Making Connections
Conclusion
I enjoyed working on this creek research project. The project helped me learn how to collect data on my own, learn how to organize my findings, and use more tools and resources in the biotechnology field. The project helped me make connections between animal life and plant life and how they can thrive together in the same space.
From the tests done with the water kit I became able to relate these different tests to each other. I learned what each test did and how it contributed to the life in the area. Such as pH levels, some animals can survive with higher or lower pH balances than others, although they are all fairly relative.
Atmospheric temperature and weather can relate to the life in the habitat. When it gets too cold or hot animals will have trouble surviving and thriving, causing their population to lower. Days when the wind was lower and the temperature was warmer the more bird songs I could hear. When the winds were low I could hear more bugs than when the wind was blowing stronger. I could also see more living creatures out when temperature was warmer, along with hearing them.
Water temperature can relate to the aquatic habitat. The water temperature stayed very consistent and I think this is due to the canopy. To thrive many species have to live in cold temperature water and a consistent 8-10°C is good creek temperature for thriving life.
The plant growth varied based on the water flow of the creek. At some parts of the creek the water is deep and slow moving. In other places, the water moves fast. Some places along the river almost dry up all the way. Based on the water amount and the flow I think there is an effect on the abundance of plant life. When I took my dissolved oxygen test it was right after a riffle that was coming from a deep part of the creek. I think because white water was present it could have some affect on the test, including the other tests too.
I observed pollution in the creek in the form of trash, which has a negative affect on creek life. The litter varied from plastic food containers, to cardboard boxes, to glass bottles, to clothing. The trash should not be in the creek. Plastics are especially detrimental due to the fact that they are not biodegradable. Luckily I did not observe any liquids seeping or spilled in to the creek. Trash becomes a major issue in the creek when it starts to do damage to the wild life. Things in the creek can seep their chemical coating in to the water and compromise any aquatic species life.
In conclusion, this was an enjoyable final project. I got to broaden my horizons in field research. I learned what variables have effect on the creek, such as pH, temperature, and dissolved oxygen. Also, I found out the impact of creeks in our everyday life, and how I can help make our creeks healthier. This experience has made me more aware of creeks in my every day life. I have a new appreciation for them.
From the tests done with the water kit I became able to relate these different tests to each other. I learned what each test did and how it contributed to the life in the area. Such as pH levels, some animals can survive with higher or lower pH balances than others, although they are all fairly relative.
Atmospheric temperature and weather can relate to the life in the habitat. When it gets too cold or hot animals will have trouble surviving and thriving, causing their population to lower. Days when the wind was lower and the temperature was warmer the more bird songs I could hear. When the winds were low I could hear more bugs than when the wind was blowing stronger. I could also see more living creatures out when temperature was warmer, along with hearing them.
Water temperature can relate to the aquatic habitat. The water temperature stayed very consistent and I think this is due to the canopy. To thrive many species have to live in cold temperature water and a consistent 8-10°C is good creek temperature for thriving life.
The plant growth varied based on the water flow of the creek. At some parts of the creek the water is deep and slow moving. In other places, the water moves fast. Some places along the river almost dry up all the way. Based on the water amount and the flow I think there is an effect on the abundance of plant life. When I took my dissolved oxygen test it was right after a riffle that was coming from a deep part of the creek. I think because white water was present it could have some affect on the test, including the other tests too.
I observed pollution in the creek in the form of trash, which has a negative affect on creek life. The litter varied from plastic food containers, to cardboard boxes, to glass bottles, to clothing. The trash should not be in the creek. Plastics are especially detrimental due to the fact that they are not biodegradable. Luckily I did not observe any liquids seeping or spilled in to the creek. Trash becomes a major issue in the creek when it starts to do damage to the wild life. Things in the creek can seep their chemical coating in to the water and compromise any aquatic species life.
In conclusion, this was an enjoyable final project. I got to broaden my horizons in field research. I learned what variables have effect on the creek, such as pH, temperature, and dissolved oxygen. Also, I found out the impact of creeks in our everyday life, and how I can help make our creeks healthier. This experience has made me more aware of creeks in my every day life. I have a new appreciation for them.