13th International Biology Olympiad Latvia, 2002 Ministry of Education and Science University of Latvia Association of Biology Teachers
4 Kronvalda boulv., Riga LV-1586, LATVIA phone: +371-7034860, +371-7334125, Fax: +371-7223801, email: ulkoro@latnet.lv

Final Report

4. Tasks

4.1. Practical tasks

Laboratory 1 “Animal Systematics and Morphology” was prepared by Voldemars Spungis. His students helped to collect the samples and to arrange the laboratory facilities.

Laboratory 2 “Plant Systematics, Anatomy and Physiology” was prepared by Uldis Kondratovics and Valdis Balodis. The staff assistants spent a lot of time on preparing this task.

Laboratory 3 “Molecular Biology” was prepared by Maris Lazdins, Uldis Kalnenieks and technicians helped a lot.

Laboratory 4 “Dendroecology” was prepared by Guntis Brumelis and Guntis Tabors. The Latvia University of Agriculture helped to prepare the materials (tree discs) for this task.

4.1.1. Laboratory I - Animal Systematics and Morphology

Tools and Equipments

Microscope, microscopic slides, cover slips, preparation needle, forceps, 10 Petri Dishes, labelled A to J , permanent marker. There are specimens of one species in each vial.

Introduction

Scientists have investigated the fauna of a freshwater lake. Samples of benthos, plankton and surface dwelling animals were taken to characterise the fauna of aquatic animals and relationships among them. The samples were sorted, then preserved in formaldehyde and finally transferred to a 70% solution of ethyl alcohol, or stored alive.

Tasks

Q. 1. Fill in the answer code of the phylum for the specimens in each vial in the answer sheet.

The jury will check only the answers in the answer sheet! (5 points)

Vial	A	B	C	D	E	F	G	H	I	J
Phylum

Q. 2. Fill in the answer code of the taxonomic units for specimens in each vial in the answer sheet.(5 points)

Vial	A	B	C	D	E	F	G	H	I	J
Taxon

Q. 3. Mark with crosses in the table in the answer sheet the observed characters for the species for specimens in each vial.

Characteristics	Vials
	A	B	C	D	E	F	G	H	I	J
K. Laterally flattened body
L. Abdomen covered by elytrae
M. Body naked
N. Labium with hooks
O. Piercing-sucking mouth parts
P. Swimming bristles on body
R. Eyes absent
S. Eyes rudimentary
T. Eyes well developed

(10 points)

Q. 4 A . Prepare 2 whole-mount microscope slides (I and II) for two specimens with the characteristics mentioned below. Use the provided materials. Mount the specimens in glycerine. You will get 1 point for choosing the correct specimen and 1 point for a well-prepared slide.

Please raise your hand when you have prepared both slides!

Slide I

Specimen with clearly visible head capsule, spiracles for breathing of atmospheric air and swimming bristles on the body.

Slide II

Specimen with antenna and antennula, laterally flattened body and compound eyes, planktonic.

(4 points)

Q. 4 B. Select the common characteristic for both animals and write the answer code in the space provided .

(1 point)

Q. 5. Fill in the answer sheet with the appropriate code of gas exchange for the specimens in each vial.

Vial	A	B	C	D	E	F	G	H	I	J
Codes

(5 points)

Q. 6. Based on each pair of characteristics provided, complete the diagrammatic dichotomous key in the answer list by filling in the letters of specimens (A-J) in the appropriate empty spaces in the boxes.

(10 points)

Answer codes: 01 Legs present 02 No legs 03 Six legs 04 More than six legs 05 Planktonic animal 06 Benthic animal 07 Adult, no gills 08 Larva, rectal gills present 09 Swimming legs, live in the water 10 Running legs, live on the water surface

11 Definite shaped body 12 Indefinite shaped body 13 Body segmented 14 Body without segmentation   15 Head capsule developed 16 No developed head capsule 17 Body naked 18 Body covered by shell