How altitude and latitude affect configuration of biomes in Southern Arizona and Central Oregon

Philip D. Nelson, 2104 Stover Hall, Provo, Utah, 84604 Email: ilovenikedbe@hotmail.com 

Abstract

      Plant growth is affected by the amount of sun light and moisture received.  The process of photosynthesis was explored.  Different areas were tested to see which received more sunlight and which received more moisture.  Also, I explored how growth rate changed from warmer temperatures compared to the beginning of winter when I expect growth to slow significantly.  Different plants were tested for growth and were used for comparison.  Overall, it was expected that during the warmer season there would be more growth and that some plants would experience faster growth than others.  I experimented with how the amount of sunlight and moisture affected the plant growth of two different areas.  Both of these areas were on Mount Y.  One received direct sunlight and was exposed to rain and snow (snow on one day I checked).  The other was covered by the shade of a patch of trees.  I found that in the beginning the area receiving direct sun was starting to shrivel up and dry.  This was in September and it had not rained for awhile.  The weed I explored was a Horseweed Conyza Canadensis in the Mint Family and fell into the larger category of broadleaf weeds.  This plant can grow up to ten feet tall.  The ones I watched were only about two feet and not fully mature.  They grew .3 inches from September to October yet .39 inches from October to November when it was colder and when there was rain and snow.  Area two was covered by trees and the underbrush did not receive many of the benefits of photosynthesis.  There was moss and grass in this area.  This particular grass was Leymus cinereus and its common names are: great basin wildrye, giant wildrye, and basin wildrye and is part of the grass family. It was a green and mixed color.  It can grow up to ten feet tall but is typically less than five feet tall.  The grass I viewed was only two and a half feet tall.  It grew .29 inches from September to October yet growth slowed  to .1 growth from October to November.  The moss I viewed had the capability to be anywhere from .4-4 inches tall.  It is small soft and grows together in clumps and shady areas (Area 2 with the trees provided shade).  Its growth was .11 inches from September to October, and .09 inches from October to November.   

Key Words: Chlorophyll, Chloroplast, Climate/Weather, Grass/weeds, Moss, Photostastis, Photosynthesis, Plant growth.

The Correlations Between Soil Acidities of Gambel Oak Trees, Maple Trees, and Reed Grass in Rock Canyon: Provo, Utah, U.S.A. 

Kristen Niederhauser, 1505 North Canyon Road Apt. 51, Provo, Utah 84604

Email: kn_monkeylover@yahoo.com 

Abstract

Key words: soil acidity, gambel oak, maple tree.

Tyler Orton, 1358 S. Alpine Loop, Provo Utah 84606. Email: tbo129@gmail.com

      The purpose of this paper was to examine the difference in results obtained when fish density in rivers is calculated using three different methods: electro fishing and chest waiters and river walk observation. This paper specifically focuses on the fish density of Brown Trout (Salmo trutta) in the Provo River but will also look into population density. This paper also looks at the certain aspects of both environment and traits which influence will impact the population density of fish, namely Brown Trout. The results of this paper compare and highlight the differences in collecting data by observation versus interaction and manipulation of the environment. The papers discussion highlights both pros and cons of each approach, when dealing with nature or in doing a nature experiment.

Key Words: Population Density, Brown Trout, Salmo Trutta, River, Fish, Freshwater

The Effects of Hill Direction on the Amount of Growth of Vegetation in Provo Canyon: Provo, Utah, U.S.A.

Anson Owens, 253 North 150 East, Orem, Utah 84057 Email: antso_364@hotmail.com

The direction of the hill that a plant is on can affect the amount that the plant will grow. I decided on three different hills facing to the North, and three different hills facing to the south in Provo Canyon. In each of these areas I collected leaves from three different plants that I found in each of the areas. One of which was a ground shrub and the other two were trees. One tree was the Canyon Maple, Acer granditatum the other was the trembling aspen, Populus tremuloides. For each of these area's I took several leaves and measured them for length and found an average length. Results of the north facing hills was compared to that of the south facing hills. The South facing hills had larger leaves, but in the shrub and the trembling aspen it was not by enough to be called significant. The Canyon Maple on the other hand was so much larger that it could be called significant. The probability of the outcome that I got from my samples was less then .02, which is where I drew the line of significance in this study.

