Group Assignment #1

 Each of the island groups will performing an analogue experiment that will test specific hypotheses about the distribution of life on ocean islands. An analogue experiment is one that simulates a complex natural system with a simpler one, so changes in various parameters can be tested directly.

You will be using flower pots as analogues of ocean islands. Each group will be responsible for looking at single aspects of the dispersal and colonization of life on islands. In addition to the stuff you’ll be submitting to me this week, periodic assignments will be made to check the progress of your experiment.

The materials I will provide will be:

Up to 4 flower pots of different sizes.

Your Assignment

  1. State a meaningful hypothesis that states a prediction that relates flowerpot life and your assigned process.
  2. Design an experiment that will test this hypothesis.
  3. Send to me via an email attachment a paper that follows this outline:
    1. Title of your project, group name, participants
    2. Intro – state your hypothesis, briefly describe your analogue, and how the flowerpot analogue you designed simulates the process you are testing. Just a sneak preview.
    3. Procedure – state how you are going to set up the experiment and justify how that tests your hypothesis.
    4. Monitoring plan – outline the logistics of what and when you are going to be responsible for measurements. Include the personal responsibilities.

 

The paper is due at noon on Monday 9/11. I would imagine it would take about 2 to 5 pages.