Marsh Case

This study is a comparison of Barbara's Lake, the largest of the three Laguna Lakes in Laguna Canyon and the only surviving "natural" lake in the County, with a human-created lake in William R. Mason Regional Park. Your comparison should focus primarily on the differences between the natural and artificial lakes. As with your first lab report, you should plan to discuss both abiotic and biotic conditions of the two lakes and describe how the different factors contribute to each lake as an ecosystem. In addition, you will be able to compare your data from Barbara's Lake with an earlier study done by James Needham in 1924.

Also, you are expected to formulate a hypothesis that relates to the comparison between the two lakes.

Your report should be 3-5 pages long, and should include the following sections:

Abstract: A succinct discussion of all the major parts of your report.

Introduction: Introduce the context of the lakes, the lakes themselves, the details of your study, and clearly state your hypothesis.

Materials and Methods: Describe all the relevant methods used to obtain your data.

Results: Perform t-test to compare data from the two lakes. Choose your comparisons based on the predictions of your hypothesis.

Discussion: Discuss what kinds of conclusions your data analysis supports, describe how your data illustrates differences between the two ecosystems; and, consider the differences between your observations at Laguna Lake with those taken by Needham in 1924.

Appendix: You are required to provide a table of data of with you raw data.

Works Cited: You are required to cite a minimum of 3 sources.

Additional Notes:

In 1924 James Needham, a famous limnologist and wetland ecologist, studied the Laguna Lakes. His study (Needham, 1924) allows us to compare what we find with his descriptions of lake conditions and wildlife 89 years ago. We will also be able to compare two mornings of our own data with each other.