There are other factors that I tried to reduce to let the samples changes be as much a change due to hill facing direction as possible. For instance, all samples will be taken at least 100 feet from Provo River. This is to allow for both sides to have roughly the same water supply and remove that as a factor in the growth of these plants. Thus allowing the sunlight to be a primary factor in the amount of growth of the plants

Also, each of the areas was chosen to try to be affected by human activity as little as possible.

This is because of my assumption that human activity will disrupt the plant growth in some form.

Which would disrupt the accuracy of the study as well.

Katie Packer, 3207 Chipman Hall, Provo, UT, 84604 email: katiepacker@byu.net 

      Earthworms have the capability of living in many different ecosystems across the United States. In the valley of Provo, UT, a location of average environmental factors will be used to study the affects weather has on earthworms: a local natural stream in Provo. Earthworms are generally night-dwelling invertebrates that are more commonly seen in the coolness of spring and fall (Lee 1985). The observations taken this fall will show that the species are more active in the stable temperatures of the autumn season and that the factor of rain causes the earthworms to seek for protection above their soil homes. For the next four weeks, as the two seasons of autumn and winter overlap, the outside temperature, precipitation, and the number of worms seeking protection from drowning on the soil’s surface will be observed.  

Keywords: temperature, precipitation, survival tactics, season preference 

Environmental factors which influence habitat for Water Striders (Hemiptera: Gerridae) Provo River: Canyon View Park: Provo Utah, U.S.A.

Tyler J. Patterson, 380 North 1020 East Apt. 103, Provo, Utah 84606 Email: patte6@gmail.com

Abstract

Keywords: specific measurements, analysis, cohabitation.

Michelle Payne, Provo Utah 84606, michellep255@gmail.com

      The purpose of this nature experience is to determine the effect elevation has on the frequency and density of branches on trees.  This study focuses on a deciduous tree known as the Betula lenta, or the yellow birch (Little, 1980).   Through this study it will be determined whether elevation increases or decreases the branch density of a tree.  In higher elevations key components to tree development are reduced, such as oxygen and carbon dioxide, therefore elevation is expected to have a negative effect on tree development and branch density.  This study will use a statistical program, STATA, to analyze the collected data.  Data will be collected at four different elevation levels, after the data is collected, several statistical analysis will be completed to determine the real world effect elevation has on branch density on a tree.     

KEY WORDS: Betula lenta, density, elevation, carbon dioxide

Observations of the Behavior and Interactions of the Mallards of Provo

Hannah Pedersen, 1969 n. canyon rd #111, Provo, UT 84604 Email: hannah_bebe@hotmail.com

 
S. Abby Perkins, 1060 East 450 North Apt. 341, Provo, Utah 84606 Email:sperkins07@hotmail.com

 
Abstract

One of the purposes of tree bark is to protect the tree from temperature changes (Ferguson 2008), but little research has been done to understand the exact relationship between how different elevations and the temperature changes that go along with this affect the thickness of bark.  To test this relationship between bark thickness and temperature, I took samples of ten Balsam Poplar; Black Cottonwood trees- five at a higher elevation and five at a lower. Because higher elevations have lower temperatures, this tested my hypothesis. I conducted an experiment in Provo Canyon to observe if the bark of trees at higher elevations is thicker to insulate the tree more because of the temperature differences at different elevations. The average tree bark thickness at 6,400 feet is 4.8mm while the average at 4,700 feet is 4.2mm. The difference is the group of trees at 6,400 feet was an average of 0.6mm thicker than the group at the base of the canyon (4,700 feet).

Key Words: elevation, Balsam Poplar, increment borer, tree bark.

Plant Pollination on BYU Campus in Provo, UT, U.S.A.

