Biology Labs: Cladogram and Protists

Lab #11: Making a Cladogram
Complete a lab write-up for this lab, download the Biology-LabWriteUp worksheet from the Assignment Resources below. Plus, download the example Cladogram so you can follow the same format.
Problem: How do you make a cladogram?
Background Information:
People have been classifying living things for thousands of years. Biologists use classification systems to indicate both similarities and differences among organisms, as well as evolutionary relationships.
Biologists classify organisms by distinguishing characteristics. The characteristics are unique and observable and come from various sources such as: the fossil record, DNA sequences, the study of the development of organisms, and the study of the structures (wings, legs, etc) of organisms.
From the list of 10 organisms below, you will use physical characteristics, knowledge about where the organisms live, what they eat, etc. to create a simple cladogram and classification key. In the assignment resources below you will find an example of a Cladogram. Remember that you must only create two branches each time and that you must continue branching until you have only a single organism with that trait.
Hypothesis: write in an if…then…format
Materials: list of 10 organisms
Method:
1. Use the following list of organisms to create your cladogram and classification key:
Horse, Butterfly, Dolphin, Redwood Tree, Clown Fish, Dog, Wolf, Hawk, Cactus, and Kangaroo.
2. Create a cladogram similar to the one in the example.
3. Create a classification key for your cladogram like the one in the example.
Results: cladogram and classification key
Discussion: None
Conclusion:
1. What is the answer to the problem question?
2. Was your hypothesis correct?
3. Were there sources of error?
4. What could be done differently next time?
5. What did you learn?

Lab #12: Investigating Protists (online activity)
Problem: What are some characteristics of microscopic organisms found in pond water?
Background: Read the information about protists.
Hypothesis: write in an if…then…format
Method:
1. Using the virtual pond dip activity, learn about the protists found in pond water.
2. Complete the chart below. You will have 10 protists – be careful, there are other organisms in the water that are not protists! Look at the kingdom name at the bottom of the information, you want it to say Kingdom: Protoctista
Results:
Protist Name
Habitat
Size Range
Method of Locomotion
How it Obtains Energy
Discussion/Analysis:
1. How were these protists similar? How were they different?
2. Have you been swimming in a lake or pond and accidently swallowed some water? What are your thoughts about ingesting some of these organisms?
Conclusion:
1. What is the answer to the problem question?
2. Was your hypothesis correct?
3. Were there sources of error?
4. What could be done differently next time?
5. What did you learn?

Last Completed Projects