U3.3W1
Investigating Woodlice –
The behaviour of woodlice
Activity 1
 If you want to test two variables at a time (e.g damp/dry and light/dark), you can use a choice chamber
Side view of the
choice chamber
Gauze for woodlice
to walk on

In each of the sections A, B, C and D in the top view below, write what combination of variables it has
(dark/damp; light/damp etc). You will fill in the numbers later.
A
____________
____________
No:………..…..
C
____________
____________
No:………..…..

B
____________
____________
No:………..…..
D
____________
____________
No:………..…..
Suppose we put in 20 woodlice in the middles of the choice chamber. They start to walk about.
If the woodlice didn’t mind which of the conditions they lived in, where would you expect to find them after
5 minutes?

Write down your group’s prediction.
Activity 2
 Now put 20 woodlice into the choice chamber to see what actually happens.
 Look at your woodlice after 5 minutes.
 Count the numbers in each section, put the right number in ech circle on the diagram of the choice
chamber.
All the class results will be added together. Why?
Activity 3

Group
A
Complete the class results table. Add up the totals for woodlice found in each section.
dark/dry
dark/damp
light/dry
light/damp
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
Totals
What can you say about woodlice preferring dry or damp?

Think about all four variables
What combination of conditions do woodlice like best?
What conditions do woodlice like least?
If a woodlouse had to choose between a dark and dry place or a damp and light place, which does your group
think it is most likely to choose or can’t you tell? Explain your reasons.
Activity 4
Write up your practical to include:
 Prediction
 Method
 Results table
 Bar chart to show results
 Conclusion