Ecology Laboratory Research Articles

Teaching Microbiome Analysis: From Design to Computation Through Inquiry.

In this article, we present our three-class course sequence to educate students about microbiome analysis and metagenomics through experiential learning by taking them from inquiry to analysis of the microbiome: Molecular Ecology Lab, Bioinformatics, and Computational Microbiome Analysis. Students developed hypotheses, designed lab experiments, sequenced the DNA from microbiomes, learned basic python/R scripting, became proficient in at least one microbiome analysis software, and were able to analyze data generated from the microbiome experiments. While over 150 students (graduate and undergraduate) were impacted by the development of the series of courses, our assessment was only on undergraduate learning, where 45 students enrolled in at least one of the three courses and 4 students took all three. Students gained skills in bioinformatics through the courses, and several positive comments were received through surveys and private correspondence. Through a summative assessment, general trends show that students became more proficient in comparative genomic techniques and had positive attitudes toward their abilities to bridge biology and bioinformatics. While most students took individual or 2 of the courses, we show that pre- and post-surveys of these individual classes still showed progress toward learning objectives. It is expected that students trained will enter the workforce with skills needed to innovate in the biotechnology, health, and environmental industries. Students are trained to maximize impact and tackle real world problems in biology and medicine with their learned knowledge of data science and machine learning. The course materials for the new microbiome analysis course are available on Github: https://github.com/EESI/Comp_Metagenomics_resources.

Growth and Production of Sweet Corn (Zea mays var. Saccharata) with Organic and Anorganic Fertilizer in Kendal

This study aims to examine the response of growth and production of sweet corn plants in application of organic and inorganic fertilizers. The research was conducted on July - October 2019 in Merbuh Village, Singorojo Sub-District, Kendal District and at Ecology and Plant Production Laboratory, Faculty of Animal and Agricultural Sciences, Diponegoro University, Semarang. The study used a randomized block design with 7 monofactor treatments with and each experimental unit was repeated 4 times. The treatments consisted of inorganic fertilizer (P0), chicken manure+inorganic (P1), goat manure+inorganic (P2), cow manure+inorganic (P3), chicken manure ‘plus’ (P4), goat manure ‘plus’ (P5), cow manure ‘plus’ (P6). Data were analyzed by variance and for treatments that showed signoficant differences further tests were carried out using DMRT at the 5% level. The observed variables were plant height, number of leaves, stalk diameter, cob production with cornhusk, and cob production without cornhusk. The results showed that the application of organic and inorganic fertilizers only affected stalk diameter. Stalk diameter in cow manure+inorganic gave the highest results compared to other treatments. There is no influence on variables observed shows that the addition of gamal leaves as a source of N-organic and phosphate rock (BP) as P-organic in manure plus (chicken, goat, cow) can be an alternative solution to substitute inorganic fertilizers (urea and TSP) on sweet corn plant.

Germination and Seedling Leaf Chlorophyll Content of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Grown under Industrial Wastewater Condition

The tobacco industry is one of the biggest industries in the world generates and disposes large quantities of wastewater in the environment which may be toxic to the plant, animal, public health as well as environment. Therefore, an experiment was conducted during November, 2019 at Crop Physiology and Ecology Laboratory, Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University, Dinajpur, Bangladesh to observe the effects of tobacco industry wastewater on germination, early seedling growth and seedling leaf chlorophyll content of wheat (TriticumaestivumL.). Three wheat genotypes (BARI Gom 28, BARI Gom 29 and BAW 1177) and two growing conditions (normal tap water and tobacco industry wastewater) were assigned in a completely randomized design with three replications in germination test. Results showed that germination characteristics, seedling growth and chlorophyll content in leaf of seedling significantly influenced by wheat genotype, growing condition and their interaction. Irrigation with tobacco industry wastewater lowered the germination percentage, rate of germination, co-efficient of germination and vigor index. However, seedlings irrigated with tobacco industry wastewater produced longer shoot and root as compared to seedlings irrigated with tap water. Similarly, tobacco industry wastewater increased the shoot and root dry weight but reduced the chlorophyll content in leaf of seedling. Among the three wheat genotypes, BAW 1177 performed better under both tap water and wastewater conditions regarding germination, early growth and chlorophyll content in leaf of seedling.
 The Agriculturists 2020; 18(1) 10-17

