To the list: I am teaching an ecology course this summer at a field station. Obviously, there are numerous field-based, observational opportunities here that I will take advantage of, but I would like to give the students a feel for a cross section of methods in ecology. To that end, I am looking for ideas for invertebrate animals or fast-growing plants that could be kept in culture to investigate any of several different aspects of population processes, such as population growth (density dependent/independent), competition, etc. The potential for wild-collecting would be great (I am in far western Kentucky with a lake and various hardwood forests available), but I am amenable to purchase if necessary and sufficiently inexpensive. Some key characteristics would be that the organism is hardy, easily cultured and, of course, has short generation times. It would be nice if there is some literature available on the organism, but not enough to create too many pre-conceived notions. The key is also to have a system that is flexible enough that students can use it to extend the initial lesson/lab. For example, I may try something along the lines of having them record data on demography of the organism in culture and then to set up an experiment where they choose some way to test the interactions of that organism with the environment or other organisms. Ultimately, I want them to be able to try some extension of the initial lab on their own.
Some ideas that I have run into are bacteria-agar systems, duckweed, algae (of various types), zooplankton (again these could be wild-caught or purchased), termites, *Tribolium *beetles (can you tell that I've focused on zoology?). Any ideas or suggestions, including expounding on the thoughts that I have listed here would be welcome. I know that there is some information available out there (such as in the National Association of Biology Teachers and the ESA Bulletin), but am hoping to gather some additional information and breadth of suggestions. Unless you have ideas that you would like to discuss on the list, please send your responses off-list and I will send a compendium of these responses, if anyone would like it. Thanks very much for any help or ideas. Todd -- Todd D. Levine Post-doctoral Research Associate Hancock Biological Station Murray State University 561 Emma Dr. Murray, KY 42071 270-474-2272
