Invertebrate
Zoology Culture Project
Culture Project
Collect either an aquatic
or terrestrial invertebrate organism (or groups of invertebrate organisms
from one species), and then complete the following:
1.
Identify it/them as closely as possible, using taxonomic
keys
2. Keep it/them alive in the lab for up to a month (this timeline will depend on your critter and its life cycle); observe
as much of life cycle as possible (molting, egg laying, mating, eating, competing).
3. Keep notes on the culture (living) requirements:
a.
habitat (where found, culture medium, bedding and container)
b.
water (including humidity)
c.
food and feeding
d.
light and temperature
e.
parasites and predators
f.
reproduction
4. Present results to class in 10-15 minutes
a.
Provide a brief introduction to your critter, including taxonomy
and any other relevant background information.
b.
Describe your collection and culture methods.
c.
Explain the life cycle of your critter and what part(s)
you have observed.
d.
Detail the behaviors you have observed.
e.
Describe how this project has contributed
(or not) to your understanding of the biology of invertebrates.
5. Grades will be based on completeness, difficulty,
success of project, and quality of presentation to class.
The format of your presentation is flexible; the most important requirement is that you have your live critter when you present!
You may find these websites useful:
iNaturalist
www.petbugs.com (this site is temporarily down)
http://www.amentsoc.org/insects/caresheets/
http://www.amentsoc.org/insects/what-bug-is-this/adult-key.html
www.bugguide.net
Ask an entomologist
Keeping insects
http://www.accessexcellence.org/LC/SS/leechlove.html
http://animals.jrank.org/pages/2248/Pronunciation-Guide-Scientific-Names.html
http://www.whatdocricketseat.info/
http://molluscs.at/gastropoda/index.html?/gastropoda/main.html
http://www.wikihow.com/Care-for-Slugs
Growing Dinoflagellates at Home