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DivaMan · 02/06/2008, 12:18 AM

Well, as the situation happens, I have an independent study with one of the biology teachers at my school. Well the only one that actually understands anything I ask, when I have a question on, certain biological chemistries etc. Anyway, an independent study is basically a class that you make yourself, to fit a curriculum or objective that you define. It has to be run by a teacher, but can be instructed by either the student themselves or through an outside mentor. This will be for the next School year, 08', 09'. However, I am currently outlining my objectives.

Basic Proposition:
A long term "live" experiment that measures the effects of biodiversity in flora/fauna and micro-organisms related to the health of a particular animal.

Yes this seems fairly obvious what the result would be, however, I hypothesized that with TOO much biodiversity competition between microorganisms as well as macro organisms would thin the populations, either leading to a crash or returning the population and diversity levels to that of the control system.

What I need help with:

A specific/easy to measure species. ( I thought mantises would be nice, because molts can be measured, as well as general activity of the animal)

How to set up two variabled, one control setup. Well, I only really need help with the VERY LOW DIVERSITY setup and the VERY HIGH DIVERSITY, that will allow me to actually conduct an experiment, because I'm not sure how to set this up properly without nullifying my results.
- On a note with this, I'm also trying to figure out a cheap (relatively) setup to setup three SEPARATE systems each able to house 1 animal, and support a refugium. I was thinking DIY over the summer, but that is too risky. Im trying to budget this within the range of getting a grant from my school. (yes this is technically a school related thing, so anything that is donated can be tax deducted) I was thinking of going to one of the major online retailers like the vets or marine depot, about nanocube 12 gallons, because of their ease of use, setup, and tight dimensions (and an ability to add a lock to it, these are going to be in a High school). (My mantis tank a NC 12, gave me the Idea for this, because it Runs NO carbon, no chemicals or anything, and every level is consistently good.)

Luckily on a side note I will have access to all the tools of the science department including formaldehyde, really nice microscopes, dissecting tools, scales, drills, scientific grade salinity and SG measurement tools (refractometers, etc.) As well as access to species databases, so I can record species names.

02/06/2008, 12:18 AM	#1
DivaMan Moved On Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Earth Posts: 252	Long term biodiversity experiment. Well, as the situation happens, I have an independent study with one of the biology teachers at my school. Well the only one that actually understands anything I ask, when I have a question on, certain biological chemistries etc. Anyway, an independent study is basically a class that you make yourself, to fit a curriculum or objective that you define. It has to be run by a teacher, but can be instructed by either the student themselves or through an outside mentor. This will be for the next School year, 08', 09'. However, I am currently outlining my objectives. Basic Proposition: A long term "live" experiment that measures the effects of biodiversity in flora/fauna and micro-organisms related to the health of a particular animal. Yes this seems fairly obvious what the result would be, however, I hypothesized that with TOO much biodiversity competition between microorganisms as well as macro organisms would thin the populations, either leading to a crash or returning the population and diversity levels to that of the control system. What I need help with: A specific/easy to measure species. ( I thought mantises would be nice, because molts can be measured, as well as general activity of the animal) How to set up two variabled, one control setup. Well, I only really need help with the VERY LOW DIVERSITY setup and the VERY HIGH DIVERSITY, that will allow me to actually conduct an experiment, because I'm not sure how to set this up properly without nullifying my results. - On a note with this, I'm also trying to figure out a cheap (relatively) setup to setup three SEPARATE systems each able to house 1 animal, and support a refugium. I was thinking DIY over the summer, but that is too risky. Im trying to budget this within the range of getting a grant from my school. (yes this is technically a school related thing, so anything that is donated can be tax deducted) I was thinking of going to one of the major online retailers like the vets or marine depot, about nanocube 12 gallons, because of their ease of use, setup, and tight dimensions (and an ability to add a lock to it, these are going to be in a High school). (My mantis tank a NC 12, gave me the Idea for this, because it Runs NO carbon, no chemicals or anything, and every level is consistently good.) Luckily on a side note I will have access to all the tools of the science department including formaldehyde, really nice microscopes, dissecting tools, scales, drills, scientific grade salinity and SG measurement tools (refractometers, etc.) As well as access to species databases, so I can record species names.