The growth and yield of Moringa oleifera Lam. as affected by plant spacing and cutting interval

Moringa (Moringa oleifera L.) is a multipurpose plant with high nutritional composition and for its use in bioactive compounds. A field study was carried out to investigate the the growth and of Moringa as affected by different plant spacing and cutting interval. The study was carried out in research field of the Laboratory of Ecology and Plant Production, Agriculture Department, Faculty of Animal and Agricultural Sciences Diponegoro University, Semarang. A split- plot experimental design was set up with plant spacing as main plot factor and cutting interval as sub plot factor. The Moringa plants were observed at three plant spacings: 50 cm x 10 cm; 40 cm x 12,5 cm; and 20 cm x 25 cm, and cutting intervals (60 and 90 day after planting (dap), with three times replications. Parameters evaluated were plant height, stem diameter, fresh matter yield and dry matter yield. Separately, plant spacing and cutting interval significantly affected the plant height, stem diameter, fresh matter yield and dry matter yield. There were no interaction result between those two treatments on parameters observed. In conclusion, for gaining maximum growth and yield production, moringa should be established as food and fodder purpose at plant spacing of (20 cm × 25 cm) with optimum cutting interval of 90 dap.

Concept Map Assessment Reveals Short-Term Community-Engaged Fieldwork Enhances Sustainability Knowledge.

Today’s rapidly changing world calls for sustainability-minded scientists who are prepared to solve complex, interconnected problems. Service learning is a pedagogical approach that allows students to engage with the needs of the community by integrating academic work with complex civic issues. Student learning was examined during a short-term service-learning experience focused on water-quality monitoring in an urban watershed to determine whether community-engaged fieldwork in an upper-level ecology lab course enhances sustainability knowledge for future biologists. We used concept map scoring methods and reflection assessments to evaluate and understand changes in the structure and content of student knowledge as a result of the experience. Students showed increases in sustainability knowledge breadth, depth, and complexity, particularly in demonstrating biological–sociological connections. Student reflections indicated most students identified at least one community-engaged serving-learning objective as a result of this experience. These results suggest that community-engaged fieldwork can illustrate ecological and sociological sustainability concepts for students and that engagement works best when we make explicit our objective of engaging communities in the learning process. Short service-learning experiences are effective, can be quickly assessed using concept maps, and can be readily incorporated in other classrooms to enhance sustainability education.

RESPON BIOLOGIS BEBERAPA JENIS PARASITOID PADA LALAT PENGGOROK DAUN Liriomyza huidobrensis BLANCHARD

This research conducted to know the biological responses of leaf miner parasitoid Liriomyza huidobrensis is Hemyptarsenus varicomis Girault (Eulophidae), Opius sp (Braconidae) and Gronotoma micromorpha (Eucoilidae). Three species of parasitoid chosen as the substance of research caused by biological agent superiorities. On this research, there are some observed that is long life imagoes, preoviposition, oviposition period, after oviposition, The egg-laying rate, fertilization, daily fertilization, mortality and female proportion. This research was conducted for four-month at Ecology Laboratory and Insect Systematics and at the Green House of Pest and Plant Diseases Department, Faculty of Agriculture Udayana University in Denpasar. Used substance of host kidney bean (Vigna sinensis L ) host insect ( L. Huidobrensis ) and species of the parasitoid (H.varicornis, Opius sp and G.micromorpha) The experiments using randomized complete block design was used in this research. The observed results indicated that betwen three species of parasitoid used H.varicornis has preoviposition period and time after oviposition shortest so that to reproduce generation of H.varicornis faster than G.micromopha and Opius sp. At the meantime the fertilization level, and best female proportion produced of H.varicornis. Mortality on G.micromorpha and O.liriomyzae cause of paralyzing and host- feeding by H.varicornis. Mortality on G.micromorpha and Opius sp influential to female proportion number that produced that is the mortality of female generation caused of paralyzing and host-feeding by H. varicornis, So that fertilizing level, parasitisation level and female proportion higher happen if G.micromorpha or Opius sp released after releasing H. varicornis

