Laboratory Manual in Biology

Name: Peña, Leda Joy B. CYS: BSFT-NS-1A Date: January 7, 2021

A. Flow the Energy in an Ecosystem

1. Refer to the figure below

A food web shows the many interconnecting food chains in a community.

a. Name at least two examples of Herbivores. Bird and Grasshopper

b. Name at least two examples of third order consumers in the diagram. Snake and Eagle

c. What do broken lines mean? It represents the remaining feeding pathways not included
in identification of trophic levels.

d. If we were to add earthworms in the diagram, where should we put them? After Eagle, it
serves as a food to them.
Laboratory Manual in Biology

B. Ecological Relationship

The purpose of this exercise is to illustrate the interactions among members of the biotic
community.

1. Compare the different ecological relationships as to their effect on the participating

organisms. Do this try filing up the Table below. Use the following symbols in the filing up the
spaces:

+ If the organism is benefited by the relationship

- If the organism is harmed by the relationship

0 If the organism is neither benefited nor harmed by the relationship

Ecological Examples Individual A Individual B

Relationship
Mutualism Butterfly and flower + +
Commensalism Sea anemone and 0 0
clownish
Predation Hawk and Chick + -
Parasitism Dog and tick - +
Competition Owl and Eagle (both 0 0
feeding on mice)

Describe a balanced ecosystem as the best you can

 A balanced ecosystem represents a sustainable habitat of interdependent animals,

plants, and microorganisms and their environment. Balanced ecosystems display
efficient energy and material cycling and interconnectedness between primary producers
and predators.

Experiment on Population Ecology: Modelling the Carrying Capacity of the Earth

How many people can the Earth hold? What will happen if the birth rate keeps increasing? How
can you construct a model of population growth?

Materials: 3 large bowls, 3 cups, water

Procedure:

1. Label three large bowls Birth, Earth and Death. Fill the Birth and Earth bowls three quarters
full with water. Leave the Death bowl empty
Laboratory Manual in Biology

2. Using one-cup measure takes water at regular intervals (such as every 5 seconds) from the
Birth Bow; and pour it into the Earth bowl. Using the same intervals, have your group use
quarter-cup measure to remove water from the Earth bowl and put it into the Death bowl.

3. Continue this process until the Earth bowl is about to over flow.

Observation and Results

Draw a schematic diagram of your experiment in modelling the Earth carrying capacity.

Analysis

1. What do water levels in each of the bowls represent?

 Water levels represents the population of the earth.

2. What does the change in water level in the Earth bowl represent? How does it relate to
population growth? Is this growth positive or negative?

 The change of birth rate or population. The change of water level as it decreases either increase
has a negative and positive side. As the birth increases the environmental issue will also increases
but it is a positive side
3. Design an experiment to model zero population growth. What modifications would have to be
made to the experiment you just performed?

 The modification must be including the rate of birth and death must be similar to have a zero-
model population.
Laboratory Manual in Biology

Solving an Ecological Problem

Identify a community or school environmental problem that has become quite serious and is in
need of immediate attention.

1. State the environmental problem.

Household and Industrial Waste/Solid Waste.

2. What is/are its cause(s)?

The overutilization of assets and the formation of plastics are making a worldwide emergency of waste
transfer. Developed nations are infamous for creating an unreasonable measure of waste or junk and
dumping their waste in the seas and, less created nations.

3. What are its effects on the community or in school?

An inefficient municipal solid waste management system may create serious negative environmental
impacts like infectious diseases, land and water pollution, obstruction of drains and loss of biodiversity.

4. What can you to help solve it? Make an Action Plan. (Attach separate sheet)

Replace disposable items with reusable.

 Carry your own reusable cup or water bottle.

 Use airtight, reusable food containers instead of sandwich bags and plastic wrap.
 Pack a waste-free lunch: carry your utensils, cloth napkin, and containers in an reusable lunch bag
 Bring your own bags to the grocery store.
 Consider buying bulk containers of your preferred beverages and refilling a reusable bottle, instead
of buying individually-packaged drinks.
 Use rechargeable batteries.
Laboratory Manual in Biology

Recycle

Implementing recycling habits into your daily life is one of the most effective ways to help lessen landfill
waste, conserve natural resources, save habitats, reduce pollution, cut down on energy consumption, and
slow down global warming.

 Confirm you are using the proper separation containers for your household per the local recycling
services.
 Remember to make sure your trash bags are recycled or biodegradable, and always cut up the
plastic rings from packs of beer or soda to prevent wildlife from getting caught
 Educate yourself about what can and cannot be recycled, as not all plastic and cardboard is
acceptable (like pizza boxes for example, due to the grease).
 Learn how to identify and dispose of hazardous waste properly.