As the largest organisms in this simple aquatic ecosystem, rotifers and tardigrades are in the top trophic level. Their populations are directly related to how much food is available to provide energy and nutrients. Therefore, if one can determine the average feeding rates of these organisms, we will learn more about how much of the carbon captured during photosynthesis by phytoplankton is transfered to higher organisms like rotifers and tardigrades. Researchers are interested in learning more about the carbon balance and solar energy input into this simple ecosystem living under extreme environmental conditions. No good way of measuring feeding rates of rotifers has been found.
Students can help with creative designs and ideas.
Ask for Bdeltoid rotifers. Make sure to order lots of rotifers. Students will use rotifers, one at a time, however, they may unintentionally kill some rotifers and need to get more. Your students may want to repeat their experiments several times. If you worked with the anhydrobiosis experiments, this one follows nicely and can use the same supply of rotifers.