Spider Taxonomy Lab Sheet
NYS Regents Life Science: Biology Laboratory Investigation
Spider Taxonomy & Trait Graphing Lab
Population Variation & Data Analysis
Student Name
Partner(s)
Date
Period / Station #
Investigation Overview: Organisms within a population display phenotypic variations (observable physical traits) driven by genetic diversity. In this Regents laboratory, you will examine a mixed population of model spiders, categorize them into discrete morphological subgroups, record tally frequencies, and construct a standardized bar graph to evaluate biodiversity and adaptive variations.
Part 1: Pre-Lab Theoretical Foundation
1. Distinguish between qualitative observations and quantitative data in biological classification:
2. Scientific Question: Which morphological trait (e.g., color, banding, size) exhibits the greatest variation in your sample?
Part 2: Step-by-Step Classification Procedure
- 1 Count Total Population (N): Empty your station tray. Count every specimen to determine your total population count (N = _____).
- 2 Select One Independent Variable: Inspect all physical variations. Choose one trait to sort by (e.g., abdomen color, leg bands, or size).
- 3 Establish Category Rules: Create 4–5 clear, distinct subgroup rules so that every spider fits into exactly one category without overlap.
- 4 Physically Sort Specimens: Separate all toy spiders on your station tray into distinct physical piles corresponding to Categories A through E.
- 5 Tally, Count & Verify: Record tally marks and total frequencies in Part 3 below. Confirm that the sum of all category counts equals total N.
Independent Variable (The trait you choose to sort by):
(e.g., Abdomen Color, Leg Banding Pattern, Body Spines, Size)
Classification Rule / Criterion:
Part 3: Morphological Trait Frequency Inventory
Total Sample Size (N): ________
| Morphological Category / Trait Subgroup | Diagnostic Physical Description (Key Anatomical Features) | Tally Marks (||||) | Frequency (Count) |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Ex: Banded Legs (High Contrast) | Alternating yellow & black rings along all 8 walking legs | |||| || | 7 |
| CATEGORY A:
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| CATEGORY B:
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| CATEGORY C:
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| CATEGORY D:
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| CATEGORY E:
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| Total Specimens Counted (Σ): | |
Verification Check: The sum of category frequencies must equal your total count (N). Page 1 of 2 • Turn over for Graph & Analysis
Scientific Communication & Synthesis
Part 4: Regents Scientific Bar Graph
Target Standard: SEP 4 (Analyzing & Interpreting Data)
NYS Regents Graphing Criteria Checklist (Self-Audit): Check each box when completed
Descriptive Title Axes Labeled with Units Linear Scale (Even Intervals) Accurately Plotted Bars
Graph Title:
Number of Spiders Counted (Dependent Variable)
0
Bar A
Bar B
Bar C
Bar D
Bar E
X-Axis (Independent Variable): The Spider Trait Categories You Sorted
Part 5: Regents Data Analysis & Evolutionary Synthesis
1. Identifying Variables: In this lab, what was your independent variable (the trait you chose to sort by) and your dependent variable (what you counted)?
Independent Variable (The trait you sorted):
Dependent Variable (What you counted):
2. Scientific Rationale: State why a bar graph is the scientifically valid format to represent this data rather than a continuous line graph.
3. Adaptive Advantage: Select one specific trait from your data. Hypothesize how this trait could provide a selective survival advantage to a spider in an outdoor forest ecosystem.
4. Regents Prediction: If an avian predator that detects high-contrast patterns is introduced into the habitat, predict how your trait frequencies would change over 10 generations. Explain using reproductive fitness.
New York State Standards: LS3.B (Variation of Traits) • LS4.C (Adaptation) Page 2 of 2 • Lab Completion & Submission
