Slater Study
Upper Hutt College
Year 13 Biology
Slater Study
Achievement standard: biology 3.1
Introduction to experiment:
In this investigation of the ecological niche of the woodlouse, I chose to experiment the amount of soil moisture that the slaters tend to prefer. I chose this aspect, as moisture is a vital part in the survival of this small creature.
Internet sources provided information of the woodlice that shows that they are from crustacean descent and formerly aquatic even though now they are terrestrial rather than water dwelling. Slaters are generally found in moist, dark places with decomposing plant matter.
Enter Slater Diagram
From two diagrams it is shown the area of the slaters lungs are near the rear end of the woodlouse and located inside the pleopod, these are where the gills are hiding. The Slater is a creature that receives its oxygen through moisture in its surroundings, which is why I chose to do an experiment on moisture and in which amount of water is most suited to their survival and not a threat.
The Woodlouse also has no waxy layer on its body which means desiccation is easy compared to other bugs, this is another reason why the slater need moisture in its environment.
Aim:
The aim of this investigation is to experiment using woodlice and test on which amount of soil moisture they prefer.
Hypothesis:
I believe that the more soil moisture there is, the more slaters will be found in that area.
Independent Variable:
The independent variable of this experiment will be the amount of water that is to be added to the soil. This variable will be measured using millilitres and a measuring cup.
The range of values for this will be: 0mls, 25mls, 50mls, 75mls and 100mls.
To keep this experiment as fair and accurate as possible, the water will be the exact amount by myself getting down to eye level and pouring the water in little amounts to get the precise amount of water needed.
Dependent Variable:
The dependent
Year 13 Biology
Slater Study
Achievement standard: biology 3.1
Introduction to experiment:
In this investigation of the ecological niche of the woodlouse, I chose to experiment the amount of soil moisture that the slaters tend to prefer. I chose this aspect, as moisture is a vital part in the survival of this small creature.
Internet sources provided information of the woodlice that shows that they are from crustacean descent and formerly aquatic even though now they are terrestrial rather than water dwelling. Slaters are generally found in moist, dark places with decomposing plant matter.
Enter Slater Diagram
From two diagrams it is shown the area of the slaters lungs are near the rear end of the woodlouse and located inside the pleopod, these are where the gills are hiding. The Slater is a creature that receives its oxygen through moisture in its surroundings, which is why I chose to do an experiment on moisture and in which amount of water is most suited to their survival and not a threat.
The Woodlouse also has no waxy layer on its body which means desiccation is easy compared to other bugs, this is another reason why the slater need moisture in its environment.
Aim:
The aim of this investigation is to experiment using woodlice and test on which amount of soil moisture they prefer.
Hypothesis:
I believe that the more soil moisture there is, the more slaters will be found in that area.
Independent Variable:
The independent variable of this experiment will be the amount of water that is to be added to the soil. This variable will be measured using millilitres and a measuring cup.
The range of values for this will be: 0mls, 25mls, 50mls, 75mls and 100mls.
To keep this experiment as fair and accurate as possible, the water will be the exact amount by myself getting down to eye level and pouring the water in little amounts to get the precise amount of water needed.
Dependent Variable:
The dependent