Complete the following analysis and record your responses to the questions in the space provided below. Record your hypothesis about the effects of rain on various simulated wetland conditions. Please include the difference in expected outcomes for a whole sponge, a sponge with simulated passages, and a cut sponge with 25 - 50 % of the wetland removed.
Compare the results of the wetland with diverted water and that with entire areas removed. How do these results reflect the real world issues that are being dealt with in the state of Florida?
Why was it important to assess the amount of water and pollution that flowed to the white towel or paper towels for each simulated wetland condition? What does this flow represent?
In the last part of the lab you used additional materials to simulate biological material in the wetlands. You also used a squirt bottle. What was the importance of this step of the lab? What did you learn from your observations?
For each type of wetland, we looked at the effects of both water and pollution. What did you notice about the polluted water compared with the clear water? Why do you think diverted wetlands and those that were partially removed for development have greater pollution problems due to runoff water?
Conclude your lab with a concise summary of at least one paragraph. Include a comparison of the three types of wetlands represented in each model you created. Also include descriptive results about the water and pollution