Plymouth biology students learn about ecology

Biology students at Ridgeway School have been learning about ecology and factors that affect the distribution of organisms by collecting and studying woodlice.

They set up a classic experiment with an environment of three choices for the insects. Light and dry, moist and dark and dark and dry in one chamber.

The woodlice were placed in the light dry side and monitored every five minutes and the students noted how many were in each area. The experiment lasted for about 20 minutes and eventually all the woodlice ended up in their ideal conditions in the dark and moist area of the chamber.

“This experiment gave the students the opportunity to plan and develop their observational skills as ecologists and link in class theory to practical based study to see actual adaptations and choice before their eyes,” said KS4 Team leader in Science, Karen Duxbury-Watkinson.

“The pupils enjoyed seeing the woodlice, often making several choices, as they explored their new environment and there was much discussion as to why they would linger in the light and moist conditions sometimes.”