Mic-UK [Site A] a Simple Guide to Small and Microscopic Pond Life

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Mic-UK [Site A] a Simple Guide to Small and Microscopic Pond Life Mic-UK [site A]: A simple guide to small and microscopic pond life - main page, major freshwater groups 1/27/10 5:57 AM ~ Pond Life Identification Kit ~ A simple guide to small and microscopic pond life with links to Micscape resources One of the most rewarding subjects for study with a microscope are freshwater organisms. Simple collecting methods include squeezing water plants into a jar and for free swimming species, a fine- meshed plankton net is recommended. For simple tips see how to collect microscopic pond life. The table and linked pages are a guide to some common groups of smaller freshwater organisms (microscopic to a few millimetres in size). If not familiar with an organism, see what drawing and features it most closely resembles in the table and then follow the links. The beginner may also like to explore the virtual pond dip; click on the creatures in the jar to learn about some of the commoner freshwater organisms. Group Key features Micscape links single celled, dots or strands, just visible with strongest Bacteria Introduction to bacteria magnification, cyanobacteria are Spirochaetes larger single celled, with tiny hairs or Protozoa pseudopodia Go to protozoa overview: e.g. ciliates, amoeba, heliozoa, euglenoids single celled, mostly green, Algae sometimes yellow-brown Go to algae overview: eg. flagellates, diatoms, desmids, filamentous algae wheel-like, hairy appendages, 'Smallest page on the web' - transparent, free swimming or Rotifers rotifers attached 0.2 - 1 mm two tails, hairy, round mouth No Micscape resources. (Articles welcomed!) Gastrotrichs opening 0.1 - 0.5 mm long thin body, many non Worms related forms Go to worms overview: e.g. flatworms, annelids, nematodes plant-like or jelly-like colony, Bryozoans Bryozoa crown of tentacles Pond fairies - Plumatella repens individuals: 0.25 - 5 mm green brown or colourless, body Introduction to hydra and tentacles contract and Hydra Hydra in 3D stretch http://www.microscopy-uk.org.uk/index.html?http://www.microscopy-uk.org.uk/pond/index.html Page 1 of 3 Mic-UK [site A]: A simple guide to small and microscopic pond life - main page, major freshwater groups 1/27/10 5:57 AM Hydra stretch Hydra oligactis extended: 20 mm Video clips of a hydra 8 stumpy legs, slow moving Hunting for 'bears' in the backyard <1 mm Water bears The incredible water bear (Tardigrades) See gallery links on the right for some of Water bear video gallery I the finest video clips on the Web of these Water bear video gallery II cute critters! jointed limbs; many groups e.g. Arthropods crustaceans ('water fleas'), Go to arthropods overview: mites e.g. ostracods, copepods, water fleas, mites etc. other Arthropods: wide variety of forms Insect Go to insect stages overview: e.g. caddisfly larvae, dragonfly stages nymphs, water beetles, etc. Note: This suite of pages with links hopefully gives a useful overview, but it's neither a formal identification guide nor comprehensive. It doesn't cover many larger pond organisms (>1mm. e.g. molluscs, sponges, jellyfish etc.). Simple keys to identify these larger freshwater invertebrates and plants (mosses, water weeds etc.) are widely available (see below). Introductions to pond-life on Micscape The smallest page on the web Micscape resources on other freshwater groups: Things that don't belong where they are - jellyfish, 'shrimps' and sponges only occur in the sea - or do they? Freshwater jellyfish Freshwater shells - a gallery of some commoner types Hungry utrics - an intriguing look at the bladderwort (Utricalia), a carnivorous freshwater plant Some printed resources to identify larger freshwater life (> ca. 1mm) 'Water animal identification keys' by J Eric Marson. 12 pages of simple illustrated keys. 4th edn 1968, reprinted 1998. Available from Northern Biological Supplies. 'A key to major groups of British freshwater invertebrates' by P S Croft. 47 pages with illustrated keys. Reprint from Field Studies, 1986. Available from the Field Studies Council. 'A guide to the study of freshwater biology' by J G Needham and P R Needham. 70+ pages with keys and many line drawings to major microscopic and macroscopic plants and animals. Available e.g. from Amazon Books. http://www.microscopy-uk.org.uk/index.html?http://www.microscopy-uk.org.uk/pond/index.html Page 2 of 3.
