Energy Flow in Ecosystems: Exploring Thermodynamics and Food Chains Through Owl Pellet Analysis

This lab assignment guides students through dissecting an owl pellet and calculating energy intake, helping them understand energy flow and thermodynamics in food chains.

This lab assignment introduces students to the fundamental principles of thermodynamics, energy transfer, and food chains within ecosystems. In this lab, you will analyze an owl pellet to uncover the owl’s diet and perform calculations to estimate the energy intake of the owl over a given period. This assignment provides hands-on experience with the systems approach in environmental science, helping you understand the movement of energy and matter through ecosystems.
As a foundational exercise in environmental science, this lab is aimed at students in their first year of study. The skills and knowledge gained here will be essential as you progress through your academic journey, building a deeper understanding of ecological systems and the scientific method.
<h3> </h3>
In this lab, you will dissect an owl pellet to determine what the owl ate, estimate the amount of energy it consumed, and apply ecological calculations to explore how energy is conserved and transferred within a food chain. This exercise will allow you to work with real data, develop your critical thinking skills, and improve your understanding of energy dynamics in ecosystems.
<hr>
<h4>Procedure for Lab 1:</h4>
Step 1: Dissect the Owl Pellet
<ul>
<li>Obtain an owl pellet and unwrap it carefully.</li>
<li>Gently crack open the pellet using your fingers (not tweezers) to avoid breaking the bones inside.</li>
<li>Work slowly to ensure the bones remain intact for accurate data collection.</li>
</ul>
Step 2: Separate and Count Skulls
<ul>
<li>Remove the skulls from the rest of the bones.</li>
<li>Identify the prey species using the provided identification keys.</li>
<li>Count and record the number of skulls found.</li>
</ul>
Step 3: Gather and Weigh Femur Bones
<ul>
<li>Collect femur bones (leg bones) from the owl pellet. Each prey animal should provide two femur bones.</li>
<li>Clean the bones and weigh them all together using a balance to improve accuracy.</li>
<li>Record the total weight of the femur bones.</li>
</ul>
Step 4: Calculate Energy Intake
<ul>
<li>
Using the allometric relationship provided in Table 1, calculate the kilocalories the owl consumed based on the femur weight. The formula is:
y=(0.2∗x)+8y = (0.2 * x) + 8y=(0.2∗x)+8
Where:
<ul>
<li>y = kilocalories</li>
<li>x = femur mass (in mg)</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
Step 5: Adjust for Multiple Pellets
<ul>
<li>Multiply your calculated kilocalories by 2 to estimate the total energy intake for the owl over one night (assuming it produces two pellets per night).</li>
</ul>
<hr>
<h4>Assignment Questions:</h4>
<ol>
<li>
Owl Pellet Observations (1 Mark) Briefly describe your findings. How many animals were in the pellet, and what types of animals did you find?
</li>
<li>
Energy Calculations (5 Marks) Calculate the total kilocalories of energy consumed by the owl in one night using the formula provided. Show your calculations.
</li>
<li>
Energy Loss and Transfer (5 Marks) A) How many kilocalories of grass and seeds were required to grow the prey animals? B) How much energy is lost as heat when the owl consumes its prey? Use the following equation:
Epred=Eprey∗EEpredE_{pred} = E_{prey} * EE_{pred}Epred=Eprey∗EEpred</li>
<li>
Sunlight Energy Requirement (5 Marks) Calculate the calories of sunlight required to produce the grass and seeds consumed by the prey animals.
</li>
<li>
Land Area for Prey Growth (3 Marks) How many square meters of land are required to produce enough grass and seeds to sustain the prey that feeds the owl?
</li>
<li>
Hunting Success (2.5 Marks) Based on your findings, did the owl have a successful night of hunting? Consider that 91% of the energy from the prey is lost as heat.
</li>
<li>
Human Energy Efficiency (0.5 Mark) Using online research, find and report the energy efficiency of humans. Provide a link to your source.
</li>
</ol>
<hr>
<h4>Tips for Success:</h4>
<ul>
<li>Attention to Detail: Take your time dissecting the owl pellet to avoid breaking bones, as this can affect your data.</li>
<li>Data Accuracy: Carefully weigh the femur bones and record the data accurately, as this will directly impact your calculations.</li>
<li>Show Your Work: Be sure to clearly show all calculations in your answers for full credit.</li>
</ul>

Place an order like this

Energy Flow in Ecosystems: Exploring Thermodynamics and Food Chains Through Owl Pellet Analysis

This lab assignment guides students through dissecting an owl pellet and calculating energy intake, helping them understand energy flow and thermodynamics in food chains.

Stay Connected with Epic Essay on Social Media

Get Assignment Tips and Updates on Twitter