Interactions between Photosynthesis and Respiration in an Aquatic Ecosystem

 

Jane Caldwell & Kristi Teagarden

Tested Studies in Laboratory Teaching, 2007, Volume 28

Abstract

Students measure the results of respiration and photosynthesis separately, combined, and in comparison to a non-living control “ecosystem”. The living ecosystem uses only snails and water plants. Oxygen, carbon dioxide, and ammonia nitrogen concentrations are measured with simple colorimetric and titration water tests using commercially available kits. The exercise is designed for large enrollment non-majors labs, but modifications for large and small classrooms are described.

Keywords:  photosynthesis, aquatic ecosystem, respiration

Purdue University (2006)