From Herbivory to Egg Counting: The Use of Digital Microscopy and Image J to Capture Images and Analyze Data for Ecology Projects

 

Tested Studies in Laboratory Teaching, 2010, Volume 31

Glover, T., T. Nickle, A. Burdowski, I. Aly, F. Viloria, E. DiDonato, L. Valanzano, & K. Nolan

Abstract

Ecology labs can be enhanced by the use of digital photomicroscopy and the free software program, Image J. Images of leaves that have undergone damage by herbivory by insects can be captured with a Motic digital camera and analyses such as total area of damage can be conducted using Image J. Another use of Image J is cell counting. Gravid (egg-bearing) Palaemonetes spp. shrimp can be collected in the wild (or collected and shipped live by Gulf Specimen Marine Lab). Eggs can be counted more accurately with the assistance of Image J, and egg counts (fecundity) can be compared across species and location. These two projects are just two of many projects that could be conducted with the assistance of this technology.

Keywords:  digital microscope, image analysis

University of Delaware (2009)