An investigation to identify the organism, algae or water mold fungi, present in a water sample

Unidentified Aquatic Organism

http://www.brainpop.com/science/scientificinquiry/scientificmethod/

ALGAE or FUNGI ???

FUNGI

Water Molds

More similar to animals

Eat leaf litter in stream bedsAttach to leaves SINK

Intake O2 and exhale CO2

Live in flowing fresh water streamsLive on stream beds (bottom)

Reproduce by spores

Microscopic

Water Molds

ALGAE

More similar to plants

Need nutrients like Nitrogen (NO3-, NO2-)

Make their own food PHOTOSYNTHESISNeed SUNLIGHT

Intake CO2 and exhale O2

Reproduce by dividing

Live in calm fresh and marine watersFloat near surface

Microscopic

ALGAE

You received a water sample from research scientist Jay Beebs

X

Upon initially observing these organisms the characteristics are the same…

Came from a freshwater sample

Similar shape/ morphology

Microscopic Similar size

You know that these organisms are either fungi or algae…..but how will you determine their identities!?!?

Using the information you learned about water mold fungi and algae design a scientific experiment to determine the identity of the organism in your water sample

Your task!

Who am I?Who am I?

FUNGI ALGAE

BOTH• Eat leaves

• Attach to leaves/sink

• Inhale O2

• Live in flowing water

• Live on stream bottom

• Reproduce with spores

• Live in freshwater

• Microscopic

• Shape

• Make their own food

• Float

• Intake CO2

• Prefer calm waters

• Live in surface water

• NEED light

• Reproduce by dividing

• Need Nitrogen