Experimental Analysis
Introduction
The experiment conducted involves the factor of vigilance when it comes to keep clear of the predators. Vigilance forms the part of the behavioral ecology and refers to an animal's examination of its surroundings so that it can keep itself safe and at a good distance from its enemy. It is an important habit while searching for wild food resources i.e. foraging as the animals or the prey becomes most vulnerable during that time. Though vigilance is important yet it makes the animal face anHabit/strategy on the other activities, The time that can be used in selecting a food resource and feeding on it needs to be balanced with being vigilant.
In the study conducted, the predator=prey relationship that has been studied is between Osprey and fish as my location is near to the freshwater pond. The study conducted (here is where - need to include a discussion over about two paragraphs of what is known about osprey and predator prey) involves the scenario that whether the feeding habits of the fishes are affected by the presence of Osprey. The identification of the changes helps in acknowledging the fact whether there are changes in the behavior of the prey or no (Gluck, 1987).
The introduction should include a clear discussion of the background of the problem (referencing the relevant literature) and a logical development of the hypothesis (hypotheses), ending in a clear statement of the hypothesis (hypotheses).
- a good general inclusion of background theory to start
- strengthen by expanding greatly use of secondary literature in development of background - why is this important? what does it add? what is it related to in terms of other studies?
- need to end with a solid hypothesis - something like...Fish change their eating pattern when Osprey are near by....
Objectives
1. The effect of the presence of predator on the prey is to be analyzed
2. The changes that occur in the eating pattern are to be observed
3. The development of predator-prey relationship is to be done
4. The effect of vigilance on other activities is to be highlighted
Objectives:
The objectives should include clear and unambiguous predictions.
- the objectives outline the general goals of your study - good
- need to include predictions - what are the predicted results, as they relate to your hypothesis?
Methods and Materials
Methods and materials should be clearly described. The project should be designed specifically to test the predictions.
- include approximate population of lake
- counted osprey in the area
- fed fish( in the middle of the lake?) and marked their change in speed with/without osprey
- account for your presence? How did Osprey react?
- How do you think those disturbances affected fish? Or do you think they affected osprey? In which ways?.. Osprey pretty resilient to human presence.
- generally a good start
- many questions - how were fish monitored? fish are underwater and therefore need to explain vantage point
- how were fish fed in relation to Osprey feeding? Osprey use middle of lake or deep areas to hunt and dive bomb at crazy rates of speed - how did this work with observer in area?
- what factors are being analyzed or tested and how will they be analyzed eg which statistical tests
- see also notes in results because there are many other facts introduced that need to be accounted for