Blog Assignment #2: Scientific Observation
Blog Assignment #2: Scientific Observation
By: Eloina Rodriguez
Questions:
- What did you choose to observe? Why did you choose to observe this.
I chose to observe moss that had grown on a rock because it was also easy to touch and to pick up to examine closer.
- How long did you choose to observe your organism.
I observed this organism for about 10 mins and then walked around for another 5 to minutes to see where else and how well it was growing around the area.
- Describe your observation and note at least 3 specific things that you observed.
This organism was bright green, fussy, and seemed to be thriving well over the entire surface of a rock. Looking closer at the organism, I noticed that the organism grew well on the section of the rock that lay above the layer of the surrounding twigs and branches but it did not grow well along the edge of the rock where it met the soil. I also noticed that in that particular area, bright green moss covered most rocks and the paved trails but the moss that covered the trunks of the trees was dry and brown.
- Are there any abiotic factors that influenced your observation? If so, what are they.
The weather influenced my observation because it had been sunny so the organism was very dry and I was able to see the texture, growth pattern and shape of the organism well very.
- Would you change anything about your mode of observation the next time you do it?
If I observed this organism again I would observe it at different times of the day when the amount of light and moisture vary. I would also consider using a magnifying glass to count the number of branches or examine the branching patterns of the organism.
- Write at least 3 scientific questions based on your observation.
In what ideal conditions does this organism thrive?
How does the branching pattern of this organism relate to its ability to reproduce and grow?
Why does this organism continue to grow on rocks and pavement when it has dried up along trees trunks?
- Write 1 hypothesis based on the questions above.
Was the moss covering the tree trunks naturally brown in color or was the moss dead? I really liked your last scientific question. Moss tend to grow in areas where it can't be out competed. Usually moss will grow on trees because tree bark is often shaded which retains moisture and has a rough surface to gain purchase. Moss grow on rocks where it provides natural conditions such as water and acid or base nutrients.Moss also thrive in unfertile soil which is probably why it did not grow along the edge of the rock near the soil.
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