DaNae Peterson, 2105 North 40 West Apt. 328, Provo, Utah  84604 Email: peters33@byu.net

      Plant pollination (with a particular emphasis on flowers) occurs every day.  There are two primary sources that enable plants to pollinate: wind and insects.  The purpose of this field study was to determine what type of plants use which technique to pollinate and more importantly why does a plant use a certain technique.  Three locations were chosen (two of which are throughout the BYU-Provo campus and a natural location in Rock Canyon, Provo) where plants were located and observations were recorded. More qualitative (with some quantitative) data was measured to note how many insects were surrounding each type of plant.  From this, the numbers and observations were analyzed to come to a conclusion supported with research to decide which type of plants use which technique of pollination and an explanation of why.

Mindy Petitta, Undergraduate, Brigham Young University, Provo Utah 84604. Email: petittafajita@yahoo.com

      The purpose of this study was to see if the change in climate and weather had an impact on the developmental levels, or senescence, of trees in Provo during the fall season. After some preliminary research it was found that temperature impacts the senescence of trees greatly, and I wanted to find out if the weather also impacted in the changing of the leaves colors. In testing this hypothesis, three different species of trees were chosen to be observed each day for a couple of weeks. The American Elm (Ulmus Americana), the Ohio Buckeye (Aesculus glabra), and Schwedler Maple (Acer plantanoides) were all chosen to monitor. By taking temperatures of each day, checking for any color differentiation, monitoring intake, and noting changes in weather observations can be made towards the senescence within the fall season as a whole, as well as amongst the individual species of trees. Analysis of the variation in colors of leaves, change over time, variations amongst species, and climate will be discussed in relation to the senescence of tress will also be discussed. 

Lea M. Pherribo, Undergraduate, Brigham Young University Provo, Utah 84606, E-mail: lea.pherribo@gmail.com

This study was conducted to observe behavior changes in Odocoileus hemionus, commonly known as the Mule deer, during rutting season.  Rutting season is the time of mating for Odocoileus hemionus which lasts from September to November, but in cold climates often peaks in mid to late November (Mckean 2008).  Small groupings of Mule deer were observed in natural habitat at the base of Spanish Fork Canyon in Spanish Fork Utah.  Through weekly observations spanning the month of November, the male Odocoileus hemionus, known as bucks, were recorded acting out of their normal daily habits.  These behavior changes are due to the rutting season.  The hypothesis tested was that buck Odocoileus hemionus are more likely to be seen in places that are vulnerable to human hunters and natural predators due to their desire to mate.  The outcome of this study is that male Odocoileus hemionus exhibit many behavior changes that could increase vulnerability to predators, specifically hunters.

Keywords: rutting season, bucks, sexual segregation

How Sunlight Effects the Amount of Plankton Present in Ocean Water 

Alissa Pitt, Department of Biology, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah 84602

Email: alissapitt@gmail.com Version: Fall 2008. nature experience nelson fall 2008  

Abstract

      Photosynthesis is a very important process by which phytoplankton present in the ocean receive nutrients necessary for survival. Sunlight is therefore essential for phytoplankton to not only thrive, but simply exist. Without this fundamental part of their environment, plants are not able to convert the carbon dioxide around them to the glucose and oxygen they need and thereby receive necessary nutrients. In this experiment I collected two water samples from the Pacific Ocean just off the coast of Southern California: one in direct sunlight, and one receiving no direct sunlight. I observed both samples under a microscope and recorded my observations. I found that not only does sunlight play a significant role in the abundance of phytoplankton present in a given area, but on a more intricate level, it determines the types of phytoplankton present in the given area and the nutrients they are able to obtain through the process of photosynthesis. I found that some phytoplankton do not need as much direct sunlight as other species of plankton, and therefore different species are found in different places. The phytoplankton that are able to survive on minimal nutrients due to their size or needs are able to survive on less direct sunlight and are usually found in these environments of less sunlight, but larger and more intricate plankton are found mostly in areas with abundant resources of light and nutrients. 

