Lab #3: Intro to Isopods Flashcards
What is a dichotomous key?
A tool used in science to identify an organism by its specific epithet or genus species name
–> The user is presented with yes/no questions or statements that direct the identification of an organism based on choosing between many different alternative characteristics common to the family, order, or genus of the organism
–> The absence or presence of anatomical features or the number of a particular feature directs the next step of the dichotomous key.
What are the main structures used to identify isopod species?
1) Uropods (shape and extension)
2) Flagellum (# of segments + location)
3) Peduncle (# of segments
4) Pereon (# of segments + segment shape)
5) Pleon (# of segments + shape)
6) Cephalothorax (eye type)
Flagellum and peduncle = 2 parts of antennae
Thigmokinesis
A response to touch or contact
How do you use Image J to measure isopods?
1) Take image of isopods WITH ruler
2) Set the scale
a) Select line tool
b) Draw line from one mark on ruler to another
c) Hit ANALYZE –> SET SCALE
d) Put segment length into “Known Distance” box
e) Put the units of measure into “unit of length” box
3) Take measurement
a) Select line tool
b) Draw line where you would like to measure
c) Hit ANALYZE –> MEASURE
Where is the isopod heart located?
Within the PEREON (thorax) region of the isopod
(in the more posterior area of the pereon)
Where are the isopod maxillary gland located?
In the head (usually associated with the maxillipeds)
–> Can also sometimes be found attached to the antennae
Aggregation
Multiple isopods assembling (clustering/aggregating) in the same place
Mechanoreception
Response to a mechanical stimulus
Thermoreaction
Type of activity occurring in in specific temperature ranges
(Response to temp change)
Photoreaction
Response to light
Kinesis vs Taxis
Kinesis = a change in the rate of some activity in response to a stimulus
Taxis = a directed movement toward or away from a stimulus
