What kinds of freshwater creatures reside in Felt Lake? (BioE80 Spr2015)
May 27, 2015 • 12:34 PM UTC
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Scott
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For the explorer activity, Chloe and I decided that we would ask the following: what kinds of freshwater critters dwell in Felt Lake? It was the perfect question: mesotrophic lakes (lakes with relatively high levels of nutrients and minerals) host extremely diverse populations of organisms, and Chloe could easily obtain the samples during her windsurfing trip!
During her time at Felt Lake, the level of biodiversity (the variety of organisms in a particular habitat) fascinated Chloe. She mentioned the lake being a “murky green” color due to the prevalent growth of algae and lake plants. There were also tadpoles, mature frogs, aquatic snails, and shimmering fish. Apparently, humans are not the only large animals to visit the area – bald eagles love to hunt the ducks and fish of Felt Lake!
To more specifically answer our question, we decided to focus on a small critter that very much seemed to be a crustacean. To be classified as a crustacean, an animal must be a free-living aquatic organism, have three body segments, and possess many mobile appendages. The organism seemed to fit all those criteria – it truly resembled a shrimp with its clear outer shell, black bead-like eyes, and tapering tail.
During her time at Felt Lake, the level of biodiversity (the variety of organisms in a particular habitat) fascinated Chloe. She mentioned the lake being a “murky green” color due to the prevalent growth of algae and lake plants. There were also tadpoles, mature frogs, aquatic snails, and shimmering fish. Apparently, humans are not the only large animals to visit the area – bald eagles love to hunt the ducks and fish of Felt Lake!
To more specifically answer our question, we decided to focus on a small critter that very much seemed to be a crustacean. To be classified as a crustacean, an animal must be a free-living aquatic organism, have three body segments, and possess many mobile appendages. The organism seemed to fit all those criteria – it truly resembled a shrimp with its clear outer shell, black bead-like eyes, and tapering tail.
Bubbly, Clear Shell
Black, Bead-like Eyes
Fast-Moving Little Legs
Tapering Tail
At the end, I was left with two burning questions: what is the name of this creature? And how many more organisms live in the beautiful Felt Lake? Hopefully, one day, I will find the answer.
Contributors: Kevin Lee & Chloe Rickards
At the end, I was left with two burning questions: what is the name of this creature? And how many more organisms live in the beautiful Felt Lake? Hopefully, one day, I will find the answer.
Contributors: Kevin Lee & Chloe Rickards
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