In my final observation I saw that the population had drastically changed. The huge numbers of small creatures that I had observed in the previous observation had drastically reduced, and had been over taken by a number of larger creatures. These larger creatures tended to stay near the bottom of the tank where they were difficult to track and identify. I was however successful in identifying one as a insect larvae. I believe that more than likely these larger beings were either consuming or competing out the smaller ones. I also finally put my photos and videos on my flash drive so that I can post them as well. Therefore, for your enjoyment I will post a photo and a video of the rotifer that I studied closely in one of my other observations.

29 Oct 08

I noticed that the number and variety of organisms has significantly increased. With the help of the professor we identified a couple of different types that were common. Caenomorpha which look like spinning tops or toadstools, and Notommatoid Rotifers. The rotifers were very interesting they were observed eating while stationary, using their flagella to create water current into their mouths bringing food in with it.

Observation 1

I observed several small groups of cells that clearly had flagella as they moved about the aquarium. I also observed a couple of the small circular cells that rotated many very quickly.

10/13/08