A physiological ecologist studies how an organism's body is adapted to its environment and how
changes in the environment -- such as temperature, chemicals or resource availability -- affect it. To
study the physiological ecology of an organism, design an experiment to observe the effect of rising
temperatures -- such as those caused by climate change -- on the growth of that organism in a
controlled laboratory environment. Or observe the effects of acid rain on a species of plant in a
laboratory setting, using vinegar in water to simulate rain acidity caused by coal-burning power
plants.
Students will design and conduct an experiment to test the effect of acid rain on the germination of seeds.