Based on the background information, we might infer that roly-polies might have a preference for moist conditions.
Let's set up an experiment to investigate how roly-polies respond to moisture differences in their environment.
Materials
10 isopods in a petri dish, choice chamber, two pieces of filter paper, dropping pipette, water, stopwatch or timer. Choice chamber is constructed of two plastic petri dishes with a cut-out and taped together.
Procedure
1. Take a choice chamber from the prep area. The choice chamber consists of two large plastic petri dishes with a hallway connecting them.
2. Place a moist piece of filter paper on one side and a dry one on the other.
3. Use a soft brush to transfer ten isopods from the stock culture into the chamber. Transfer 5 isopods to each side of the chamber. Put on the lids.
4. Count and record the number of animals on each side of the choice chamber every 30 seconds for 10 minutes. Record your data in the table on the following page. Continue to record even if they all move to one side or stop moving.
5. Return your isopods to the stock chamber.