Snow cover study in the zone of influence of the Severonickel plant

The article discusses the problems associated with the anthropogenic impact of the Severonickel plant on the environment in the Murmansk region of the Russian Federation. Due to the operation of this plant, sulfur compounds and metal-containing aerosols prevail in the structure of atmospheric emissions of the Murmansk region. In order to identify the main areas of impact of the Severonickel plant, snow samples were taken directly near the industrial site, as well as at points north and south of the plant, as well as in the city of Monchegorsk and its environs. The evaluation of the concentration of heavy metals was carried out in the ecological and analytical laboratory of the Department of Environmental Management and in the laboratory of atomic absorption of the Department of Landscape Geochemistry, Faculty of Geography, Moscow State University. The highest values of the index of total pollution with heavy metals of snow are observed at sampling points located 750-1000 m north of the industrial zone, as well as at the point located 2.5 km northeast of Monchegorsk, at the intersection of the Kola highway and the railway station highway. According to 2017, the reaction rim of influence of the enterprise can be traced much further south and north. If according to the data of 2019, the points with significant indices of total pollution are located 2.5–3 km to the north and south of the plant, then, according to 2017, the influence of production can be traced in the radius of 8–10 km. Most likely, this difference in indicators is due to the frequency of winds. In 2019, the transfer of pollutants was much less active.

Use of Combined Irradiation in Grow Light

Effective cultivation of plants with grow light is possible only under optical radiation of a certain spectral composition. The cheapest way to generate optical radiation is with the help of high pressure sodium lamps. However, their spectral composition is not fully acceptable for grow light. LEDs allow you to set almost any spectrum, but their cost is quite high. ( Research purpose ) To prove the spectral composition of the LED emitter-corrector used in grow light in addition to sodium lamps theoretically and practically. ( Materials and methods ) The authors experimentally studied the effectiveness of combined irradiation in the Laboratory of Energy Ecology of Grow Light at the Institute of Agroengineering and Environmental Problems of Agricultural Production under the irradiation of Blagovest tomato seedlings. They investigated the biometric indicators of plants. The production experiment was carried out in the greenhouse plant Mezhvidi (Latvia) on adult Encore tomato plants for three options: the first – under sodium lamps; the second – with LED irradiators; the third – with a combination of sodium lamps and corrector. The effect of the irradiator on the plants was evaluated by the magnitude of the fluctuating asymmetry of bilateral signs of the leaf blade. ( Results and discussion ) The authors found out that the use of the corrector improved the seedlings biometric parameters: increased the number of leaves, their wet weight, the content of chlorophyll and dry substance in them. It was noted that in the greenhouse the least favorable light environment was formed under sodium lamps, and LED irradiators created more comfortable conditions. They confirmed that the use of a corrector provided the best light environment. They revealed an increase in the yield of tomato fruits and their taste when using combined irradiation. ( Conclusions ) The authors proved that to correct the spectrum of HPS lamp 400, a corrector photon flux of 71.2 micromoles per second is required, while the ratio of blue and far-red LEDs fluxes should be 64 and 36 percent respectively.

