Pillbug Lab
Pillbug Reaction In the Presence of an Acid
Abstract: This experiment was conducted to learn how regular behavior of a pillbug is affected in the presence of a substance such as hydrochloric acid. Behavior of the pill bugs was first monitored and recorded to discern how the species acts under normal conditions. The behavior was then observed and documented after the pill bugs were placed in a choice chamber with HCl and water. There was no change in activity after these substances were placed with the pill bugs. From this experiment, we can conclude not only that pill bug behavior goes unchanged in the presence of water, but also that the behavior stays consistent in the presence of hydrochloric acid. However, the HCl in this experiment was diluted to a pH of 2, and we have yet to test differing dependent factors on these pill bugs.
Introduction: Ethology, the study of animal behavior, requires several factors for completing an experiment successfully. These factors may include research of a species, observation of an organism, interpretation of observation, and analysis of said species reaction to stimuli or unfamiliar conditions. Two commonly studied animal behaviors are taxis, a deliberate movement toward or away from stimuli, and kinesis, a random movement that is not directed toward or away from stimuli. Based on this previous knowledge, we are hypothesizing that the pill bugs in our study will undergo taxis and deliberately move away from hydrochloric acid.
Materials and Methods: To perform this experiment, ten pill bugs were placed in a choice chamber labeled side A and B with masking tape, and observed for at least ten minutes. Filter paper with water was placed on side B, and filter paper with hydrochloric acid was placed on side A. Behavior was monitored and recorded for the next ten minutes, and conclusions were met.
Results: The dependent variables for this experiment included the number of pill bugs present strength of the
Abstract: This experiment was conducted to learn how regular behavior of a pillbug is affected in the presence of a substance such as hydrochloric acid. Behavior of the pill bugs was first monitored and recorded to discern how the species acts under normal conditions. The behavior was then observed and documented after the pill bugs were placed in a choice chamber with HCl and water. There was no change in activity after these substances were placed with the pill bugs. From this experiment, we can conclude not only that pill bug behavior goes unchanged in the presence of water, but also that the behavior stays consistent in the presence of hydrochloric acid. However, the HCl in this experiment was diluted to a pH of 2, and we have yet to test differing dependent factors on these pill bugs.
Introduction: Ethology, the study of animal behavior, requires several factors for completing an experiment successfully. These factors may include research of a species, observation of an organism, interpretation of observation, and analysis of said species reaction to stimuli or unfamiliar conditions. Two commonly studied animal behaviors are taxis, a deliberate movement toward or away from stimuli, and kinesis, a random movement that is not directed toward or away from stimuli. Based on this previous knowledge, we are hypothesizing that the pill bugs in our study will undergo taxis and deliberately move away from hydrochloric acid.
Materials and Methods: To perform this experiment, ten pill bugs were placed in a choice chamber labeled side A and B with masking tape, and observed for at least ten minutes. Filter paper with water was placed on side B, and filter paper with hydrochloric acid was placed on side A. Behavior was monitored and recorded for the next ten minutes, and conclusions were met.
Results: The dependent variables for this experiment included the number of pill bugs present strength of the