Recommended publications
  • Skyline Park Teacher's Guide Glossary
    Skyline Park Teacher’s Guide Cfwep.Org • Clark Fork Watershed Education Program Skyline Park • Butte, Montana Skyline Park Teacher’s Guide Table of Contents Chapter I. Introduction and Welcome 1. Overview of Skyline Park 2. Map of Skyline Park 3. How to use this Guide and the Activities II. About the NGSS and Guide Alignment 1. Background of NGSS and the K-12 Framework 2. Skyline Park Guide and the Montana Content Standards for Science Instruction III. Building Your Content Knowledge 1. Site History 2. Habitat Types of Skyline Park 3. Pond Life 4. Water Quality 5. Stormwater 6. Seed Pod Islands and Pollinators 7. Geology and Soils 8. Restoration IV. Activities 1. Science Note Booking 1.1: Science Note Booking About Skyline Park 2. History 2.1: Write Your Own History for this Site 2.2: Create a Timeline for this Area 3. Mapping the Skyline Park Site 3.1: Where is That?: Mapping the Skyline Park Site 4. Pond Life – Microbes 4.1: Wanderers, Drifters and Floaters, Oh My! 5. Pond Life – Aquatic Macroinvertebrates 2 Skyline Park Teacher’s Guide 5.1-Part 1: What’s That Squirming and Swimming in the Water? Collection and Identification of Pond Macroinvertebrates 5.1-Part 2: What are Those Macroinvertebrates Telling Us? Aquatic Macros as Biological Indicators 5.2: Who's My Mommy? Matching Aquatic Insect Young with their Adult Form 6. Pond Life – Terrestrial Animals 6.1: Crunch Game! The Aquatic Food Chain Game 7. Water Quality 7.1, Option 1: What Life Can This Water Support? Water Quality - WWMD Kits and Data Upload 7.1, Option 2: Water Quality – Vernier Lab Quest Units and Probes 8.
    [Show full text]
  • Identifying and Documenting Vernal Pools in New Hampshire 1 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
    IDENTIFYING AND DOCUMENTING VERNAL POOLS _ in New Hampshire THIRD EDITION EDITED BY MICHAEL MARCHAND Published by New Hampshire Fish and Game Department l Nongame and Endangered Wildlife Program IDENTIFYING AND DOCUMENTING VERNAL POOLS _ in New Hampshire THIRD EDITION EDITED BY MICHAEL MARCHAND Published by New Hampshire Fish and Game Department Nongame and Endangered Wildlife Program Identifying and Documenting Vernal Pools in New Hampshire 1 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS This is the third edition of the The Identification and Documentation of Vernal Pools in New Hampshire, and many people have assisted in the development and improvement of this publication over the years. All editions have been published by the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department's Nongame and Endangered Wildlife Program, in conjunction with the Public Affairs Division. Funds for the development of the third edition came from the Nongame and Endangered Wildlife Program, N.H. Fish and Game Department, including Conservation License Plate (Moose Plate) funds and a grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The third edition was edited by Michael Marchand, wildlife biologist for the N.H. Fish and Game Department's Nongame Program. The following individuals provided text, thoughtful comments, and edits to the manual: Loren Valliere, N.H. Fish and Game Department, Nongame and Endangered Wildlife Program; Sandy Crystal, Sandi Mattfeldt and Mary Ann Tilton, N.H. Department of Environ- mental Services, Wetlands Bureau; and Brett Thelen, Harris Center for Conservation Education. Pamela Riel, N.H. Fish and Game Publications Manager (Public Affairs Divi- sion), did the layout. Graphic Designer Victor Young, also of Fish and Game's Public Affairs Division, formatted images for publication, provided artwork and designed the cover.
    [Show full text]
  • Park Interpreter Reference Pond Organisms
    PARK INTERPRETER REFERENCE POND ORGANISMS ANIMALS Daphnia Daphnia are found by the thousands near the Crustacean - Filter water surface and form the base of the pond food Feeder chain. They look like tiny bits of dirt that move on their own, propelled by their antennae. Daphnia follow a daily migration route: at the surface of the water at dusk and to the lower level during night, rising and dawn and down again during the day. Copepod These tiny crustaceans are also called “Cyclops” Crustacean - Filter because they have one eye between their Feeder antennae. They are hard to see since they are so small. They use their antennae and hind legs to swim. Females carry two egg sacs during the breeding season that look make them look a bit like Mickey mouse. Diet: organic debris (part of the decomposition chain) Predators: minor food source for aquatic insects, fish, carnivorous zooplankton Sideswimmer Also called scuds or amphipods, they swim on Crustacean - Scavenger their sides using their many legs. They have two kinds of legs (amphi means both kinds and pod means foot): long walking legs on the first half of their body and shorter, simpler swimming legs on the rear half. Related to shrimp, they breathe through gills and are bottom dwellers, hiding under whatever they can find. Because so many animals feed on sideswimmers, females will lay up to 50 eggs every 10 days. Diet: decaying plant and animal matter Predators: larger insects, fish, birds, amphibians Three-spined This small fish has three spines on its back which Stickleback can be raised for protection.
