Protist Lab
Porifera (Sponge)
Comparative Structure and Functions:
Sponges are very primitive so they do not have many advanced features. Sponges can reproduce sexually and asexually however. Different species of sponges have one of the three types of sponge skeletons: calcareous laminae, organic filaments, and siliceous and calcareous spicule. Sponges are so basic that they do not even have symmetry. They digest, circulate, respirate, and excrete via diffusion.
Taxonomy:
Sponges are in the phylum Porifera, meaning “pore bearer”. There are approximately 5,000-10,000 species in the phylum. Porifera is divided into four classes based on their skeletal structure: Hexactinellida, or glass sponges with silicate spicules; Calcarea, or sponges with calcite skeletons; Demospongiae, or sponges with silicate spicules or spongin fibers within their membrane; and Archaeocyatha, ancient sponges which are extinct now. Distinguishing features of Porifera are that they have water intake and outlet openings connected by chambers lined with choanocytes, and they can remold their bodies. Like cnidarians (jellyfish, etc.) and ctenophores (comb jellies), and unlike all other known metazoans, sponges' bodies consist of a non-living jelly-like mass sandwiched between two main layers of cells.
Ecology:
Sponges are important aspects of aquatic ecology. They usually lie on the sea floor. Many of them are very large. Sponges are actually habitats for many creatures, such as snails, sea stars, and shrimp, due to their large size. These serve as examples of commensalism. Sponges will also house and form a bond with algae, bacteria, and some protists. What these organisms do, is they provide oxygen and food for the sponge, and in return, the sponge provides an environment so that they don’t die. Essentially, it is a partnership between the two. Sponges are very simple, yet interesting creatures, and that if they didn’t exist, much of the aquatic ecosystem would collapse.
Observations:
The sponge was a shade of brownish yellow, and it was very squishy. The pores were very small and difficult to see without a microscope. The sponge did not have any organs.
Sponges are very primitive so they do not have many advanced features. Sponges can reproduce sexually and asexually however. Different species of sponges have one of the three types of sponge skeletons: calcareous laminae, organic filaments, and siliceous and calcareous spicule. Sponges are so basic that they do not even have symmetry. They digest, circulate, respirate, and excrete via diffusion.
Taxonomy:
Sponges are in the phylum Porifera, meaning “pore bearer”. There are approximately 5,000-10,000 species in the phylum. Porifera is divided into four classes based on their skeletal structure: Hexactinellida, or glass sponges with silicate spicules; Calcarea, or sponges with calcite skeletons; Demospongiae, or sponges with silicate spicules or spongin fibers within their membrane; and Archaeocyatha, ancient sponges which are extinct now. Distinguishing features of Porifera are that they have water intake and outlet openings connected by chambers lined with choanocytes, and they can remold their bodies. Like cnidarians (jellyfish, etc.) and ctenophores (comb jellies), and unlike all other known metazoans, sponges' bodies consist of a non-living jelly-like mass sandwiched between two main layers of cells.
Ecology:
Sponges are important aspects of aquatic ecology. They usually lie on the sea floor. Many of them are very large. Sponges are actually habitats for many creatures, such as snails, sea stars, and shrimp, due to their large size. These serve as examples of commensalism. Sponges will also house and form a bond with algae, bacteria, and some protists. What these organisms do, is they provide oxygen and food for the sponge, and in return, the sponge provides an environment so that they don’t die. Essentially, it is a partnership between the two. Sponges are very simple, yet interesting creatures, and that if they didn’t exist, much of the aquatic ecosystem would collapse.
Observations:
The sponge was a shade of brownish yellow, and it was very squishy. The pores were very small and difficult to see without a microscope. The sponge did not have any organs.
Cnidarian (Jellyfish)
Comparative Structure and Functions:
Cnidarians were the first organisms to develop an extracellular digestive tract. This digestive tract is one way, which means the jellyfish excrete through their mouths. Jellyfish also developed a primitive nervous system, a nerve net that can respond to chemicals and touch. Jellyfish also advanced from sponges by developing radial symmetry. All of these advancements have enabled Cnidarians to be successful for millions of years.
Taxonomy:
Cnidaria is a diverse phylum which contains jellyfish, hydras, sea anemones, and corals. Jellyfish are in the class Scyphozoa. Organisms in this class live their lives primarily as medusas, and no elaborate colonies ever form. Hydrozoa is a class containing Hydras and their relatives. These organisms can produce sexually or asexually, and often are each specialized to do specific tasks for the good of the colony. Sea anemones and corals are in the aptly named class Anthozoa, meaning “flower animal”. Coral and anemones thrive in water which has a high oxygen content and a diverse ecology.
