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Experiment to investigate Response to Light in Blowfly Maggots Assessment Data Collection / Data Analysis and Evaluation Aims To investigate quantatively the movements of maggots in response to light. Is the behaviour a taxis or a kinesis? Quantatative studies have an important role in the analysis of animal
behavour. Can the maggot eye detect differences in colour? Hypothesis Maggots have a simple eye and can respond to light. In order to conserve bodily fluids and to keep away from predators they will move away from light. Are they sensitive to colour? With a simple eye it is probable that they will not be able to see colour. Direct sunlight will dry them out. They may also be sensitive to humidity and able to move towards water. Method Put 10 maggots into a choice chamber, Five in the light side and five in the dark side. Count the number in the light and dark every minute for ten minutes. (you may wish to shorten this time if the experiment works more quickly...remember fair testing though.) Extension. Keep some maggots in the light for twenty minutes and others in the dark for twenty minutes to let them "adapt" to their light level. Repeat the experiment with each type of "adapted" maggot. Results put your results tables here. plot graphs and analyse your results for patterns. Conclusion What did you find out? Evaluate your experimental procedure for accuracy. Make suggestions to improve the experiment. |