    [Show full text]
  • Stormwater Ponds in Coastal South Carolina
    STORMWATER PONDS IN COASTAL SOUTH CAROLINA 2019 State of Knowledge Full Report Stormwater Ponds in Coastal South Carolina: 2019 State of Knowledge Report 1 STORMWATER PONDS IN COASTAL SOUTH CAROLINA 2019 State of Knowledge Full Report A report sponsored by the South Carolina Sea Grant Consortium and the State of South Carolina pursuant to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Award No. NA10OAR4170073. Suggested citation: Cotti-Rausch, B.E., Majidzadeh, H., and DeVoe, M.R., eds., Stormwater Ponds in Coastal South Carolina: 2019 State of Knowledge Full Report. S.C. Sea Grant Consortium, Charleston, S.C. Cover photo by Grace Beahm Alford. SCSGC-T-20-02 Table of Contents Acknowledgements ...................................................................................................................iv Preface ........................................................................................................................................v Chapter 1 – A Pond Inventory for the Eight Coastal Counties of South Carolina .....................1 Chapter 2 – Environmental Factors and Design Features that Control Stormwater Transport and Contaminant Fate in Ponds ...............................................................................15 Chapter 3 – An Assessment of Nonpoint Source Pollution in Stormwater Pond Systems in Coastal South Carolina ..........................................................................................................41 Chapter 4 – The Ecological Function of South Carolina Stormwater Ponds within
    [Show full text]
  • Life in a Drop of Water (6-12)
    LIFE IN A DROP OF WATER By: Adrienne Steele There are many forms of life you can see in a single drop of pond water. Examining water from a pond, lake, or ditch with the Scope-On-A-Rope (SOAR) can be a great introduction to the classification of organisms and is sure to generate an appreciation of the diversity of life! These activities can be modified for most grades and ability levels. Objective To introduce students to the myriad of life forms on Earth. This lesson can be used in conjunction with a unit on ecosystems, adaptations, or classification of organisms. The following National Science Education Standards are just a few that are addressed by using SOAR with these activities. SCIENCE AS INQUIRY: CONTENT STANDARD A K-4: • Ask a question about objects, organisms, and events in the environment • Employ simple equipment and tools to gather data and extend the senses • Understandings about scientific inquiry (simple instruments, such as magnifiers, provide more information than scientists obtain using only their senses) 5-8: • Use appropriate tools and techniques to gather, analyze, & interpret data LOUISIANA GRADE LEVEL EXPECTATIONS SCIENCE AS INQUIRY Gr. 1: 1, 5, 11 Gr. 2: 1, 6, 8, 12 Gr. 3: 1, 6, 8, 15 Gr. 4: 1, 7, 9, 17 Gr. 5-8: 6, 29, 39 Gr. 9-12: 14 LIFE SCIENCE Gr. 1: 26, 32, 34 Gr. 2: 27, 30, 35 Gr. 3: 35, 38, 39 Gr. 4: 41, 48, 53 Gr. 5: 27, 29 Gr. 6: 23, 27 Gr. 10: 18, 19 References 1. Annenberg/CPB Website.
    [Show full text]
  • 10397 the Incredible World of the Microscope
    C a p t i o n e d M e d i a P r o g r a m VOICE (800) 237-6213 TTY (800) 237-6819 FAX (800) 538-5636 E-MAIL [email protected] WEB www.cfv.org #10397 THE INCREDIBLE WORLD OF THE MICROSCOPE RAINBOW EDUCATIONAL MEDIA, 2001 Grade Level: 4-8 25 Minutes CAPTIONED MEDIA PROGRAM RELATED RESOURCES #8816 THE MICROSCOPE: OUR WINDOW ON THE WORLD #9058 THE CELL Funding for the Captioned Media Program is provided by the U.S. Department of Education Producer, Writer & Director: Peter Matulavich Consultants: Ira Jones, Ph.D. Introduction Dept. of Biological Sciences, California State University, Objectives Long Beach Michael Worosz, M.A. Summary Curriculum Consultant Review Questions Videography, Animation & Editing: Peter Matulavich Discussion Questions Special Thanks To: Steve Barlow, Ph. D. Electron Microscope Center, Activities San Diego State University Glossary Dan McKinney Swift Instruments Bibliography Jones Biomedicals & Laboratory Websites Pinecrest School, Woodland Hills, CA Script Video and Teacher's Guide produced for Rainbow Educational Media by Peter Matulavich Productions San Dimas, California INTRODUCTION OBJECTIVES Filled with exciting close-up images, this video is After viewing this video, students should know: designed to introduce students to the microscope and its incredible world. This remarkable instrument opens lenses magnify because of their curved edges an entirely new world unseen by the eye alone and continues to be the single most important tool used in overall magnification increases when one lens scientific study and medical research. is placed above another The video opens with a discussion of how magnifica- microscopes work by combining lenses tion occurs, and includes a sequence on magnifiers.
