In stream ecosystems, microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi colonize leaves and breakdown leaf compounds. Because bacteria and fungi soften leaves, this stage is known as “Conditioning.” In this lab, students will plate the bacteria found on two different leaf types along with a control. Students will count the number of bacterial colonies for each treatment to
determine the differences in the amount of bacteria.
1. Define a bacterial colony
2. Explain the importance of bacteria in decomposition
Lesson Materials (view or download)
stream ecology, decomposition, bacteria
Last updated: 6/19/2015