BIOLOGICAL INVESTIGATIONS

During the period November 15th - January 16th the algal ecology of two Antarctic lakes was studied, and extensive collections were made of littoral and terrestrial algae, lichens and mosses. The biological survey was carried out in Southern Victoria Land, between the latitudes of 77° 35′S., and 78°18′S., and covered approximately 70 miles of the Dry Valley Region.

Samples of planktonic microorganisms were collected from Lake Vanda, Wright Valley, and Lake Tiers, Tiers Valley. The samples were obtained by inserting a rubber tube through a hole drilled in the ice layer and pumping water through nylon filters at the surface A semi-rotatary force pump, operated manually was used to pump about 100 gallons from each lake, the samples beans taken every five feet. This method yielded large quantities of microscopic plants, principally blue-green algae and diatoms, as well as a small number of Rotif[gap — reason: illegible] as and Chlemydomones. A filamentous green alga was found in Lake Miers, and preliminary investigations suggest that it is a suggest that it is a species of Ulothrix new to science.

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Material was examined in the natural state with a microscope, and specimens were drown and photographed. The major portion of the organic material was preserved in [unclear: 2-3], formalin, while a smaller amount was either dried on cartridge paper or preserved in [unclear: 2] Lugols solution. Living material was brought back to N.Z., and this is now in culture at the University in order that experiments may be conducted during the year to investigate encystments, hibernation stages, special behaviour and other life history phenomona.

Physical data relevant to the ecology of planktonic organisms was recorded with each sample taken. Water temperature and light intensity and penetration were measured at sampling depths with a device especially constructed for the purpose Colour end turbidity were noted, and pH was determined. Water samples were returned to N.Z., and these will be chemically analysed during the year.

Terrostial and littoral algao were collected from as many diverse habitats as possible, ecological factors were noted, and living specimens were brought back for more detailed study. Soil algae will be passed on to a specialist in this field at Canterbury University. Several species of lichens and mosses were collected, and these have been made available to the respective authorities.

Specimens of each typo of plant collected will be deposited in the herbarium of the Botany Dept., V.U.W. The biological data from VUWAE9 will be collated during 1965 and presented for publication as soon as possible.

This summers biological programme in Antarctica was ubdoubtedly extremely successful, but because it was the first investigation of its type by this University, it must be regarded as preliminary to more extensive and detailed studies of Antarctic ecology.

A. N. Baker