    [Show full text]
  • The Pond Party!
    Welcome to the pond party! Ponds are full of intrigue and drama. Exploring ponds is a fantastic way to capture children’s imaginations and encourage enthusiasm for the weird and wonderful world that is nature. If we give them this chance to learn about what goes on right under their noses in the corners of fields, at the bottom of the garden or in the woodlands where they walk they may just be the guardians of these habitats for the rest of their lives. A pond project can help you deliver all aspects of the curriculum in addition to science; from history to art, maths to movement. We have created a range of activities and fact sheets rather than age specific lesson plans because you know your class best. You can use and adapt to suit. So peruse the pond pack; pick ’n’ choose and immerse yourself in ponds! This resource pack has been produced as part of Herefordshire Nature Trust’s ‘Ponds and Newts Heritage Network Project’. www.herefordshirewt.org Frog = a fact sheet. To facts inspire & equip you or to copy direct for kids. Dragonfly = an activity page. Projects, games, things to make and do. activity 1 www.jopolack.co.uk Idea for extending activity = Massive thanks to Martha Watson, Rosa Keene & Maya Jerram for their gorgeous pond creature drawings. © Jo Polack and Nigel Hand. Photocopying permissable for educational useʳ Contents 3. Ponds in the curriculum 4. What is a pond? 5. Ponds as habitats 6. Pond power superheroes! 7. Food webs 8. Life cycles: Frog 9. Life cycles: Dragonfly 10 & 11.
    [Show full text]
  • Missouri Pond Handbook
    Missouri Pond Handbook Written by Ken Perry Illustrated by Diana Jarrell Edited by Frank Ryck and Joan McKee Missouri Department of Conservation 1 Equal opportunity to participate in and benefit from programs of the Missouri Department of Conservation is available to all individuals without regard to their race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability. Complaints of discrimination should be sent to the Department of Conservation, P.O. Box 180, Jefferson City, MO 65102, or U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, 18th and “C” Streets NW, Washington D.C. 20240, Missouri Relay Center —1-800-735-2966 (TDD). 2 Table of contents From the water’s edge . 4 Developing a new fishing pond . 5 Pond drainage area . 6 Dam. 11 Construction . 12 Post construction . 17 Landscaping and habitat development. 19 Maintaining your pond . 19 Managing fish in a new pond . 21 How to stock. 27 Sources of fish. 29 Producing fish in your pond. 30 Carrying capacity. 32 Managing for good fishing . 33 Harvesting fish. 34 Why ponds fail to provide good fishing . 36 Managing an old pond. 37 Evaluating your pond. 37 Evaluating your fish populations . 40 Improving and maintaining your fish populations. 41 Pond renovation. 45 Nonfishing ponds . 45 Common pond problems and recommendations. 46 Small pond management . 46 Aquatic plant management . 46 Muddy water . 50 Leaking ponds . 53 Fish diseases and parasites . 54 Wildlife and your pond . 55 Appendix A – Government Offices . 58 Appendix B – Fish stocking policy . 60 Index. 62 3 From the water’s edge A pond is more than water held back by a dam.
