Mackenzie WatsonBlock 3ABlack Worm Lab ReportBlack Worm Lab ReportRecognize and Define a ProblemBlack worms, or Lumbriculus variegatus, are annelids that habitat in marshes, ponds, or swamps. These worms are most commonly used as feeders for other larger fish and can be cultivated. At room temperature, their population can double in three to four weeks. However, many blackworm forums suggest keeping the worms refrigerated. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the immediate response from the annelids when introduced to different temperatures.HypothesisCold water will not make the black worms more active. Warm water will negatively affect the worms and they will become more active. Design and Implementation of A PlanIdentification of VariablesTemperature. 22.6 C water (Control)38.4 C water (Warm)16.7 C water (Chilled)Materials Six 50ml beakers 30 black worms 60 ml of aquarium water Hot Plate Cooler/RefrigeratorProcedure1) Fill each beaker with 10 ml of water.2) Put 10 worms each in three of the beakers.3) Put one unused beaker in the refrigerator; allow it to reach ___ degrees.4) Put another unused beaker on the hot plate; allow it to reach ___ degrees.5) Add another 10ml of room temperature water (22.6 degrees Celsius) to one of the blackworm-filled beakers.6) Observe this beaker, record data.7) Add the chiller water (16.7 degrees Celsius) to a different blackworm-filled beaker.8) Observe this beaker, record data. 9) Add the warm water (38.4 degrees Celsius) to the final blackworm-filled beaker.10) Observe this beaker, record data.Illustration

Collect and Analyze DataObservation and CollectionRoom Temperature (22.6 C) (Control)No notable change. Squirm around from addition of water, but settle down with the water. After four minutes, these worms tangle together in a giant cluster along the edge of the beaker.Warm Temperature (38.4 C)These worms become very active. The longer worms panic and push their tails further against the glass. Became aggressive after four minutes.Chilled Temperature (16.7 C)More active, but not aggressive. Calmed down faster than the warm worms, but less relaxed than room temperature worms. No change after four minutes. Display and AnalysisImmediately:After four minutes:

Room Temp (22.6 C)No notable changeClump together on the edge of the beaker.

Chilled (16.7 C)Become more active.No change.

Warm (38.4 C)Very active. Became aggressive.

Conclusion/Evaluation/ExtensionConclusionThe end hypothesis was flawed. While the chilled water did not negatively affect the black worms, they did become more active. However, the warm water hypothesis was correct. The black worms did react negatively to the warm water and became aggressive. They also became more active. Evaluation/ExtensionUnfortunately, creating quantitative data was difficult. Next time, take the worms pulse to see if it increases with varying degrees of water.