Images from the System

This image is a side view of a Cyclops sp. (Rainis et al, 1996). This image was captured during the first observation of the system.

This image captures a growing end of an Oscillatoria sp. (Forest, 1954). It is this filament-like structure that was described in the previous post as a network of filaments. Oscillatoria sp. have formed a web like structure over the sediment layer of the system. This web extends upward from the lower levels but its density dissipates with height and the organism has no presence above midway through the system.

This image represents another attempt to capture the activity observed in the video. This is a pod of the Utricularia gibba. The carcasses of two seed squid are observable inside the pod. Paramecium can be observed actively consuming both carcasses. The paramecium are most distinct on the seed squid that is above and to the right in this image. The paramecium have swarmed at the portion of the squid that is to the right in the image.    

(Above)
This image is also of the pod of the Utricularia gibba. This is the opening of the pod. Filaments extending from the lip of the pod into the matrix of the system can be observed in the periphery. The importance of these filaments in drawing in prey can be observed in the video as a seed squid is observed savaging on the filament and following it down to the pod. This image focuses on the mechanism of the pod. Observable inside the pod are a series of spurs or filaments that the organism utilizes in entrapping prey.

(Below)
This is an image of a Vorticella (Patterson, 2009). This unicellular organism was observed along the structure of the Utricularia gibba. This unicellular organism has an observable stem that acts as a hold for the organism. The organism has a system of flagella encircling the its upper surface. These two specimens are are representative of a group that radiated around the pod that can be observed in the foreground of the image.