    [Show full text]
  • Exploring Creation with Biology Table of Contents
    Exploring Creation With Biology Table of Contents MODULE #1: Biology: The Study of Life............................................................................................ 1 Introduction ........................................................................................................................................... 1 What Is Life? ......................................................................................................................................... 1 DNA and Life ........................................................................................................................................ 1 Energy Conversion and Life.................................................................................................................. 2 Sensing and Responding to Change ...................................................................................................... 6 All Life Forms Reproduce..................................................................................................................... 7 Life’s Secret Ingredient ......................................................................................................................... 8 The Scientific Method ........................................................................................................................... 9 Limitations of the Scientific Method................................................................................................... 12 Spontaneous Generation: The Faithful Still Cling to It!.....................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Chapter 12: Bacteria, Protists, and Fungi
    451-S1-MSS05_G6_IN 8/17/04 2:41 PM Page 342 Academic Standard—4: Students recognize that plants and animals obtain energy in different ways, and they can describe some of the internal structures of organisms related to this func- tion. They examine the similarities and differences between humans and other species. They use microscopes to observe cells and recognize cells as the building blocks of all life. Also covers: Academic Standards 2, 5 (Detailed standards begin on page IN8.) Bacteria, Protists, and Fungi Teeming with Life sections The pond water appears crystal clear as the 1 Bacteria scientist uses a dropper to extract a sample 2 Protists for examination. However, in the lab when Lab Comparing Algae and he examines some of the water under a Protozoans microscope, he discovers that it contains 3 Fungi hundreds of organisms. Some are only one Lab Making Yogurt cell, others appear to be groups of cells, and Virtual Lab What kills some are many-celled. germs? Science Journal List possible functions of these organisms in a pond environment. 342 John D. Cunningham/Visuals Unlimited 451-S1-MSS05_G6_IN 8/17/04 2:41 PM Page 343 Start-Up Activities Positive and Negative Effects Make the following Foldable to help you see how some organ- Investigate Bacterial Growth isms are similar and different. Did you know that millions of microorgan- isms are living on and inside of you at this STEP 1 Fold a sheet of paper lengthwise. moment? What are these organisms? Make the front edge Bacteria. They live nearly everywhere. What 1.25 cm shorter than affects their growth? Find out by doing this the back edge.
    [Show full text]
  • Micr Aquarium™
    13-1016 13-1017 Micr Aquarium™ Instruction Manual MicroAquarium™ Instruction Manual Overview The MicroAquarium™ is a slide-mount and culture vessel in one. Small Table of Contents aquatic organisms within its chamber can be examined with or without a Overview . .3 microscope. Manipulated in simple yet unique ways, it is a versatile, easy- to-use tool for conducting experiments, investigating natural Content Standards . .3 environments, and studying the natural history of cyanobacteria, protists, Materials . .4 plants, animals, and fungi. This sturdy water chamber has macroscopic appeal and is designed to double as a microscope slide wet mount. Background . .4 Macroscopically, living organisms are displayed within a thin, easily Guidelines for Use . .7 backlighted microcosm which at arms length allows small organisms (e.g., single-celled Paramecium) to be seen with the naked eye. Under a General Methods . .8 microscope or hand lens, the structural details of many organisms are Viewing Tips and Observational Techniques . .11 revealed. Many of the classic “pond water” organisms studied in the biology curriculum can be conveniently cultured and/or maintained within Other Manipulations . .13 the MicroAquarium™. Displayed as a classroom aquarium or as a personal Culturing and Observing Protozoa . .15 desktop aquarium, the MicroAquarium™ is sure to provoke interest. Culturing, Observing, and Keeping Small Animals . .17 Culturing and Observing Fungi and Plants . .19 Content Standards The MicroAquarium™ is appropriate for students of any grade level and Establishing a Pond Water Microcosm . .20 addresses the following National Science Content Standards: Feeding Your Pond Water Microcosm . .22 Grades K–4 Discovering Aquatic Life in Terrestrial Environments . .23 Life Science • Characteristics of organisms Additional Resources .
    [Show full text]
  • Life in a Pond, Study It
    When is water not just water? When it comes from a pond! A jar full of pond water is a jar full of life. From bacteria too tiny to see, to fat tadpoles wiggling their way around their miniature world, pond water teems with plants, animals, and other living things. Young A variety of life Naturalists A pond is a very rich place—rich in nutrients that living things need to thrive. Water that runs into a pond when rain falls or when snow melts carries nitrogen, phosphorus, and other nutrients. Leaves and other plant parts that fall or wash in bring even more. You’re probably familiar with some of the things at home in a pond, such as ducks, turtles, frogs, and fish. But most pond residents are smaller—some so small you can see them only with a microscope. These critters are an impor- tant source of food for each other and for bigger living things around them. Life in aJar By MARY HOFF PHOTOGRAPH BY DEBORAH ROSE What are those little critters you scoop up from a pond? Five Pond If you’re lucky, your jar of pond water will contain members of all The Web Kingdoms five kingdoms of living things: • animals (such as insects of Life hen you scoop up a jar of and tadpoles) ike all living things, those in a Wpond water, you scoop up • plants (such as duckweed) Lpond can be put into categories living things too. Some might look according to how they get the • fungi (such as slime molds) GARY MESZAROS, DEMBINSKY PHOTO ASSOCIATES like see-through tubes.
    [Show full text]