Algae Interaction

Table of Contents Introduction Method Results Discussion Conclusion References Introduction Biological interactions can be defined as the effects an organism has on the others in a common ecosystem. Basically, no organism can survive as an ‘island’ lest it ceases to exist. Biological interactions are vital for the normal functioning of an ecosystem. As such, this leads us to identifying the kind of interactions that may exist.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Algae Interaction specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More These relations may happen within organisms of the same species (intra-specific) or otherwise (inter-specific). These interactions may happen at a specific stage of development or; during the entire life of an organism (e.g. endosymbiosis) and, may be detrimental (herbivory, predation, cannibalism) or beneficial (mutualism). Significantly, these relations may be direct or indirect. The degree of interactions ranges â€Å"from mutual benefit through neutral to mutual harmful interactions† (Begon, Harper and Townsend, 1996). As such, the interactions can be categorized into six classes depending on gravity of harm or benefit to the interacting individuals in a niche. As a result, individuals may be deemed to be in neutralism interaction where neither party benefits nor harms the other though difficult to ascertain or, may engage in amensalism where products of the other are toxic to the other. Also, individuals can also engage in commensalism where one individual benefits from the interaction without affecting the other. Moreover, individuals may compete for a common resource as exhibited in parasitic relation that is fetal to the involving parties or otherwise, involve in mutualism as exhibited in some symbiotic relations where both parties benefit. Finally, the organism may interact antagonistically either by predation or parasitism owing to the fact that an indi vidual profits at the expense of the counterpart. In terms of graphical relationship between species density against time, a neutral interaction ought to exhibit an upward trend for both species. However, for competing individuals, the opposite should be true. Two individuals exhibiting amensalism interactions ought to display opposite trends; upward for one species and the opposite for the other. For mutualism just like neutralism, it results in a higher carrying capacity hence; an upward trend for both individuals is expected (Stachowicz, 2001). As regards this experiment, showing the interaction between green algae (Chlorophyta) – Closterium and Micrasterias species, both species utilize sunlight with the help of chlorophyll for photosynthesis. As such, in a common ecosystem, we anticipate competition for the limiting resources e.g. water and mineral salts (Fedriani, Fuller, Sauvajot and York, 2000).Advertising Looking for essay on biology? Let's see if we can help yo u! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Consequently, this leads us to our null hypothesis (Ho): there is no competition between Closterium and Micrasterias species. The alternative hypothesis (H1) contradicts HO by suggesting that there exists a competition between the species. This is tested using a two-sample t-test at 95% C.I to ascertain the findings. Method In this experiment, colonies of Closterium species were cultured in four different regions in a Petri dish (using a tip of 100 microliters). The same was done for Micrasterias species but in a different Petri dish. In one dish a fifth colony but containing the two species were cultured. The essence, was to determine the species densities (density = (average number per colony)/100) vital in obtaining the same number of individuals as a starting point in stock culture. For the stock culture, average densities different species plus that of the mixed culture were recorded once per week over a period of 4 weeks . The results were then recorded for analysis. Results Table 1: of number of individuals per Ml of Samples (to the nearest 10). Number of individuals per Ml of Samples (to the nearest 10) Day Closterium Alone Micrasterias Alone Closterium in Mix Micrasterias in Mix 0 10 10 10 10 1 3 6 1 1 2 11 0 1 0 3 10 1 5 0 4 9 2 10 1 Graph 1: of the density of Closterium species alone vs. time. Graph 2: of the density of Micrasterias species alone vs. time.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Algae Interaction specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Graph 3: of the density of Closterium and Micrasterias species in mix culture vs. time. Hypothesis testing: Is there a possibility that there exists a competition between Closterium species and Micrasterias species residing in a common niche? Null hypothesis (Ho):  µClosterium =  µMicrasterias Alternative hypothesis (H1):  µClosterium ≠   µMicrasteriasAdver tising Looking for essay on biology? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More At 95% confidence interval t0.05 = 1.96 Calculated value of t is 0.7638 i.e. t = (á ºâ€¹1-á ºâ€¹2)/s [(n1*n2)/ (n1+n2)] ^0.5 Where; s = 6.21, n1 = 5, n2 = 5, á ºâ€¹1= 5.4 and á ºâ€¹2 = 2.4 We therefore reject the null hypothesis since the two species are not equal thus; there exists a competition between the two species residing in a common niche. Discussion The objective of this experiment was to test the null hypothesis (Ho): there exists no competition between the algae species – Closterium and Micrasterias. As per the data collected and the test analysis done, the null hypothesis (0.7638 ≠¤ 1.96) fell within the rejection region at 95% confidence interval hence we reject the null hypothesis and state that there exists a competition between the colonies in a niche. As exhibited by the graph 3 above, the trends underscore the fact that in deed there is competition. On competing interactions, the aftermath is always detrimental to both species hence the downward tre nd of the curves. As such, the principle of competitive exclusion takes its effect hence the competing species will either adapt or die. This can be seen at the height of competition when some of the common but limited resources are exhausted. As for the species above, Micrasterias species can not compete favorably hence they die after the second and third week. On the contrary, Closterium species adapt promptly (Stachowicz, 2001). By the fourth week, both species density increase significantly courtesy of natural selection. This otherwise niche partitioning is important in eliminating the inter-specific competition that exists between the species within a limited niche. As a result, the species share resources and thrive once again portraying non-existence of competition before. This blurs the line separating two competing and two non competing species thus one cannot easily prove or disapprove. Significantly, the population blossoms after the third week owing to the fact that intr a-specific competition exceeds inter-specific completion hence favoring coexistence between the species. For the individual species as portrayed by graphs 1 and 2 above, it can be seen that Closterium species adapts to the media promptly than Micrasteria species. But, before peaking in population density, both species lose count since they need time to adapt to the new ecosystem (Charles, Nunn, Ezenwa, and Walter, 2011). Conclusion In a conclusion, the experimental results agreed with the theoretical background which supports the facts stated herein the experiment. As such, there exists a competition between Closterium and Micrasterias species in a common niche. This topic can be better understood if you comprehend how relating organisms feed, the type of products they expel and how they affect the other organism. I would suggest that future experiments observe the species beyond the stated period to ascertain whether inter-competition will creep in leading to a decrease in populati on. References Begon, M., Harper, J. L., Townsend, C. R. (1996).  Ecology: individuals, populations, and communities. Cambridge, Massachusetts: Blackwell Science Ltd. Charles, L., Nunn, O., Ezenwa, A., Walter, K. (2011). â€Å"Mutualism or parasitism? phylogentic approach to characterize the oxpecker-ungulate relationship†. Evolution, 65(5): 1297–1304. Fedriani J., Fuller K., Sauvajot M., York, C. (2000). â€Å"Competition and intraguild predation among three sympatric carnivores†. Oecologia,  125(1): 258–270. Stachowicz, J. (2001). Mutualism, facilitation, and the structure of ecological communities. Boston, MA: Addison-Wesley This essay on Algae Interaction was written and submitted by user Brycen Buchanan to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Schindlers List- The Movie essays

