Experiment-
Aim: Sampling of plant and animal biodiversity of the college campus.
Materials: Field notebook, Pencils and pens, Digital Camera or smartphone
Plant and animal field guides (optional), Collecting tools (nets, containers, etc., if needed),
Procedure:
1. Pre-survey Planning:
a. Identify specific areas within the college campus to survey. Consider different habitats, such
as gardens, lawns, forests, ponds, and buildings.
b. Determine the date and time for your survey, considering the weather and the activity
patterns of the species you wish to study.
c. Obtain any necessary permits or permissions if required.
2. Field Data Collection:
Plant Biodiversity:
a. Start with a general walk through the chosen area and make notes of the different plant
species you encounter. Pay attention to trees, shrubs, flowers, and other vegetation.
b. For each plant species, record its common and scientific name (if known) and any notes
about its abundance or condition.
c. Take clear photographs of the plants for later identification, if necessary.
(a) Medicinal plant:
Sl. No. Plant name (local) Scientific name Uses
1
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(b) Flowering/ fruit plants
Sl. Plant name (local) Scientific name Uses
No.
1
2
3
4
5
Animal Biodiversity:
a. Choose appropriate methods for sampling animals. This may include visual observation,
acoustic recording, or setting up traps if you are studying smaller organisms.
b. Record the common and scientific names (if known) of animals observed, along with their
location and behavior.
c. Take photographs or make sketches of animals for identification.
d. Pay attention to signs of animal activity, such as tracks, nests, or burrows, and document
these.
Animal biodiversity in the college campus
[Link]. Animal name (local) Scientific name
1
2
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Observations:
The biodiversity of our college campus is a remarkable and valuable asset that enriches our
educational experience and connects us to the natural world.
1. Rich Plant Diversity:
Our campus hosts a variety of plant species, ranging from towering trees to delicate
wildflowers. We documented a total of [number] plant species, some of which may be native,
while others could be introduced or cultivated.
2. Animal Abundance:
We observed a healthy population of animal species inhabiting the campus. This includes
[number] bird species, [number] insect species, and several other wildlife such as squirrels,
rabbits, and even the occasional reptile or amphibian.
3. Habitat Diversity:
The campus features a diverse array of habitats, including grassy lawns, wooded areas,
wetlands, and ornamental gardens. Each of these habitats provides a unique niche for different
species, contributing to the overall biodiversity.
4. Seasonal Variation:
Our study also revealed the seasonal dynamics of biodiversity. Some species were observed
only during certain times of the year, highlighting the importance of long-term monitoring to
capture the full spectrum of biodiversity.
5. Educational Opportunities:
The presence of such diverse flora and fauna on our college campus provides an invaluable
resource for education and research. It offers students and faculty an opportunity to engage in
real-world ecological studies, fostering a deeper understanding of local ecosystems.
6. Conservation Implications:
Recognizing the importance of biodiversity on our campus, it is crucial to promote
conservation and habitat preservation efforts. This includes protecting existing habitats and
potentially restoring or enhancing areas for the benefit of both native and non-native species.
7. Community Engagement:
Our findings should be shared with the college community, fostering an appreciation for the
natural world and encouraging everyone to be more mindful of the environment. This
knowledge can inspire conservation initiatives and sustainable practices.
It is our responsibility to nurture and protect this biodiversity, not only for the well-being of
the campus ecosystem but also for the sake of future generations of students and the wider
community. This study serves as a starting point for future research and conservation efforts
that can help us better understand and appreciate the biodiversity that thrives within the
boundaries of our college.
Experiment:
Aim: Identification of the floral diversity of Delhi and other states
Principle: Taxonomists preserve plant specimen in dry state by mounting it on a thick sheet of
paper 42 × 29cm size. Such a mounted sheet is called herbarium sheet. The place
(Laboratory/Institute) where herbarium sheets are systematically stored is called herbarium.
The primary function of a herbarium is to facilitate identification of plants and also aid in
taxonomic research.
Materials: A sharp knife, blotting sheets or old newspapers, 2% formalin solution, tray,
forceps, thick white card sheets cut to 42 × 29cm size, gloves, field press, rope, gum/quick
fix/needle and thread.
Procedure
1. Collect twigs/leaves of a few flowering plants (herbs, shrubs or trees) 20-25cm long
with leaves and flowers. Record in a field diary its name, date and place of collection.
2. Keep the plant twig between folds of another blotting paper/ newspaper.
3. Spread the plant on the sheet in a manner that at least ventral surfaces of 1-2 leaves are
facing upwards and no overlapping of foliage or flowers occur. Likewise spread the
attached flower(s) in a manner that all the floral parts of at least one flower are widely
spread. If the plant is too long, fold it at one or two places to accommodate it on a single
sheet.
4. Repeat the process for the other plants you have collected. Keep the specimens in
separate sheets.
5. Place the sheets with plant specimens in a field press and secure it tightly with a rope.
If a field press is not available, place the sheets under a heavy weight or box. Next day
carefully transfer the plants to dry blotting sheets/old newspapers and tie them up in the
field press. Repeat this process of transferring the specimens to fresh sheets for a few
days till specimens are dry.
6. Mount the dried plant specimen on a herbarium sheet with gum or stitch it to the sheet
at a few places with a needle and white sewing thread.
7. Fill in the herbarium label with the details of the plant specimen and mount it on the
right-hand side bottom corner as shown in figure.
Prepare the following data of the plants you have collected:
Sl. Name of plant Scientific name Socio-economic uses/importance
No.
10