Ecology:
Jellyfish are found in every ocean, from the surface to the deep sea. They have multiple species but they all fall into one species class, Cnidarian. Jellyfish are exclusively marine, but some do live in freshwater. Jellyfish have roamed the seas for 500 million years. They are the oldest living multi-organ animal. Jellyfish are carnivorous, feeding on plankton, crustaceans, fish eggs, small fish and other jellyfish, ingesting and voiding through the same hole in the middle of the bell.
Observations:
The digestive tract was shorter than I thought. The skin was wet and malleable. The tissues were translucent.
Cnidarians were the first organisms to develop an extracellular digestive tract. This digestive tract is one way, which means the jellyfish excrete through their mouths. Jellyfish also developed a primitive nervous system, a nerve net that can respond to chemicals and touch. Jellyfish also advanced from sponges by developing radial symmetry. All of these advancements have enabled Cnidarians to be successful for millions of years.
Taxonomy:
Cnidaria is a diverse phylum which contains jellyfish, hydras, sea anemones, and corals. Jellyfish are in the class Scyphozoa. Organisms in this class live their lives primarily as medusas, and no elaborate colonies ever form. Hydrozoa is a class containing Hydras and their relatives. These organisms can produce sexually or asexually, and often are each specialized to do specific tasks for the good of the colony. Sea anemones and corals are in the aptly named class Anthozoa, meaning “flower animal”. Coral and anemones thrive in water which has a high oxygen content and a diverse ecology.
Ecology:
Jellyfish are found in every ocean, from the surface to the deep sea. They have multiple species but they all fall into one species class, Cnidarian. Jellyfish are exclusively marine, but some do live in freshwater. Jellyfish have roamed the seas for 500 million years. They are the oldest living multi-organ animal. Jellyfish are carnivorous, feeding on plankton, crustaceans, fish eggs, small fish and other jellyfish, ingesting and voiding through the same hole in the middle of the bell.
Observations:
The digestive tract was shorter than I thought. The skin was wet and malleable. The tissues were translucent.
Mollusca (Squid)
Comparative Structure and Functions:
Mollusca are far more advanced than jellyfish in many ways. Organisms in this phylum have three germ layers, an increase of 50% from Cnidarians and Poriferans. Mollusks also have bilateral symmetry, just like homo sapiens. The class cephalopod in this phylum contains organisms which have evolved primitive brains in their heads. Squids have also evolved kidneys to filter out toxins during excretion. Squids have a body cavity which more primitive organisms don't have. Squids can also breath through gills while previous organisms only breathed through respiration. Squids even have a closed circulatory system which is more advanced than jellyfish also.
Taxonomy:
Members of the phylum Mollusca, known as mollusks, are soft-bodied animals that usually have an internal or external shells. Mollusks include snails, slugs, clams, squids, and octopi. These organisms are separated into three classes: Gastropoda, Bivalvia, and Cephalopoda. Gastropoda is a class including pond snails, land slugs, sea butterflies, sea hares, limpets, and nudibranchs. All of these organisms are shell-less or single-shelled mollusks that move using a muscular foot on the ventral side. Members of the class Bivalvia have two shells that are held together by one or two powerful muscles. These organisms include clams, oysters, mussels, and scallops. The last class in this phylum is Cephalopoda - members of this class include octopi, squids, cuttlefishes, and nautiluses. Cephalopods are soft-bodied mollusks with a head attached to a single foot. This foot is often divided into tentacles or arms. This class is especially notable because its organisms have a concentration of nerves in the head.
Ecology:
Mollusks have an important part in ecology. They feed on plants, or other animals. They are able to “clean up” by filtering out algae. They do this by eating the detritus in the algae. Not only do mollusks eat, but they are also important sources of food for many animals, including humans. Humans will eat clams for the most part. People will most commonly eat clams. Each day, our understanding of mollusks expands, and it will continue to for many years to come.
Observations:
The squid skin was a darker color than I imagined. The digestive tract was short. I thought that the degree of cephalization would be greater.
Mollusca are far more advanced than jellyfish in many ways. Organisms in this phylum have three germ layers, an increase of 50% from Cnidarians and Poriferans. Mollusks also have bilateral symmetry, just like homo sapiens. The class cephalopod in this phylum contains organisms which have evolved primitive brains in their heads. Squids have also evolved kidneys to filter out toxins during excretion. Squids have a body cavity which more primitive organisms don't have. Squids can also breath through gills while previous organisms only breathed through respiration. Squids even have a closed circulatory system which is more advanced than jellyfish also.
