of an adult dragonfly.
2. What is the advantage of having aquatic larvae in a terrestrial species?
3. Note the segments of this animal's body. To what class does this animal belong?

1. To what kingdom does the organism to the right belong? .......
2. Note the red and blue yeast in the picture. The yeast in this experiment is mixed with phenol red, a pH indicator (blue=basic; red=acidic). Why would there be a color change as the yeast is digested?

1. To what phylum do the organisms pictured below belong?
2. Find the location of the mouth and the anus.

For further thought....

1. Why is it important for food to be broken down mechanically (ie, chewed) before chemical digestion begins?
2. What is the advantage to having a separate opening for the mouth and the anus?
3. What does a "substrate feeder" eat?
4. What provides the base for every food chain?
5. How does the animal pictured below ingest its prey?