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Judgements
Judgements
Looking at the growth measurements and data for our insects, it seems that the 5 insects we pulled out each week, were growing in length and size. Weighing from an average of 0.28 grams to 0.82 grams. Lengthwise from 5.8 cm to 11.9 cm over the period of 6 weeks. Some of the insect lengths and weight were off by 2-5 grams and around 3 centimetres.
Why did this happen?
Week Two measurements
Week Two measurements
At first we were not so sure why some stick insects were springing into growth, whilst one or two insects stayed the same size and shape. From the abiotic and biotic results and the stick insect measurement, the insects seemed to have changed from the drastic temperatures in the enclosure in week 1 and 2. With temperatures as high as 28 degrees in week one and as high as 22 degrees in week 2. The range of temperature change could’ have caused an irregular shift in the insects, hence their average weight has decreased in week 2. From
Week 1: average- 0.28 grams
to,
Week 2: average- 0.208 grams.
Looking at the colour measurements on the table above, indicates to us that the biotic factors, and the drastic shifts, has caused a faint discolouring in our insects. Having 3 insects we pulled out to have grey colour tints out of the 5. This colour appearance on this insect in abnormal. Therefore may have caused some stick insects to feel sick and drowsy.
Abiotic Measurements
Abiotic Measurements
Other drastic growth that we have compared to with our results, were that the more light intensity the enclosure was exposed more to, gave a increased in length and weight. From the lowest light intensity of 22 and length of 5.8cm in week 2, to week 5 with a lux intensity of 78 with the length of 8.58cm.
To compare the rest of the week results, week 2 was the weakest, as many abiotic and biotic factors influenced the changes and adaptations of our stick insects.
Week 3, 5 and 6 were the weeks that the insects grew from recovery. The higher the light intensity there is in the room, the more the insects grew in length, width and weight.
Line Graph measurements and trends
Line Graph measurements and trends
On the left here is a graph of what the average insect weight trend looked like over the past 6 weeks of our experiments.
As you can see growth started off very slow and steady in the first week. This is because our baby insects are starting to adapt to the new environment. There is then a decrease in week 2, due to the temperature drops within that time. In week 3, there is a large increase in the weight from 0.208 grams to 0.5 grams. This is due to the adaptations of the insects , and steady environment temperature ranges. There is then a slight decrease in week 4 from 0.5 to 0.4. This is because we found some biotic threats in our leaves, in result of losing 2. Week 5 and 6 insect weight's, hugely increased from 0.62 grams to 1.26 grams. We believe that our stick insects have adapted quite well in terms of the few abiotic and biotic changes that occurred during the weeks. They have adapted to our environment and developed characteristics to help them thrive and survive!
Conclusion
Conclusion
To conclude these data results, most of our Cyclone Larry insects have survived through the hardships of living in our enclosure. The measurements between their status and the abiotic factors, indicates to us about the changes and adaptations that is happening with our insects each week.
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