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What’s a laundry room used for when you’re doing field work in the north?
Posted by on June 24, 2010
If your answer was “laundry”, I’m so sorry. It’s been a pleasure having you on the show, thanks so much for playing.
The correct answer is, of course: Berlese Funnel extractions!
For those of you unfamiliar with these handy devices, here’s the jist of it: you’ve got a bag with a lightbulb on the top end, a funnel leading to a bag of alcohol on the other end and a wire mesh covered in cheese cloth between the two. On top of the mesh, you deposit a chunk of ground (soil/vegetation). The ground is damp; small critters like damp earth. As the lightbulb warms and dries the earth, the damp-liking critters work their way downward to escape the nastiness above, ultimately plunging to their demise in the baggie. The researcher them collects the contents after a few days, gleefully. I’ll have this pair of Berleses running most of the summer. We’ll see what goodies I get!
(“Laundy”. Pffft. Not. It’s just going to get wet and muddy again tomorrow anyways.)
Okay, so when are we gonna get the summary of what you’re doing there? (Or was I not paying attention). A general invert faunal survey is the best I can gather.
No, Ted, you pay attention well enough to know that I’m being elusive. Arg. I tell and my anonymity is done (what’s left of it). Generally, yes, it’s a very broad arthropod faunal survey. More specifically, I’m part of a team doing this standarized sampling all over northern Canada. Add to that my own work, which is related to ground fauna and the effects of climate change/warming. Aaak! I’ve said too much!
But maybe I’ll say more…just not today…
At least the little guys won’t have a hangover tomorrow. Sounds like a good way to go.
I could think of worse things, myself. Death by grizzly bear comes to mind…
That’s totally the best thing I’ve ever seen hanging in a laundry room!
Ha!