1. Lab 3. Overview  Instructor collects lab. 2 write ups and checks pre-labs. in lab notebook  Discussion of graded termite write up  Overview of Ecological Communities, Plant Structure, & Soil Microorganism Procedure.  In-class plant identification with key  Gather plant species richness data in field & return to lab room.  Prepare microbial plate samples using serial dilution (no burners until instructor in room).  Exercise due in Lab 4 discuss. & questions

2. Communities  Community = A group of SPECIES living in the same area that have the potential for interaction.  Species Richness = number of SPECIES in a given area (community).

3. Plant Structure Review

4. Simple vs. Compound Leaves trifoliate bipinnate

5. Leaf Blade Shape heart shaped oval

6. leaf arrange- ment

7. Common Campus Forbs Convolvulus arvensis bindweed Malva neglecta common mallow Medicago sativa alfalfa

8. Common Campus Forbs Ambrosia psilostachya western ragweed Taraxacum officinale dandilion Sanquisorba minor salad burnet

9. Common Campus Forbs Kochia scoparia kochia Chenopodium album lambsquarters

10. Quadrat – Sp. Richness Sampling m 2 samples =221 m 2 2mean = 1.75

11. Serial Dilution  Serial Dilution = Sequentially reducing concentration by the same factor (usually a factor of 10). - allows separation of individual cells (causing separation of the derivative microbial colonies).  Sterile Technique = Keeping environmental microorganisms out of a sample or area. 1g Soil 1 ml 1:1000 dilution 1 ml soil water 1:10 dilution 1:100 dilution NA 1:10 Plate 1:1000 Plate 1:100 Plate Transfer 150 μl (0.15 ml) from dilution tubes to each plate and spread.

12. Reminders Before the Field  READ the instructions (  ) in the manual  Develop hypothesis now.  Count the number of SPECIES (kinds) of FORBS in each quadrat. (NOT individuals and NOT grasses)  Identify the most common species in the areas to be sampled (bring manual).  Decide what is “ in ” a quadrat & sample randomly.  When finished, return to the laboratory.  Obtain your unpaired T-test P-value using the online site on the course website –Exercise.

13. Reminders for the Lab  READ the instructions (  ) in the manual  Be careful with the Bunsen burners. Please do not set yourself on fire. (Tie long hair back. No loose dangling clothing.) DO NOT use burners without the instructor present.  Do not roast the spreaders in flame. Pass through quickly. You just need to see a little flame on the spreader (& allow to go out).  Do not put a hot spreader into the alcohol.  Spread samples on the medium, not on the lid.  LABEL YOUR PLATES (dilution and soil A or B)