Week 5: Despite the increased action and vast number of organisms observed last week, the number of organisms seen this week is dwindling. This may be due to the fact that the micro-aquarium seems to have lost a larger amount of water this week than in prior weeks. Few Crustacea-Ostracods are once  present moving on top of the leaves, and cyanobacteria colonies are there but less than previously present. The zooflagellates that appeared dead and decomposing are still present but are even less noticeable this week. Leafs of the coniferous plant now barely have any organisms swimming in and out of it. There is now an even larger buildup of dead organisms and plant material at the bottom of the micro-aquarium than last week. Vorticila were observed this week for the first time and were surprisingly non-mobile.

Week 4: Now that the new plants and water sources have began to adjust and integrate with the rest in the micro aquarium, even more interaction is occuring within the micro aquarium . Crustacea-Ostracods are once again present moving on top of the leaves. There are now even more cyanobacteria colonies than previously present. The zooflagellates that appeared dead and decomposing are still present but are less noticeable. Leafs of the coniferous plant still have organisms swimming in and out of it. There is also a larger buildup of dead organisms and plant material are the bottom of the micro-aquarium.

Week 3: With the addition of some new plants and water sources as seen in last week's blog, organisms started to reappear within the micro-aquarium. Crustacea-Ostracods are once again present moving on top of the leaves. There are now more cyanobacteria colonies than previously present. What look to be zooflagellates appear dead and decomposing. Leafs of the coniferous plant have organisms swimming in and out of it. There is also a larger buildup of dead organisms and plant material are the bottom of the micro-aquarium.

Bibliography
McFarland, Kenneth [Internet] Botany 11 Fall 2013. [cited 29 October 2013]. Available from http://botany1112013.blogspot.com/

Week 2: There are Cyanobacterica or cyanophytes present and numerous Protozoa resting at the bottom of the aquarium. There is a much higher concentration of mobile Colpidium, which is more than likely the result of the death of something. The Crustacea-Ostracods are no longer mobile and simply are resting in the first area. Branching forms of algae are present. Mosquito Larvae and the other previously seen insect stage are no longer apparent. Due to the lack of living organisms in the now present in the aquarium, the aquarium will be reconstructed to incorporate more organisms. A beta food pellet was also added this week to the micro aquarium.

Week 1:

1. Contents: The water used is from the Fountain City Duck Pond, which is a spring feed pond located in Knoxville, TN (McFarland, 2013). Utricularia gibba L. A flowering, carnivous plant grown in water tanks outside of the greenhouse at Hesler Biology Building(McFarland, 2013). Fontinalis sp. A moss collected from the Holston River along John Sevier Highway under the I-40 bridge(McFarland, 2013). Amblestegium varium (Hedwig) L. A moss collected from a natural spring at Carter's Mill Park(McFarland, 2013).
2. Observations: Crustea-Ostracods or waterbugs were moving rapidly through the strands. Mosquito larvae were also observed. An unidentified insect stage was moving faster than the other groups. An unidentified type of anthropod was climbing on to and off of the leaves.
3. Images:
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
4. Useful URL's & Important Information:
5. Organisms present:
6. Image of the Organism: