Final answer:
To see organisms in a drop of pond water, a light microscope with high power objective lenses is used, which may require staining to increase visibility of cell components, although DIC microscopy can provide contrast without staining.
Step-by-step explanation:
To observe organisms in a drop of pond water, a light microscope is commonly used. This type of microscope utilizes visible light that passes through and bends via the lens system, allowing users to view the specimen. For viewing living organisms like bacteria, algae, and protozoa, higher magnification is needed, and high power objective lenses are often employed to get a good image of these microscopic organisms. However, as most single cells are transparent, staining is sometimes necessary to distinguish cellular components, although staining generally results in the death of the cells. An alternative to traditional light microscopy for specimens with little contrast is the use of a DIC microscope, which enhances contrast without staining, allowing the visualization of living cells in greater detail.