Date:

Lab #:

Title: Ecology Survey

Aim: To conduct an ecological study of Guts river and its environs.

Apparatus/Materials:
1. Thermometer
2. Universal indicator
3. Silver Nitrate
4. Test tubes
5. Droppers
6. Camera
Method:
1. A sketch map of the area was drawn

2. The topography of the area was observed and recorded

3. Land, water and air temperature were recorded

4. Soil samples were collected for analysis

5. Water samples were collected and their pH and salinity were determined

6. Observations of mans impact on the environment were made.

7. The biodiversity of the plants in the area were observed.

8. The intrinsic, extrinsic and direct value of plants and other resources in the area were noted.

9. Any ex-situ and in-situ methods of conservation were observed.

Results:
Variable Recordings
Temperature
Land 28 °C

Water 26 °C

Air 24.5 °C

pH and Salinity
Soil
River/Sea water
Estuary

Biodiversity:
Plant Number of specimen
White mangrove 2
Black mangrove 3
Algal bloom 4
Tall grass colony 2
Coconut tree 4

Number of specimen

2, 13%
4, 27% White mangrove
Black mangrove
3, 20% Algal bloom
Tall grass colony
2, 13%
Coconut tree
4, 27%
 Mans Impact on the Environment

The effects of man on the environment is, most prevalently seen, is either pollution or something of a
settlement. In the image above it can be seen that a human has improperly disposed of a bottle of some kind.
Given enough time, the bottle would find its way into the sea and would become a potential choking hazard for
aquatic life. In another circumstance the potential chemicals in it could cause eutrophication which in turn
would cause oxygen depletion in the water the algal bloom inhabits. As seen below.

In the image above, there is already an algal bloom developed, also, a bottle has entered the water. Since it is in
the water already, the potential for it to drift deeper into the ocean and be mistaken for food by some larger fish
and would cause an unnecessary loss of life for said organism. This is scene is quite an environmental risk.
Another example of pollution.
 Intrinsic, Extrinsic and Direct Value of Plants
Intrinsic: This image shows one of the intrinsic values of plant life. An intrinsic value is one which is inherent
to the existence of the organism, ergo, the plants have many roles in this regard. This specimen above is a key
component in keeping the soil from eroding due to winds and shore waves by interlocking itself within. This
provides an additional value of plant life in the area, which is to provide strong enough soil to allow crabs to
burrow underground and inhabit as seen above as well. An intrinsic value of the fish is to provide sustenance for
the aviary seabirds that inhabit the land.
Extrinsic: An extrinsic value of the plants are their abilities to be places to holster clothes in place as seen
above. This is a traditional practice in Jamaican culture to hang clothing out in the open to dry by the wind.
Another extrinsic value derived is from the fish fished from the sea, these are prepared by the locals of the area
for consumption in their diet, giving them essential oils and nutrients.
Direct: A direct use of the fauna around the area is the utilization of wood cut from trees around the area to
create things such as: shops, and benches. As seen in the image above, trees can also be used to cotch fabrics to
make hammocks. The fish and lobsters in the area provide an incentive for tourist to visit the area and
financially aid the small business owners. A bench can be see below as an area where a family may dine on
captured aquatic life.
 Ex-situ and In-situ Methods of Conservation
Ex-situ: As seen above, an ex-situ/off-site method of conservation is the conservation of goats in a makeshift
sanctuary in a remote location. This is an effective way to preserve the animals in an environment closer to a
natural habitat than the roads and streets in urban areas.

In-situ: As seen in the image above, cats can be seen as specimens of in-situ conservation, as they are secluded
from urban risks of cars and canine predators. They are kept on the grounds of the local resident and are cared
for by the local population. Crabs are also supported by this In-situ conservation as their habitats are out of
major human influence.