Taxonomy:
Members of the phylum Mollusca, known as mollusks, are soft-bodied animals that usually have an internal or external shells. Mollusks include snails, slugs, clams, squids, and octopi. These organisms are separated into three classes: Gastropoda, Bivalvia, and Cephalopoda. Gastropoda is a class including pond snails, land slugs, sea butterflies, sea hares, limpets, and nudibranchs. All of these organisms are shell-less or single-shelled mollusks that move using a muscular foot on the ventral side. Members of the class Bivalvia have two shells that are held together by one or two powerful muscles. These organisms include clams, oysters, mussels, and scallops. The last class in this phylum is Cephalopoda - members of this class include octopi, squids, cuttlefishes, and nautiluses. Cephalopods are soft-bodied mollusks with a head attached to a single foot. This foot is often divided into tentacles or arms. This class is especially notable because its organisms have a concentration of nerves in the head.
Ecology:
Mollusks have an important part in ecology. They feed on plants, or other animals. They are able to “clean up” by filtering out algae. They do this by eating the detritus in the algae. Not only do mollusks eat, but they are also important sources of food for many animals, including humans. Humans will eat clams for the most part. People will most commonly eat clams. Each day, our understanding of mollusks expands, and it will continue to for many years to come.
Observations:
The squid skin was a darker color than I imagined. The digestive tract was short. I thought that the degree of cephalization would be greater.
Annelids (Worms)
Comparative Structure and Functions:
The phylum Annelida was able to advance in complexity because annelids were able to develop segmentation, organs, specialized cells and tissues, and a one way digestive tract. Segmentation in grasshoppers enabled different sections of the body to perform different specialized task. These tasks would not be possible without the development of specialized tissues and cells. The introduction of organs also allowed for specialized tasks that could not be done in previous phyla. The one way digestive tract enabled more efficient food transfer that has allowed annelids to be successful for millions of years.
Taxonomy:
Members of the phylum Annelida, known as annelids, are worms with segmented bodies, with a true coelom that is lined with tissue. Annelids include earthworms, leeches, sandworms, and bloodworms. These organisms are separated into three classes: Oligochaeta, Hirudinea, and Polychaetes. Oligochaeta is a class including annelids with streamlined bodies and relatively few setae compared to Polychaetes. These organisms are long, pinkish brown worms also known as earthworms. Hirudinea is a class containing leeches. These creatures are typically parasites that suck the blood and body fluids of their hosts. The last class in the phylum is Polychaetes. This class contains marine annelids that have paired, paddlelike appendages tipped with setae. These organisms live in coral reefs, sand and mud, or even in open water.
Ecology:
Earth worms are important in nature. They were noted as far back as Greece. Aristotle called them the intestines of earth. He was so fascinated with them he wrote a book on them. Many Annelids spend their lives burrowing through soil aerating it and mixing it. The tunnels the worms make allow trails for water and plants to go through. They pull plant matter through the soil and they grind it partially digest and mix it. Earth worms feces are rich in potassium phosphorus beneficial bacteria and micronutrient. Earthworm are beneficial to many creatures' diets, and the ecosystem would be harmed without them.
Observations:
The worm was very long. It had lots of eggs in it. The skin was a mix of brown and pink. The skin made up a very large percentage of the organism's mass.
The phylum Annelida was able to advance in complexity because annelids were able to develop segmentation, organs, specialized cells and tissues, and a one way digestive tract. Segmentation in grasshoppers enabled different sections of the body to perform different specialized task. These tasks would not be possible without the development of specialized tissues and cells. The introduction of organs also allowed for specialized tasks that could not be done in previous phyla. The one way digestive tract enabled more efficient food transfer that has allowed annelids to be successful for millions of years.
Taxonomy:
Members of the phylum Annelida, known as annelids, are worms with segmented bodies, with a true coelom that is lined with tissue. Annelids include earthworms, leeches, sandworms, and bloodworms. These organisms are separated into three classes: Oligochaeta, Hirudinea, and Polychaetes. Oligochaeta is a class including annelids with streamlined bodies and relatively few setae compared to Polychaetes. These organisms are long, pinkish brown worms also known as earthworms. Hirudinea is a class containing leeches. These creatures are typically parasites that suck the blood and body fluids of their hosts. The last class in the phylum is Polychaetes. This class contains marine annelids that have paired, paddlelike appendages tipped with setae. These organisms live in coral reefs, sand and mud, or even in open water.
