The Ciliate Classification lab was performed on 11/8. The purpose of this lab was to identify and classify our ciliates. Another objuective was to learn about evolution and we were introduced to the phylogenic tree. The goal of this experiment was for us to identify ciliates in our soil, and classify them based on morphological characteristics. The first step was to identify the soil texture. We measured the water, clay, and sand levels of our soil in the test tubes, using a ruler. The picture below shows the lines separating the water, clay, and sand. Next we calculated the percent of each component in the soil. My soil was 51.1% water, 15.6% clay, and 33% sand or sandy clay loam. After that, we began to identify our ciliates. We added a little bit more water to the plates, or enough water to create run off. Next we observed the soil under the dissecting microscope. I was not able to see any ciliates under the dissecting microscope, so I then took 15 μl of my soil and placed it on a concave slide. I attemped to observe ciliates under the compound microscope 5 times but I could not find any in each sample I pulled from my soil. Since I was unable to find any ciliates in my soil, I took a 15 μl sample from my partner, Evelynne’s soil. After 2 tries, I was able to find 1 ciliate. The ciliate was extremely small and oval shaped. There was cilia lined around the circumference of the ciliate. Possible sources of errors for my experiment could be just picking soil from the wrong location. My soil was very sandy and murky, so it was extremely difficult to see any ciliates. While I was not able to find any ciliates in my soil, I did learn about the evolution of ciliates, and I learned about the different classes of ciliates and their morphology. The next step for me would probably be to use a different soil sample and culture the ciliates in a different type of soil. My soil is stored in the middle drawer and it is labelled as LNMF1731.