Objective/Rationale/Rational:

The objective of this lab was to apply to basic concepts of evolution using the provided phylogenetic tree, specifically focusing on how they relate to us and the ciliates in the soil samples we collected.  In addition, we used the morphology knowledge that we have collected over the past few weeks and with our pre-lab to help us classify the ciliates we could possible observe in our soil samples.  This information will then be used to make our final presentation.  Additionally, we learned how to set up and preform a soil texture assay with the soil we collected.  The overall purpose of this lab was to continue the third part of the lab, the experimental phase, and continue to apply the exercises used in the previous labs to research on our own.

Procedure:

1. Obtain previously collected soil samples bags and a test tube.
2. Fill the test tube with 4ml of soil then fill the test tube with tap water until it reaches 10ml.
3. Place a drop of 2% sodium pyrophosphate texture dispersing into the test tube then place on vector separator to combine the sample.
4. Write soil identifier code on the test tube then place on the desired test tube rack.
5. Obtain your prepared soil sample and place desired amount of 5ul drops of the water on a concavity slide.
6. Use a compound microscope to observe the material and locate ciliates.  If you are able culture some ask the instructor for help.
7. Take pictures and record observations as desired.
8. Properly clean slides and place to dry then properly put away the microscope, making sure the station is clean. Properly put away soil samples.

Data:

Observations from the soil samples:

Unknown Ciliate	Observations: Very small, about the size of the soil particles.  Was constantly swimming in a circle, both clockwise and counterclockwise.  It did not change general area a lot.
Possibly Rotifer	Observations:  Very aggressive when moving, moving by inching but was always attached to something.  Looked slug-like.  Appeared to be eating the soil.

Storage:

Properly put soil samples where they are needed, both the bag and the dish.  Properly clean the slides and leave them to dry in their desired spot.  Properly put away microscope.

Conclusion/Interpretation/Next Steps:

The experiments done in lab today allowed us to continue to apply the techniques we have learned this semester to our own experiment with our soil samples.  Although they were the same original samples as last week, this experiment allowed us to see ciliates that we may not have seen the previous week and to see if there were any changes in our sample.  This week we were able to begin identifying the ciliates based off the information provided and the information we found during the pre-lab unlike last week when we just made general observations.  During this lab I was able to take pictures of the ciliates and I was not able to last week because they were moving too fast.  This lab was also completed within the allotted time and I did not have to come back for open lab.  Additionally, this lab also allowed us to work individually once again rather than working in groups, however, advice from our partners and their observations allowed us to see the similarities and the diversity within the samples.  Going forward, the observations made throughout our group will be used in our presentation so taking good notes, videos, and pictures were desired.  Based off the observations made in lab this week I am excited to the different ciliates found based off the information that was given to us this week.  Lastly, I’m looking forward to the possible conclusions we can make on the soil at Baylor based off the ciliates living within it for the presentation.