Ecology:
Earth worms are important in nature. They were noted as far back as Greece. Aristotle called them the intestines of earth. He was so fascinated with them he wrote a book on them. Many Annelids spend their lives burrowing through soil aerating it and mixing it. The tunnels the worms make allow trails for water and plants to go through. They pull plant matter through the soil and they grind it partially digest and mix it. Earth worms feces are rich in potassium phosphorus beneficial bacteria and micronutrient. Earthworm are beneficial to many creatures' diets, and the ecosystem would be harmed without them.
Observations:
The worm was very long. It had lots of eggs in it. The skin was a mix of brown and pink. The skin made up a very large percentage of the organism's mass.
Anthropoda (Grasshopper)
Comparative Structure and Functions:
Arthropods are the largest phylum in the animal kingdom. Approximately 84% of animals are in this phylum. Members of this phylum have exoskeletons, a protective external skeleton made of chitin. Organisms in this phylum have book lungs, spiracles, or gills. Interestingly, arthropods have open circulatory system despite their high degree of complexity. This complexity can be seen in the antennae and complex eyes of the arthropods' nervous system. All of these advanced features have helped arthropods become one of the most successful phyla in the domain Eukarya.
Taxonomy:
Members of the phylum Arthropoda, known as arthropods, are organisms with segmented bodies, tough exoskeletons, and jointed
appendages. This phylum includes spiders, butterflies, shrimp, caterpillars,and lobsters, as well as many other creatures. A major subphylum of Arthropoda is Crustacea. Crustaceans typically have two pairs of antennae, two or three body sections, and chewing mouthparts called mandibles. Examples of organisms in this phylum are lobsters, crayfish, and crabs. Another major subphylum of Arthropoda is Chelicerata. These organisms include spiders, horseshoe crabs, ticks, mites, and scorpions. All of these organisms have mouthparts called chelicerae and two body sections, and nearly all have four pairs of walking legs. Insects and their relatives are in the subphylum Uniramia. These organisms have jaws, one pair of antennae, and unbranched appendages. Examples of insects are centipedes, millipedes, flies, bees, and
Ecology:
Grasshoppers lay their eggs in late summer and over winter they incubate in the soil. The grasshoppers prefer warm weather because it helps with their survival. Sometimes a bacterial disease is contracted when the weather is warm and humid this cause the grasshopper to climb to a high point and die. Grasshoppers eat leaves and only leaves. They are strict herbivores.
Observations:
The arthropod had a very high head to body size ratio compared to the other organisms we have dissected. It had complex eyes that enabled it to survive better than its evolutionary predecessors.
Arthropods are the largest phylum in the animal kingdom. Approximately 84% of animals are in this phylum. Members of this phylum have exoskeletons, a protective external skeleton made of chitin. Organisms in this phylum have book lungs, spiracles, or gills. Interestingly, arthropods have open circulatory system despite their high degree of complexity. This complexity can be seen in the antennae and complex eyes of the arthropods' nervous system. All of these advanced features have helped arthropods become one of the most successful phyla in the domain Eukarya.
Taxonomy:
Members of the phylum Arthropoda, known as arthropods, are organisms with segmented bodies, tough exoskeletons, and jointed
appendages. This phylum includes spiders, butterflies, shrimp, caterpillars,and lobsters, as well as many other creatures. A major subphylum of Arthropoda is Crustacea. Crustaceans typically have two pairs of antennae, two or three body sections, and chewing mouthparts called mandibles. Examples of organisms in this phylum are lobsters, crayfish, and crabs. Another major subphylum of Arthropoda is Chelicerata. These organisms include spiders, horseshoe crabs, ticks, mites, and scorpions. All of these organisms have mouthparts called chelicerae and two body sections, and nearly all have four pairs of walking legs. Insects and their relatives are in the subphylum Uniramia. These organisms have jaws, one pair of antennae, and unbranched appendages. Examples of insects are centipedes, millipedes, flies, bees, and
Ecology:
Grasshoppers lay their eggs in late summer and over winter they incubate in the soil. The grasshoppers prefer warm weather because it helps with their survival. Sometimes a bacterial disease is contracted when the weather is warm and humid this cause the grasshopper to climb to a high point and die. Grasshoppers eat leaves and only leaves. They are strict herbivores.
Observations:
The arthropod had a very high head to body size ratio compared to the other organisms we have dissected. It had complex eyes that enabled it to survive better than its evolutionary predecessors.
Chordata(Perch)
Comparative Structure and Functions:
Chordates are the most advanced phylum in the animal kingdom. Chordates all have three germ layers, bilateral symmetry, and a well developed coelom. Endoskeletons, sexual reproduction between male and female organisms, and brains with spinal chords are advancements that have allowed chordates to become so advanced and successful. Chordates also have segmented muscles which allow for advanced movement with larger bodies.