SEASONAL MICROALTERNATIONS OF ECG SIGNAL IN STUDENTS OF A NOTHERN UNIVERSITY

The research addresses the seasonal dynamics of electrophysiological properties of the myocardium in students who live and study in the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug -Yugra, Russia. The main method of the research was the dispersion mapping of low-amplitude cardiocycle oscillations. The indicators of the electrophysiological properties of the myocardium were recorded in the Human Ecology Laboratory of Nizhnevartovsk State University using the CardioVisor-06s computer-based heart screening system. Eighty 2nd and 3rd year students participated in the research. Microalternations of the ECG signal were recorded four times per year, once in each season. The electrophysiological activity of the myocardium was analyzed and showed seasonal dynamics. The myocardial microalternation index and the Rhythm indicator increased from summer to winter and reached maximum in spring. Increased integral indicators of dispersion mapping in spring may indicate the climatic impact. The transitional season puts greater stress on the functional reserves of the body, which was manifested by the observed alternations in the electrophysiological activity of the myocardium. The maximum heart rates in spring indicate a lower efficiency of the heart muscle and the exhaustion of the chronotropic reserve. The increased values of the Rhythm indicator also point to a greater tension in the regulatory system in the cold seasons. At the end of winter and in spring, the myocardial activity in students of Nizhnevartovsk State University reached the upper limit of the physiological norm and their functional reserves were reduced.

Anatomia ecológica foliar de <i>Myrcia guianensis</i> (Aubl.) DC. na Restinga Cearense

A anatomia foliar ecológica do gênero Myrcia DC. ainda é pouco estudada. A espécie Myrcia guianensis (Aubl.) DC., popularmente conhecida como mapirunga, ocorre em região de litoral no estado do Ceará e possui importância ecológica e potencial medicinal. Objetivou-se caracterizar a anatomia foliar ecológica dessa espécie nas estações de chuva e seca, bem como, ao sol e à sombra na Restinga cearense. Para isso, foram realizadas coletas no Jardim Botânico de São Gonçalo de folhas totalmente expandidas e fixadas em FAA70, sendo substituído por etanol 70% após 24 horas. Seguiu-se para os procedimentos anatômicos usuais no Laboratório de Ecologia da Universidade Estadual do Ceará, a fim de analisar qualitativamente e quantitativamente as estruturas da lâmina foliar, pecíolo e paradérmico. Como resultados obteve-se a presença de características que contribuem para sua sobrevivência em ambiente de Restinga com períodos de deficit hídrico e alta taxa de luminosidade, tais como: presença de cutícula levemente espessa, folha hipoestomática, aumento da densidade estomática em folhas de sol, presença de fibras abundantes nos feixes vasculares da nervura central e presença de drusas. Portanto, conclui-se que a planta em estudo possui grande capacidade aclimatativa às condições analisadas (intensa luminosidade e períodos de deficit hídrico).

Stonefly Larvae Push-ups: A Behavioral Ecology Lab Exercise

Stonefly Larvae Push-ups: A Behavioral Ecology Lab Exercise

Water Logging in South-Western Coastal Region of Bangladesh: Causes and Consequences and People’s Response

Aim: Since decades, a major part of south-western coastal region of Bangladesh is being affected by water logging – a problem related to climate change along with some manmade activities. Therefore, the study was conducted to assess the causes and consequences of this problem and highlights the responses of affected people to attract policy planners’ intention for taking proper intervention.
 Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in the Laboratory of Plant Ecology, Department of Crop Botany, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, Bangladesh.
 Methodology: Qualitative and quantitative techniques have been applied to collect and analyze both the primary and secondary sources of data from various waterlogged areas of south west Bangladesh.
 Results: There is no single or a few factors are responsible for creating water-logging problem rather it is a combination of several factors and their cumulative effects over time. It is revealed from the analysis of primary and secondary sources of information that death of Mathavanga River in the 20th century, execution of Coastal Embankment Project since 1960’s, withdrawing water flow to the Padma River through operating the Farakka barrage after independent of Bangladesh, improper management of rivers, faulty land-use by influential people in the areas, monsoon downpour etc are major causes of the problem. The silted up river systems in area could not drain monsoon rain that occurred even for a couple of days. The consequences brought to inundate hundred thousand hectares of cultivable land unsuitable for crop production. More than one million people are directly affected in the areas and the number is gradually increasing over the years. Water stagnancy around the settlement areas remains 6 to 9 months in a year and many places became permanently waterlogged. The affected people have no other way out but to live with water. The congested water is polluted with salinity, chemical effluents with heavy metals, household debris’s and related other pollutants. Source of safe drinking water is destroyed. Therefore incidences of waterborne and skin diseases are increased. People are living with greatest inhumanity as food, shelter, sanitation, communications, educations and other prime needs are tremendously challenged. Many people lost their occupations and became destitute, some altered their livelihood to much lower grades, and many of them are forced to migrate to city areas. The marooned people demanded to the authority to declare their places as an affected area and sought the government intervention to bring an end to the crisis through operating the Tidal River Management plan and excavating or re-excavating of associated rivers, channels and rivulets.
 Conclusion: The authority need to pay keen attention to the issue and should take proper initiative to mitigate the water-logging problem permanently to save people living in the south western coastal region of Bangladesh.

