httpwwwmhhecombioscigenbiotlw3virtuallabslab29overviewpdf Do

http://www.mhhe.com/biosci/genbio/tlw3/virtual_labs/lab29/overview.pdf

Does diesel fuel contamination affect meiofauna consumption of microalgae?

Hypothesis: Diesel contamination affects higher trophic levels in the benthic environment by reducing the number of meiofauna feeding microalgae.

Here is the answer that I need help with:

Do your results support or reject your hypothesis?

Solution

Studies have revealed that there is a decrease in diesel fuel contaminated microalgal consumoption in the beginning. However, after the initial results, there is a significantly huge decrease in microalgal consumption and consequent increase in the microalgal biomass. This indicates that the observed result is mainly due to decrease in meiofaunal grazing and not due to affect of diesel contamination induced increase in microalgal biomass.