Mealworm
Abstract The objective of the mealworm experiment was to see if the mealworms would gain weight in either peat moss or wheat germ. The experiment included weighing Mealworm A and Mealworm B before putting Mealworm A in wheat germ and Mealworm B in peat moss both for 7 days. After a week they were weighed again and Mealworm A had lost weight and Mealworm B had gained . This concluded that the null hypothesis was rejected since only Mealworm B gained weight.
Introduction
The mealworm is not a worm. It is the larval stage (grub) of the yellow mealworm beetle, also called the darkling beetle. Although the grub looks a bit like a worm, the mealworm has six small, jointed legs (unknown, 2003-2010). Mealworms go through huge metamorphosis, during their life cycle, transforming from tiny eggs to full grown adult beetles. “Mealworm larval growth is used as a model for evaluating nutrients and or potential toxins (Moreau, 2009).” The hypothesis was that mealworm A and B would both gain weight. If the hypothesis would have proven true, the mealworms would have both fulfilled their life cycle. Mealworms thrive best on bran, cereal or grain and are best when it is dry (Krause, 1999-2010). Since water was added to the wheat germ and peat moss this could have contaminated the food which caused mealworm B to lose weight.
Materials
This experiment required plastic vials, Styrofoam stoppers, peat moss, wheat germ, mealworms, an eye dropper, water, and an analytical scale.
Methods
Mealworm A was weighted on an analytical scale and was .056g then it was placed in a plastic tube with wheat germ. Water was then added with the eye dropper for nutrients and placed in an incubator for a week. After a week they were weighted again. Mealworm A weighted .054g
Mealworm B was weighted on an analytical scale and was .044g, then it was placed in a paper cup with peat moss. Water was then added with a eye dropper for nutrients and placed in an incubator for a week. After a week
Introduction
The mealworm is not a worm. It is the larval stage (grub) of the yellow mealworm beetle, also called the darkling beetle. Although the grub looks a bit like a worm, the mealworm has six small, jointed legs (unknown, 2003-2010). Mealworms go through huge metamorphosis, during their life cycle, transforming from tiny eggs to full grown adult beetles. “Mealworm larval growth is used as a model for evaluating nutrients and or potential toxins (Moreau, 2009).” The hypothesis was that mealworm A and B would both gain weight. If the hypothesis would have proven true, the mealworms would have both fulfilled their life cycle. Mealworms thrive best on bran, cereal or grain and are best when it is dry (Krause, 1999-2010). Since water was added to the wheat germ and peat moss this could have contaminated the food which caused mealworm B to lose weight.
Materials
This experiment required plastic vials, Styrofoam stoppers, peat moss, wheat germ, mealworms, an eye dropper, water, and an analytical scale.
Methods
Mealworm A was weighted on an analytical scale and was .056g then it was placed in a plastic tube with wheat germ. Water was then added with the eye dropper for nutrients and placed in an incubator for a week. After a week they were weighted again. Mealworm A weighted .054g
Mealworm B was weighted on an analytical scale and was .044g, then it was placed in a paper cup with peat moss. Water was then added with a eye dropper for nutrients and placed in an incubator for a week. After a week
Cited: Krause, K. (1999-2010). E How. Retrieved April 30, 2010, from http://www.ehow.com/way_5501685_food-mealworms.html Moreau, P. C. (2009). Unit 2 Scientific Method. In D. C.-W. Donna Cain, Biology Lab Manual (p. 33). Dubuque: Kendall Hunt. unknown. (2003-2010). Enchanted Learning. Retrieved April 30, 2010, from www.enchantedlearning.com: http://www.enchantedlearning.com/subjects/insects/beetles/mealworm/