ХІМІКО-БІОЛОГІЧНИЙ ФАКУЛЬТЕТ ТЕРНОПІЛЬСЬКОГО НАЦІОНАЛЬНОГО ПЕДАГОГІЧНОГО УНІВЕРСИТЕТУ ІМЕНІ ВОЛОДИМИРА ГНАТЮКА: ІСТОРІЯ, СЬОГОДЕННЯ, ПЕРСПЕКТИВИ (до 80-річчя заснування)

The facts and figures related to the 80-year history of formation and development of the Faculty of Chemistry and Biology of Ternopil Volodymyr Hnatiuk National Pedagogical University are provided. The main stages of foundation, development of the faculty, achievements of the teaching staff in educational and research work are highlighted.
 The structural elements of the faculty are characterized: the department of botany and zoology, general biology and methods of instruction of natural sciences, chemistry and methods of its teaching, laboratory of biology and ecology “Holytskyi botany and entomology preserve of the university", agrobiological laboratory, “Educational laboratory of morphology and systematics of plants - herbarium”, educational and methodical room “Zoological Museum”, laboratory of ecobiotechnologies and basics of health, laboratory of experimental biology, Botanical Garden, within which the Biblical Botanical Garden was launched in 2019. 
 The following qualifications and majors are enlisted, in particular: bachelor’s degree - 014 Secondary education (Biology), 014 Secondary education (Biology and human health), 014 Secondary education (Chemistry), 014 Secondary education (Natural sciences), 202 Plant protection and quarantine; master’s degree - 014 Secondary education (Biology and human health), 014 Secondary education (Chemistry), 014 Secondary education (Natural sciences), 091 Biology, 102 Chemistry.
 Considerable attention is paid to scientific work, in particular research laboratories: cytoembryology, plant physiology and microbiology, ecological biochemistry, comparative biochemistry and molecular biology, ecology and biotechnology, ecotoxicology and bioindication, chemistry of unsaturated compounds, as well as scientific and methodological center of natural sciences. 
 It should be emphasized that the faculty creates ample opportunities for postgraduate work, and PhD studies both TNPU-based and in other educational and scientific institutions, as well as for scientific publications in «Scientific Notes of Ternopil Volodymyr Hnatiuk National Pedagogical University. Series: Biology.» (category B) and “Scientific notes of Ternopil Volodymyr Hnatiuk National Pedagogical University. Series: Chemistry ".
 Career counselling is an integral part of work carried out at the faculty. Prospects for further development of the faculty are outlined.

Analysis of Stable Isotopes for Cambarus carinirostris, Cambarus robustus, and Faxonius obscurus in Kings Creek.

