Environmental Biology and Ecology Laboratory Manual

EXERCISE
1. Use of the Microscope

a.    The non-science majors way of the microscope........    1
2. Intro to Ecology and Pond Study

a. Becoming acquainted with ecological terminology

b. Microscopic examination of pond water for flora and fauna

c. Prepared slides of common pond organisms..............    9
3. Ecological Modifications in Plants and Animals

a. Modifications of plants and animals for success in their habitats.

b. Xerophytic, mesophytic and hydrophytic plant leaves

c. Examples of animal modifications..........................    17
4. Paleoecology

a. Reconstructing ancient environments.........................    23

5. Shelford’s Law of Tolerance #1

a. Effects of environmental perturbations on populations;
the effects of radiation and thermal pollution...............    31
6. Shelford’s Law of Tolerance #2

a. Effects of acid precipitation on population growth

b. Effects of toxic substances on population growth

c.  Laboratory exercises illustrating the concepts of pH......    37
7. Symbiosis

a. Illustrations and examples of the symbiotic relationships
of mutualism, commensalism, and parasitism............    41

8. Predator-Prey Relationships
a.    A classic example in population biology - the snowshoe
hare and Canada lynx........................................    49