Biology 11E: Symbiosis investigations
Name: ___________
Objective: To investigate a few examples of symbiosis.
Investigation A:
Why are there nodules on the roots of an Alder tree?
1) Examine the roots of the Alder tree using a dissecting microscope.
2) Use a very sharp blade to cut one open.
3) Using a pencil draw a diagram to illustrate what you see when you view
the Alder root through the dissecting microscope lens.
4) What is going on here?
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5) What kind of symbiotic relationship is indicated here? ________________
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Investigation B
What is the organism that lives in the intestine of a termite?
1) Use a pair of forceps to rip open the intestines of a termite.
2) Squash the intestine onto a microscope slide and place a cover slip on top of it.
3) View the specimen under alight microscope.
4) Identify the organisms in the gut of the termite and use a pencil to draw them.
If there are no termites available view these videos.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NOzwGSAPpmo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HOx7SDdIqyU
5) What is the relationship between the termite and the organism in it and how do
you come to this conclusion?
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Investigation C
1) Research the importance of mycorrhizal fungi in our forests.
2) Provide some interesting feedback on this topic
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__Fungal hyphae grow into the roots of the very large trees. They provide the
trees with water and minerals. Tree roots are not long enough for the large trees to
get enough water. In return the fungi absorb glucose from the root cells for
nutrients.
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3) What kind of relationship is this? _______________
4) Label the diagram.
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Investigation D
Why are there barnacles on the mollusc shells?
1) Examine the shells set out in the lab.
2) Comment on the relationship between the barnacle and the snail when both
organisms were alive.
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Investigation E
Examine the tapeworm specimen and chart in the lab and comment on its role in its
relationship its host.
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Investigation F
What is lichen?
1) Examine the various forms of lichen in the lab.
2) What is common in the microscopic structure of each of these lichens?
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3) Label the diagram
4) Provide some interesting facts about lichen.
Use textbook.
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Investigation G
Ancient Farmers of the Amazon
1) View the short video about leaf cutting ants of the Amazon. 37.4 on text website
or http://www.teachersdomain.org/resource/tdc02.sci.life.evo.leaf/
2) How did one cantankerous graduate student's insight and persistence expand
scientific understanding of leafcutter ant biology?
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3) Discuss the selective pressure acting on all members of the leafcutter ant
coevolutionary group: plants, ants, cultivated fungus, parasitic mold, antibioticproducing bacteria.
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4) How does the relationship between leafcutter ants and their antibiotic-producing
bacteria differ from the use of antibiotics in medicine by humans? How and why
might that difference be vitally important?
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Investigation H: Aquarium
-Have a look at the Science Aquarium. What types of symbiosis do you observe? Make
sure to specify what organisms are involved in the relationship and how it affects them.
You should see at least three different examples and must explain the relationship! (3
Marks)
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Investigation I
Do your own research to provide information about two more symbiotic relationships.
Record information about these in the space on the next two pages.
Bonus marks will be provided for bringing specimens to class.
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