Bioenergetics: Energy flow, secondary production, and ecological efficiencies of Madagascan cockroaches

Abstract:

This lab exercise tests the ecological principle of energy flow in a laboratory setting using roaches as an experimental secondary producer. Energy use is measured by respiration, energy storage by growth, and energy input as ingestion minus feces. The laws of thermodynamics state that energy intake should equal energy output; accuracy of measurements can therefore be determined. Growth rates, respiratory rates, and ingestion rates can be compared for different size classes. The exercise lasts four weeks allowing students to take part in a structured research project in which they must handle data and compare results to their own hypotheses and values found in the literature.

Subject:

Science and Technology

Grade Level:

Post-secondary

SubTopics:

Energy

Collection:

Association for Biology Laboratory Education (ABLE)