Hobbies And Interests
Dormant Egg Project
Triops eggs usually take up to two days to hatch. However, the eggs are believed to lay dormant in extreme weather conditions. This project can test how egg's initial exposure to extreme temperatures can effect the hatching process. Place a package of triops eggs in a freezer, a package in the oven at 250 degrees Fahrenheit and a third package at room temperature. Leave the eggs in these conditions for a day. Then, hatch them according to the instructions that came with the triops eggs. Record the amount of time it takes each set of eggs to hatch. Also, record anything different amongst the triops once hatched. This includes size, color and character differences. Explain what this means about the exposure of the triops as eggs.
Hatching a Triops Experiment
The triops kit says to buy new eggs at the end of the 90-day triops life cycle. However, you can test the hypothesis that you can harvest and hatch a second generation of triops from one kit. Grow the first generation to adulthood or for approximately 10 days (two to hatch the eggs and eight for the larva to mature). Watch the triops that have a bundle of pink dots at the rear of the triops. Once the eggs are laid, remove the gravel, dry it out and then place it into a new container. Wait to see if the eggs hatch. You may have to repeat the project, submerging the egged gravel into water from the original container.
Size Experiment
Some water creatures grow only as large as their habitat will allow. Goldfish are an example of such creatures. Triops are believed to have the same survival trait. You can test it by varying the size of the container you use to hatch and grow your triops. Use three or more containers. Make some larger than the recommended container size and others smaller than the recommended size. Prepare a container according to the instructions that came with your triops eggs. Observe the triops as they grow, taking pictures of each container of creatures as they grow. Record any size differences or lack thereof. Explain your findings and their meaning to the hypothesis.
Life Extension Project
The triops eat any organic food. You can create a project that tests whether certain foods can prolong or shorten the lifespan of a triops. Prepare three or more containers of triops. Hatch them. Feed one container of the creatures according to the instructions that came with the eggs. Feed another fish food flakes. Other containers of triops can get green algae, small insects (found at your local pet supply store) or another food. Record the date of the project's initiation and the age of the triops. Take pictures and record any changes in the triops, including the death of the populations. Keep the food offering consistent throughout the life of each triops. Explain what your findings mean for the hypothesis that food can or cannot prolong the life of a triops.