Data Sheet: Activity – Ecology
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| Name | Course | Date |
Activity Data Code
Procedure I – Mushroom Yield – Nitrate Concentration
Complete the table below using your data and information found under the Background tab
| Trial | Nitrate Concentration Level (ppm) | Mushroom Yield (Number of Mushrooms) |
| 1 | 1.0 | 5 |
| 2 | 10.0 | 31 |
| 3 | 35.0 | 45 |
| 4 | 50.0 | 45 |
Observations and Questions
[1] For Procedure I, what are the independent, dependent, and control variables?
[2] Plot the data that you entered into Procedure I Table. What type graph will you use and why?
[3] Describe the trend for mushroom yield as the nitrate concentration is increased.
[4] Write a hypothesis statement about the relationship between the number of mushrooms and nitrate concentration in the soil.
Procedure II – Mushroom Yield – Heavy Metal Concentration
Complete the table below using your data and information found under the Background tab
| Trial | Metal Concentration Level (ppm) | Mushroom Yield (Number of Mushrooms) |
| 1 | 0.00 | 45 |
| 2 | 0.50 | 34 |
| 3 | 1.00 | 23 |
| 4 | 1.50 | 12 |
Observations and Questions
[5] Plot the data that you entered into Procedure II Table.
[6] Describe the trend for mushroom yield as the concentration of heavy metals in the soil is increased.
[7] Write a hypothesis statement about the relationship between the number of mushrooms and the concentration of heavy metals in the soil.
[8] What is the purpose of holding the nitrate concentration and the pH level at constant values for the four test levels of heavy metal concentrations?
[9] A local researcher would like to check a new species of mushrooms for whether they can be used for bioremediation of heavy metals at a local hazardous waste site. Using the same experimental parameters as in Procedure II, provide hypothetical data (mushroom yields) in Table 9 (see below) that could serve as evidence that this new species of mushroom is weaker at taking up and accumulating toxic heavy metals. Explain the reasoning for your decision about the hypothetical data.
| Question 9, Table 9, Hypothetical Data | ||
| Trial | Metal Concentration Level (ppm) | Mushroom Yield (Number of Mushrooms) |
| 1 | 0.00 | |
| 2 | 0.50 | |
| 3 | 1.00 | |
| 4 | 1.50 |
Procedure III – Mushroom Yield – pH Dependence
Complete the table below using your data and information found under the Background tab
| Trial | pH Level | Mushroom Yield (Number of Mushrooms) |
| 1 | 5.0 | 2 |
| 2 | 6.0 | 21 |
| 3 | 7.0 | 45 |
| 4 | 8.0 | 21 |
Observations and Questions
[10] For Procedure III, what are the independent, dependent, and control variables?
[11] Plot the data that you entered into Procedure 3 Table. What type graph will you use and why?
[12] Describe the trend for mushroom yield as soil pH level increased.
[13] Write a hypothesis statement about the relationship between the number of mushrooms and soil pH.
[14] Considering the food web, which trophic levels would be impacted by lower yields of fungi (mushrooms) due to, for example, acid rain? Explain your reasoning.