Investigating the growth of pleurococcus on tree trunks
Factors to consider/have an effect
* Type of tree
* Height
* Light intensity
* Temperature
Observations
Preliminary method
* On your tree, use a compass to find out which side of the tree is north.
* Then place your grind against the tree trunk and count how many squares have growth on them.
* Write your results down in a table and repeat for east, south and west.
Preliminary results
Tree number
Site 1
North
Site 1
East
Site 1
South
Site 1
West
Site 2
North
Site 2
East
Site 2
South
Site 2
West
25
24
4
25
9
2
4
7
20
1
25
3
25
3
6
8
5
22
25
22
23
5
3
0
4
25
20
1
3
25
3
8
6
Total
87
71
76
74
60
27
53
39
Preliminary information
Pleurococcus is the most common green algae and grows on the tree trunks, poles and stonewalls. It is mostly found on the north side of the trunk at the bottom. To grow it needs a lot of, moisture and shade although it still needs sunlight and water like most trees and plants. However green algae do not have any roots. They do not have any leaves or stomata therefore it does not have any water saving protection. They are single celled and have to grow in clumps to avoid desiccation. This means it increases surface area and stops them drying out.
Factors to consider/have an effect
* Type of tree
* Height
* Light intensity
* Temperature
Observations
Preliminary method
* On your tree, use a compass to find out which side of the tree is north.
* Then place your grind against the tree trunk and count how many squares have growth on them.
* Write your results down in a table and repeat for east, south and west.
Preliminary results
Tree number
Site 1
North
Site 1
East
Site 1
South
Site 1
West
Site 2
North
Site 2
East
Site 2
South
Site 2
West
25
24
4
25
9
2
4
7
20
1
25
3
25
3
6
8
5
22
25
22
23
5
3
0
4
25
20
1
3
25
3
8
6
Total
87
71
76
74
60
27
53
39
Preliminary information
Pleurococcus is the most common green algae and grows on the tree trunks, poles and stonewalls. It is mostly found on the north side of the trunk at the bottom. To grow it needs a lot of, moisture and shade although it still needs sunlight and water like most trees and plants. However green algae do not have any roots. They do not have any leaves or stomata therefore it does not have any water saving protection. They are single celled and have to grow in clumps to avoid desiccation. This means it increases surface area and stops them drying out.