Unitary and Modular Organisms: Their Response to Environmental Changes and Perturbation1
Unitary and Modular Organisms: Their Response to
Environmental Changes and Perturbation1
Casey Jon Vea
Group 3 Section U-2L
August 3, 2011
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1A scientific paper submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements in Biology 150, Principles of Ecology laboratory under Mrs. Charina Grace B. Banaay , Ist semester 2011-2012
Abstract
Every individuals or organisms dwell in a place where well suited for their growth and development, survival and reproduction. When changes happened to their environment expected changes will also be observed and adaptation mechanisms are produced. This study focuses on the responses of modular and solitary organisms under their normal environmental condition and on their disturbed or changed environment. The study further focuses on how long the unitary organisms respond to certain disturbances and how modular organisms respond to lessen the effect of environmental changes happening on their surroundings. Ant’s behavior in three different activities under normal conditions was observed and their response also under disturbed conditions was also observed by inducing commotion to their environment. Moreover, ants were also tested on which food they are most likely be attracted, results showed that they prefer sweeter food sources rather than the salty ones. On the other hand, two sets of modular organisms were subjected to environmental changes, a set for the sun-loving plants (Cyperus and Althernanthera) and shade-tolerant plants (Zebrina and Talinum) were interchangeably exposed to each other’s environment. Results generally showed that when plants are put into an environment where they are not used to, they tend to grow poorly and vice versa. But some developed mechanisms to lessen the impact of the stress applied to them. In conclusion, unitary animals adjust faster than modular organism because they communicate and work with each other but modular organisms have unique ways of
Environmental Changes and Perturbation1
Casey Jon Vea
Group 3 Section U-2L
August 3, 2011
-------------------------------------------------
1A scientific paper submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements in Biology 150, Principles of Ecology laboratory under Mrs. Charina Grace B. Banaay , Ist semester 2011-2012
Abstract
Every individuals or organisms dwell in a place where well suited for their growth and development, survival and reproduction. When changes happened to their environment expected changes will also be observed and adaptation mechanisms are produced. This study focuses on the responses of modular and solitary organisms under their normal environmental condition and on their disturbed or changed environment. The study further focuses on how long the unitary organisms respond to certain disturbances and how modular organisms respond to lessen the effect of environmental changes happening on their surroundings. Ant’s behavior in three different activities under normal conditions was observed and their response also under disturbed conditions was also observed by inducing commotion to their environment. Moreover, ants were also tested on which food they are most likely be attracted, results showed that they prefer sweeter food sources rather than the salty ones. On the other hand, two sets of modular organisms were subjected to environmental changes, a set for the sun-loving plants (Cyperus and Althernanthera) and shade-tolerant plants (Zebrina and Talinum) were interchangeably exposed to each other’s environment. Results generally showed that when plants are put into an environment where they are not used to, they tend to grow poorly and vice versa. But some developed mechanisms to lessen the impact of the stress applied to them. In conclusion, unitary animals adjust faster than modular organism because they communicate and work with each other but modular organisms have unique ways of
References: Aligui, G. Talinum (Talinum triangulare). Retrieved July 9, 2011, from http://gonatural.com.ph/herbalblog/talinum-talinum-triangulare/ Cyperus rotondus. (n.d.). In Wikepedia. Retrieved July 10, 2011, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyperus_rotundus Gilbert, S. et al. (1953). A textboopk on general botany. (5th ed.). New York: The McMillian Company. Grime, J.P. (2001). Plant strategies, vegetation processes, and ecosystem properties (2nd ed.). West Sussex P019 1UD, England. John Wiley and Sons Ltd. Hickman, J. et al. (2006). Integrated principles of zoology (13th ed.). Cleveland; McGraw-Hill . Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Horticulture. (2009). Shade tolerant trees, shrubs, and groundcovers. University Park, PA: N. Robert. Retrieved July 9, 2011, from http://consumerhorticulture.psu.edu/files/shade_tolerant_plants.pdf Shorey, H.H.(1976). Animal communication by pheromones. New York: Academic press. Tradescantia zebrine. (n.d.). In Wikepedia. Retrieved July 10, 2011, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tradescantia_zebrina