Taxonomy:
The phylum Chordata is a large phylum which contains animals that have a notochord at some stage in their development. The phylum has the subphylum Tunicata, Cephalochordata, and Vertebrata. Organisms in Tunicata are marine invertebrates such as Sea tulips. Cephalochordata is a very small subphylum, with only thirty species. These organisms are all primitive marine chordates in the class Lancelet. Vertebrata is the largest subphylum by far, with 57,000 species. These organisms are very diverse, but all have a vertebral column. Members of this group include cats, dogs, bears, deer, and humans.
Ecology:
To be classified as a chordate, an animal must have, at some point in its life, a dorsal, hollow nerve cord, a notochord, pharyngeal pouches, and a tail that extends beyond the anus. Chordates are both predators and prey to many organisms. Some chordates, such as mice, are prey for many types of larger organisms, while other chordates, such as lions, eats many types of smaller organisms. Chordates can be carnivores, omnivores, or herbivores. This diverse phylum is essential for the survival of our ecosystem.
The perch had a very developed skeletal system. Its skin was tough due to the scales. The digestive tract was thicker than in other organisms.
Chordates are the most advanced phylum in the animal kingdom. Chordates all have three germ layers, bilateral symmetry, and a well developed coelom. Endoskeletons, sexual reproduction between male and female organisms, and brains with spinal chords are advancements that have allowed chordates to become so advanced and successful. Chordates also have segmented muscles which allow for advanced movement with larger bodies.
Taxonomy:
The phylum Chordata is a large phylum which contains animals that have a notochord at some stage in their development. The phylum has the subphylum Tunicata, Cephalochordata, and Vertebrata. Organisms in Tunicata are marine invertebrates such as Sea tulips. Cephalochordata is a very small subphylum, with only thirty species. These organisms are all primitive marine chordates in the class Lancelet. Vertebrata is the largest subphylum by far, with 57,000 species. These organisms are very diverse, but all have a vertebral column. Members of this group include cats, dogs, bears, deer, and humans.
Ecology:
To be classified as a chordate, an animal must have, at some point in its life, a dorsal, hollow nerve cord, a notochord, pharyngeal pouches, and a tail that extends beyond the anus. Chordates are both predators and prey to many organisms. Some chordates, such as mice, are prey for many types of larger organisms, while other chordates, such as lions, eats many types of smaller organisms. Chordates can be carnivores, omnivores, or herbivores. This diverse phylum is essential for the survival of our ecosystem.
The perch had a very developed skeletal system. Its skin was tough due to the scales. The digestive tract was thicker than in other organisms.
Frog Lab
Taxonomy:
Frogs are classified into the amphibians group. They go from tadpoles and throughout time they grow different limbs and grow in size, from about an inch to 3 inches in the largest state of tadpole living. They are classified into the family Chordate. Chordates are any animal that possesses a notochord, hollow dorsal nerve cord, pharyngeal slits, an endostyle, and a post-anal tail for at least some period of their life cycles. The phylum includes vertebrata, which has mammals, amphibians, fish, and reptiles. This includes humans. Chordates have bilateral symmetry and usually display segmentation.
Ecology:
The frogs usually live near a stream or small river. They are able to go from aquatic to land animals whenever they want. However they lay their eggs in the water because the tadpoles need water around them to go from tadpole to baby frog.The frog's skin is able to absorb oxygen through it so that it can breathe underneath the water.
The frog's skin was moist. It had blue colored organs inside because of paint. The frog's ligaments were tough and difficult to cut through.
Taxonomy:
Frogs are classified into the amphibians group. They go from tadpoles and throughout time they grow different limbs and grow in size, from about an inch to 3 inches in the largest state of tadpole living. They are classified into the family Chordate. Chordates are any animal that possesses a notochord, hollow dorsal nerve cord, pharyngeal slits, an endostyle, and a post-anal tail for at least some period of their life cycles. The phylum includes vertebrata, which has mammals, amphibians, fish, and reptiles. This includes humans. Chordates have bilateral symmetry and usually display segmentation.
Ecology:
The frogs usually live near a stream or small river. They are able to go from aquatic to land animals whenever they want. However they lay their eggs in the water because the tadpoles need water around them to go from tadpole to baby frog.The frog's skin is able to absorb oxygen through it so that it can breathe underneath the water.
The frog's skin was moist. It had blue colored organs inside because of paint. The frog's ligaments were tough and difficult to cut through.