Crayfish, being ecosystem engineers, are essential parts of ecosystems. They are perceived as omnivorous benthic organisms and opportunistic feeders. The goal of this study is to understand the trophic position of three species of crayfish (Cambarus carinirostris, Cambarus robustus, and Faxonius obscurus) in Kings Creek, a stream in Northern West Virginia. Since no two species can share the same niche space in nature, we are inspired to question how these crayfish are partitioned in the stream. Community structure and interspecific trophic relegation can be analyzed using the stable isotopes, Carbon-13 and Nitrogen-15. These isotopes are necessary to construct the trophic dynamics of Kings Creek. The higher the δC13 and δN15 signatures are, the higher an organism sits trophically. This study aims to determine how the crayfish are oriented trophically within the community and intraspecifically through development. In addition to representative species for each tropic level, ten of each crayfish species were collected and frozen for at least 48 hours. All samples were prepared accordingly and sent to the University of Georgia’s Stable Isotope Ecology Laboratory to be processed and analyzed. Our analyses show that C. carinirostris, C. robustus, and F. obscurus are independent of one another in the food web indicating diet partitioning. Out of the three species, F. obscurus held the highest trophic position indicating it feeds off a different food source.

Makrozoobentos Diversity in Various Substrates Type in Way Sindalapai River, Liwa Botanical Garden

The study of macrozoobenthos diversity in Way Sindalapai River can be used as one of the basic concepts in sustainable resource management in Liwa Botanical Garden area. Macrozoobenthos has an important role in the aquatic ecosystem, such as a food source for aquatic biota and as a detritivore. This study aims to determine the diversity of macrozoobenthos based on different sediment substrates in Way Sindalapai River, Liwa Botanical Garden, West Lampung. This study uses a purposive sampling method based on differences in the sediment substrates: muddy, sandy, rocky, and scrub with 3 replications. Sampling was carried out using a stratified filter and tweezers to separate the organism from the substrate. Samples were preserved in 70% alcohol and were identified by identification books at the Ecology Laboratory, FMIPA Universitas Lampung. The results of the study found 10 macrozoobenthos orders with a total of 155 individuals included in 13 families. The results of the calculation of diversity index values (H ') macrozoobenthos for all types of 2.26 (medium category). The highest macrozoobenthos dominance index (D) of the four substrates is in the rocky substrate that is 0.41 (low category). While the evenness index value (E) of macrozoobenthos in the Sindalapai Way River was 0.44 (medium category).

Influência das condições ambientais de armazenamento na qualidade fisiológica de sementes de Mimosa tenuiflora (Willd.) Poir.

Storage is a fundamental practice in the control of physiological seed quality since it is a method that can preserve seed viability and vigor for a longer period. Thus, this study aimed to analyze the influence of storage in the physiological quality of seeds of “jurema-preta” (Mimosa tenuiflora (Willd)) in different environments and packages. The experiment was conducted in the Laboratory of Ecology and Botany (CDSA/UFCG), using seeds collected from matrix trees in the municipality of Sumé (Paraíba State, Brazil). The seeds were homogenized and placed in different packages (Kraft paper bag and glass packaging). After that, they were stored under laboratory conditions and in a freezer for nine months. In each and every month of storage, the following characteristics were evaluated: moisture content, emergence, emergence speed index, seedling length. The seeds stored in freezer in glass packaging showed the best results for all evaluated parameters, whereas the seeds stored in paper bags at room temperature lost their germination vigor after 120 days of storage. Thus, storage in glass packaging, in freezer, is more appropriate for storing seeds of Mimosa tenuiflora (Willd).

Exploring Species Interactions with "Snapshot Serengeti"

