November 5, 2009

Initial Observations: When I first grabbed my micro-aquarium I noticed with my eye that the algae looked a little browner than my last observation. Under the observation microscope I finalized my thoughts when I noticed that some strands of the algae were brown while others were still green and healthy. They were in no strict order of part of the algae. Some were near the top and some near the bottom. Next, I concentrated on the food pellet. It was very much shrunk and near the bottom of the aquarium. The movement around the aquarium seemed lesser even from last time I observed the organisms.

I observed four types of organisms this time. I focused on these four during my whole observations. Again I looked at the annelida. The three other organisms I observed were new to me and I did not notice them during my earlier observations. One looked like a minature oyster or clam mixed with a rollie-pollie. It had two long antennae in the front of its body. Off of the two antennae were little hairs or strands of antennae( I'm guessing for increased feeling). The legs were protected under its body. I think I counted either six or eight legs. Its shell was shaped like a rollie-pollie;opening at the bottom. Yet, its opening was shaped like that of a clam. It was interesting to observe because it climbed on the algae the whole ten minutes I observed it. Its movements weren't quick but it never seemed to stop moving. It was always exploring and I think eating. It would scrape up I think particles on the stalk of the algae stem and push it near the mouth with its fore-legs. Another organism I observed I believe was a type of algae. It was circular with little dot shapes in its interior. All along the outside were long spikes(about twice the size of the circle). There were about thirty or so spikes and I thought that when a motile organism moved near it or touched the spikes that they would die or get stuck, but after waiting, not organism came near it. It did not move at all. The last new organism I observed was a annelida. I could tell by the way it moved(earthworm type movements). It looked alot like the Aeolosome Leidyi with the red spots inside it. Yet, I could see the insides of the organism because it had a transparent body. The red spots were surrounding the "guts." All along the outside of the body were flagella that moved. I observed them move and noticed that particles around this organism were pushed far away from the flagella. It must have been strong flagella. Yet, the difference in this annelida and the first one I observed was this one had a long spikey snout. Much like a swordfish, it protruded far out of the head.

Overall, this observation was very interesting because I saw three new organisms and it ceases to awe me when I see these things interact with others and I can observe them doing their thing. I look forward to seeing new organisms during my next lab.