Introduction

What are Algae?
Algae are eukaryotic organisms that have varying characteristics such as size and habitat. They are at the base of their ecosystem's food web and are, therefore, sources of energy for herbivores. They typically live in wet environments located both inside and outside of bodies of water, which is essential for their survival. Algae use photosynthesis to create their food. Terrestrial algae, that live in a much darker environments, have to create more sugar and starch to make up for the lesser amount of sunlight they receive, thus having a "heterotrophic growth".
What are Earthworms?	http://explosivereports.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/16617175-earthworms-macro.jpg
Earthworms are subterranean organisms that also reside in wet environments. They breathe through their skin which must be remain moist to allow for exchange of gases. Earthworms provide soil nutrients for plants and other organisms in their ecosystems. They make the soil fertile and healthier for plants to grow in it. Earthworms, as one of algae's predators, influence algae population. A great abundance of earthworms can greatly decrease algae levels.
What did We Find?	http://www.psmicrographs.co.uk/_assets/uploads/soil-algae-desmid-80012856-l.jpg
During the E.S.S.R.E 2014 Biota Survey, a significant anomaly was observed in Sites 2 and 4. Site 4,a flat, wet microclimate through which a stream flows, incurred low levels of algae and higher numbers of earthworms. Site 2, however, had higher levels of algae and lower numbers of earthworms. The steep slope of Site 2 caused the microclimate to be much drier than Site 4, and for this reason less algae would be expected in Site 2. As a result of this anomaly, we decided to investigate the correlation between low levels of algae and high numbers of earthworms to determine if there is some sort of correlation.