Authentic learning experiences are a valuable way for students to gain an in-depth understanding of the scientific process. However, implementing such experiences in large enrollment courses can be challenging. Here, we present a community ecology lab module that uses data from a long-term camera trap study to allow students to design and conduct their own scientific inquiries. "Snapshot Serengeti" is a 10+ year wildlife monitoring survey in Serengeti National Park, Tanzania. Over 200 camera traps continuously collect fine-scale spatial and temporal data on the dynamics of ~50 animal species. The charismatic subject matter (large African animals) engages students, encouraging excitement about the topic, while the ample amount of processed data enables students to conduct real ecological research. In this lab, students collaborate in all stages of the research process. We present two lab variations: a four-week in-person and five-week remote-learning online option. From this module, students learn to generate testable research questions, produce and interpret graphs, participate in peer review, and communicate their results in both oral and written format. While originally developed for a 1000-level introduction biology course for non-majors, this material could easily be adapted to provide authentic hypothesis testing and data analysis experience to biology majors. In addition to a greater awareness of community ecology principles, students will come away from this lab with a better understanding of how exploratory research fits into the scientific process and confidence in their own ability to engage in the process of science. <em>Primary image: </em>Captured by camera trap - a wildebeest and zebra grazing in the Serengeti: Using camera trap images such as this from the long-term camera trapping program “Snapshot Serengeti”, students will analyze real data on Serengeti ecosystem dynamics and generate their own questions to explore African animal behavior and ecology. This image is available under a Creative Commons 4.0 International License.

First record of Fusinus dimassai Buzzurro &amp; Russo, 2007 (Gastropoda, Fasciolariidae) outside of the type locality: a further confirm of strict affinities between Messina strait and Tyrrhenian seamounts

A revision of mollusc samples deposited in the Benthic Ecology Laboratory collections of Messina University, provided specimens of Fusinus dimassai Buzzurro & Russo, 2007, from the “Apollo Bank”, south-western Tyrrhenian Sea. The record of such species, known so far from the Strait of Messina only, replicates the recent case of Jujubinus errinae Smriglio, Mariottini & Giacobbe, 2016, underlining the strict ecological affinities linking such peculiar area to the Tyrrhenian seamounts.

Using light stable isotopes to assess stream food web ecology in a general ecology laboratory course

ABSTRACT Stable isotopes in natural materials provide a powerful way to study energy flow in many systems and are widely used in fields such as archaeology, ecology, forensics, geochemistry, geology, oceanography, palaeoecology and palaeoclimatology. Based on the manner in which stable isotopes fractionate in natural systems, they allow scientists to address a wide array of research topics ranging from tracking climatic shifts, ascertaining organisms’ migratory patterns, matching organisms to their diets and/or environments, assessing food web bioenergetics, documenting ecosystem changes through time, measuring soil carbon budgets and soil microbial activity, etc. Hence, it may be a viable option to use stable isotopes to investigate stream and food web ecology with students. Students with no prior experience working with stable isotopes successfully met learning objectives by completing the requisite field and laboratory protocols, analysing data, interpreting results, and communicating their findings in a report modelled after a peer-reviewed scientific journal article. While this activity focused on food web ecology in a stream ecosystem, the method is repeatable, cost-effective, and can be modified relatively easily to evaluate food webs in virtually any other ecosystem.

Pengaruh Perbedaan Aplikasi Pestisida pada Struktur Komunitas Mikroarthropoda Tanah dalam Skala Lapangan dan Laboratorium

The choice of using pesticides with natural ingredients or synthetic chemicals is a differentiator between organic farming systems and inorganic farming systems. Pesticides are additives in agriculture to control pests or weeds. Abamectin is one of the active ingredients that can be found in pesticides. Ground microarthropods are members of the soil mesofauna, which are soil animals that have a body size ranging from 0.2-2 mm. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of differences in the application of pesticides on a field or laboratory scale on the structure of soil microarthropod communities. Soil samples were taken from three agricultural lands, namely Bandungan inorganic agricultural land, Kopeng inorganic agricultural land and Kopeng organic agricultural land. The study was conducted in August to December 2018 in the Ecology and Biosystematic Laboratory of the Department of Biology, FSM Undip. Found a total of 60 species species richness originating from 13 orders. The application of pesticides which include the concentration and frequency of pesticide spraying has a negative influence on the structure of soil microarthopod communities. Application of abamectin pesticides on a laboratory scale proves that the administration of abamectin pesticides that exceeds the recommended concentration will adversely affect the structure of the soil microathropod community. Based on statistical tests of soil microarthropod species diversity from the results of the application of pesticides on a field and laboratory scale is significantly different.