Nina Nissan Section 009 BIOL 212 October 25, 2019 1. I labeled my sections with more specific headings and used a introduction sentence for some of the sections. 2. I included more confounding variables. 3. I split up my experiment section into multiple paragraphs. 4. I also removed the observations from my analysis and provided the method of analysis instead. Herbivory Lab Methods Original Background Our experiment was conducted to analyze the effects of nicotine filled plants on tobacco hornworms (M. sexta). We used three types of plants to conduct this experiment. As a control, we used Snapdragon since it does not contain nicotine and N.alata and N.rustica as our main influences due to their nicotine concentration levels. We used 18 four-week-old plants -six of each species- and were planted in their own pots and placed in a tray under artificial lights There was also one replacement plant for each hornworm in case the first plant was eaten quickly. We also used second instar hornworm larvae that were reared on an artificial diet (wheat germ). Plastic lids were also supplied to place over individual plants to prevent hornworm from escaping, as well as an electrical scale and ruler to measure the species
Experiment Once we received the hornworms, we placed each one on the scale and recorded its weight in mass. We then placed each hornworm on their designated plant on the highest plant leaves near the apex to eliminating confounding variables and initiate equal feeding patterns. We then covered the plant with plastic lids and some tape for security. Each plant species was labelled with the species type, a number (one through 18), lab member initials, section number and initial hornworm weight in mass. The hornworms were observed for ten minutes and behaviour and feeding were recorded. The plants were then placed in a tray, left under artificial light and then transported into another room. We assumed each plant experienced the same amount of light. The experiment was running for six days. On days four and five, the hornworms were weighed and observed. If plant changes were needed, they occurred as these points. On the sixth day, we recorded their final mass and observations and then discarded the plants and hornworms. Measurements and observations were finally compared and analyzed. Analysis We acquired all hornworms that were generally around the same size. When measuring the species, we noticed that they weighed between 0.007- 0.07g. Some of the hornworms were easy to remove from their original holding and placed onto their new habitat while some were difficult. Once the hornworms were placed on the upper-most leaves, we observed that some hornworms were very mobile and active while others were not. Some hornworms started eating quickly and some started eating after one-too minutes and would take small nibbles. There was a limited correlation between mobility and the amount of leaf area consumed. Over the six days,
measurements were recorded on days four, five and six. All hornworms had escalated in mass and