Ocean Zones Lab Report
Instructions: In the Ocean Zones Lab you explored organism adaptations that help them survive best in a particular habitat and observed how changing some of the factors in the ocean affect the organisms that live there. Record your observations in the lab report below. You will submit your completed report.
(30 points possible)
Name and Title (1 point)
Include your name, instructor's name, date, and name of lab.
Objective(s) (2 points)
In your own words, what was the purpose of this lab?
Hypothesis (5 points)
Write your hypothesis by completing the if/then statements below for each of the 5 trials.
Anglerfish in high light levels vs. low light levels If the light in the habitat is increased, then the anglerfish will have a (higher/lower) health rating.
Anglerfish in high pressure levels vs. low pressure levels If the pressure in the habitat is increased, then the anglerfish will have a (higher/lower) health rating.
Anemone in high salinity levels vs. low salinity levels If the salinity in the habitat is increased, then the anemone will have a (higher/lower) health rating.
Anemone in high pH levels vs. low pH levels. If the pH in the habitat in increased, then the anemone will have a (higher/lower) health rating.
Narwhal in high temperature vs. low temperature levels If the temperature in the habitat is increased, then the narwhal will have a (higher/lower) health rating.
Procedure
In this lab, you will meet three marine organisms who are searching for just the right habitat. Take a look at each one's profile, then make a prediction about what type of environment it would prefer. You will then conduct multiple trials.
For each one, you will write a hypothesis showing how an independent variable will affect the dependent variable (the health of the organism). You'll be able to test your hypothesis in controlled aquarium settings, and collect some data and observations for your report. Each trial will show the
health rating of the organism, which uses data about their activity and respiration to generate a number between 0 and 10, with 10 being the best health.
Data (10 points)
Record the health meter reading in the table below for each of the trials, and then record your observations of the organism's behavior.
Trial
Hypothesis
Independent Variable
Health Reading
Behavior Observations
Anglerfish
High light = 10 lux
Low light = 2 lux
Anglerfish
High pressure = 100 atm
Low pressure = 10 atm
Anemone
Low salinity = 28 ppt
High salinity = 36 ppt
Anemone
High pH = 8.3
Low pH = 6.7
Narwhal
High temperature = 18°C
Low temperature = 4°C
Conclusion (12 points)
Your conclusion will include a summary of the lab results and an interpretation of the results. Please write in complete sentences.
How did your hypotheses compare to the results for each trial?
Which independent variable affected the organism's health positively in each of the trials? Why do you think this occurred?
What types of behaviors were exhibited with high health ratings in each trial? What types of behaviors were exhibited with low health ratings for each trial?
Based on the results in the experiment, what can you infer are the habitat characteristics necessary to provide the highest health rating? Explain why.
