Aquatic Insect Populations - Rachel Connelly

Female insects choose specific types of habitats for oviposition sites. The oviposition site determines how the larvae develop and the life span of eggs. I am testing whether the presence or absence of non-lethal predators and natural canopies could produce a “most fit” habitat for reproduction. My research will be conducted in Aynor, SC on land that is undeveloped and has many sources of water. I am setting up twenty-four 110 gallon poly-tanks in six different 4 tank blocks. Each block will consist of two tanks containing five bluegill sunfish, Lepomis macrochirus, and two tanks as predator free controls. Three blocks will be set up under a natural canopy hardwood forest and the other three blocks will be set up in an open field. These tanks will then be colonized by ovipositing insects. The insects will then be collected and counted from each individual tank. Tests will then be run in order to find which of the four different habitats the ovipositing insects choose, ultimately giving us more understanding of which factors the females are looking for in a habitat and which habitats need to be protected.

My research could be incorporated into the classroom for students to get a better understanding of ecology, mathematical analysis, evolution, life science, and many more subjects. Students can make their own scientific experiment to learn science through making an experimental design and posing hypotheses (K-12 Inquiry Standards). This would include learning statistical methods to test their design. Students can also learn the ecology of the surrounding areas including distribution and abundance of insects and fish. This could lead to teaching the interrelationships among these species and the biotic and abiotic components of their environments (B-6, 7-4). This includes the effects of pollution in our freshwater systems (ES-5), sources of pollutants, and effects of pollutants on environments. Understanding these concepts involves life science (8-2) and learning the adaptations (B-5) insects and fish have obtained over time. This would include reproduction, survival (6-3), and unique traits to their species (B-4). All of these concepts would help the students to understand science with real life examples.