Living in an Alkaline Environment
This three-part activity will introduce you to Life in an alkaline environment, specifically that of Mono Lake, CA.
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From left to right: Mia Patterson uses proper safety procedures as she begins the activity (Image credit: David J. Patterson); Mono Lake (Image credit: Brett Leigh Dicks/microscope ); Dunaliella (Image Credit: David J. Patterson/microscope ); Frontonia (Image credit: David J. Patterson/microscope ); Artemia monica (Image credit: David J. Patterson/microscope ); California Gull (Image credit: National Park Service staff photo)
Complete each of the following activities as instructed by your teacher.
- Part One: How different is Mono Lake water from distilled water? In this activity, you will observe the differences between Mono Lake (alkaline, hypersaline) water and distilled water.
- Part Two: How does increasing alkalinity affect common soil bacteria? In this activity, you will test the effect of high pH on the survival of soil bacteria.
- Part Three: A WebQuest exploring the life and ecology of Mono Lake. This activity will lead you on a web-based exploration of the life and ecology of Mono Lake. You will research organisms living in and around Mono Lake, and create field guide pages and a food web detailing the Mono Lake ecosystem.