Schindlers List- The Movie essays There are hundreds of movies that try to replicate important moments in history. Some are rather accurate, others but most are pretty far-fetched. I believe that Schindlers List is one of those movies that tried to stick to true history. The movie was all based a book that had interviews with some of Schindlers Jews. They took stories from these interviews and put it into the film, trying to make it look authentic as possible. Like the scene where the Jews are on Cattle Cars on a hot summer day and Oskar Schindler took a water hose to cool them down or the scene where the Jewish women accidently ended up in Bruennlitz. That all actually happened and they used the facts to film it. They even used the original places to film the proper scenes. I believe that it was to make the movie feel more real, Like you were actually looking back in the 1940's and you are actually there while all these historical events are taking place. I think that Schindlers List is a great movie with a lot of real, emotional, stories. However, I do wish they had shown more of Emilie, Schindlers wife, and her help during those trying times. She helped aid to the sick and kept the Jews well. She had also sold her jewelry and other baubles to help Oskar, pay for everything. I though that she deserve more notice then she sad gotten in the film. But all in all, I think as far as the factin this film are all in order. Schindler would have been proud. ...

Pressure ulcer prevention Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Pressure ulcer prevention - Essay Example It is the health care professional who is entrusted with the assessment of risk of pressure ulcers in a person, usually suffering from some health issue where the patient is bedridden, or in the elderly population with decreased mobility. Although ulcers can be prevented using aggressive measures, it is found to be having a â€Å"floor effect† with the probability of another ulcer developing in the same area. Strategies for prevention include assessment for risks of developing pressure ulcers in outpatients or inpatients. Perry et al. (2010) have discussed the prevention and treatment protocols for outpatients and inpatients that offer recommendations for assessment, prevention and treatment on a continuous basis. While a list of questions are used to assess risk for outpatients, risk assessment among inpatients uses standard tools like the Braden (Q) Scale, Norton Scale or the Waterlow Scale (EPUAP & NPUAP, 2009). Braden Scale for Predicting Pressure Sore Risk (Braden Scale) Braden Scale is the most widely used risk assessment tool for pressure ulcer development and is found to be an enhancement of the Norton Scale and is used as a general tool for predicting pressure sore risks on four different scales based on six factors. The six factors or sub-scales include: sensory perception, activity, mobility, skin moisture, friction, and nutrition. The scores of Braden Scale assessment determine the level of risk of development of pressure ulcer in inpatients, and this scale provides a systematic and quantitative risk assessment aiding interdisciplinary team communication for effective prevention and treatment by the health care professionals (Reilly et al., 2007). Figure 1 below represents the Braden Scale factors: Figure 1: Braden Scale factors. Source: (Reilly et al., 2007). It is seen that a risk factor score of