Leaf Pigmentation in the Fall Influenced by Abiotic Factors 

Estefania Pliego. 3273 Apache Lane Provo, Utah 84602. Email: estefania124@msn.com. Fall 2008. Nature Experience 

Abstract 

      Factors like sun exposure and temperature were found to be closely correlated to the change of color in leaves during the fall. Pictures and samples of leaves that showed signs of seasonal change were collected from the area surrounding Bridal Veil Falls and the Provo River. Among the species observed, I was able to identify the Bigtooth Maple or Acer grandidentatum (Andersen) and the Alternate-leaved Dogwood or Cornus Alternifolia (Symonds). Leaves from my backyard were also taken into consideration to further substantiate the evidence found through research. Some of the species identified in this location were the Thundercloud Ornamental Red Leaf Plum Tree or Prunus cerasifera (Gilman) and the Japanese Maple or Acer Palmatum (Evans). An evident change in pigmentation was observed primarily in areas higher up in elevation and farther away from the river.

Keywords: Pigment, Discoloration, Chlorophyll, Temperature, Carotenoids, Anthocyanins

On the Relationship between Elevation and Plant Species Richness

Kyle V. Pratt, 3205 Stover Hall, Provo, UT 84604. Email: kyle.pratt@byu.net

      The purpose of this study was to determine if there is a relationship between elevation and plant species richness. The two dominant hypotheses concerning this study are introduced. Data on plant species richness was collected on Y Mountain, and the data were statistically analyzed. I find a seeming counterexample to the generally accepted hypothesis, but propose that this is due to sampling issues.

Keywords: Y Mountain, plant species richness, elevation, elevational gradient

Aquatic Biodiversity of an Irrigation Canal

Stacie Purcell, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT. fuzzymunk3@msn.com

The purpose of this nature experience was to identify the aquatic biodiversity inhabiting a local irrigation canal.  In order to classify the invertebrate species, the author had to take samples from the mud on the bottom of the partially drained irrigation canal in South Jordan, Utah.  A total of five different aquatic invertebrates were sampled and recorded.  Research was performed in order to identify the genus and unique characteristics of each individual.  A larval Spread-winged Damselfly (Lestes), Bladder Snail (Bivalves), Pond Snail (Lymnaea), Leech (Helobdella), and a Crayfish (Order Decapoda) were identified by the author.  The author’s purpose for performing the nature experience was to better understand the biodiversity found in a man-made canal.  After performing this nature experience, the author concluded that there can be a surprisingly vast amount of biodiversity even within habitats that do not naturally occur.

Key Words: Lestes, Bivalves, Lymnaea, Helobdella, Order Decapoda

Rachel K. Quinn, 3108 David John Hall, Provo, UT 84604 Email:

Abstract:

       Life and death of an insect depends heavily on temperature
changes, especially when at extreme levels. Does this mean that winter
will take away from the circulation of various insects? Experiments
will be performed in a natural habitat to determine if insect
circulation is affected by the change in winter temperatures from
October to November. Tomcat pest glue boards will be placed in a
natural area to collect various bugs in oder to reflect any changes in
quantity or diversity of insects. For two weeks at the beginning of
each month the boards will be left out to collect data. Studies have
revealed that when winter hits the activities of insects greatly
reduced. It is as if their hibernating to be revived once again when
warmth can allow them to function properly (Cook1881). The tissue in
these insects only provide enough activity to live. This experiment
will focus on the changes in insect activity comparing bugs with and
without wings. Comparisons tables and graphs have been developed to
prove this theory that the activities of insects with wings during the
winter season decreases.

Key words: Circulation of insects, Temperature change, Winter

Robbie K. Rane, 448 East 600 North Apt. 18, Provo, Utah 84606, robbierane@hotmail.com

      Earthworms are of great importance to an ecosystems overall health and productivity because they mix, aerate and help in the mineralization of soil.  Previous research has been done regarding how certain factors affect an earthworm population.  Moisture and elevation are two very important abiotic factors which have a deciding effect on the ecosystem.  Research was done in three different geographical locations testing how elevation and moisture effect an earthworm population.  In this experiment results showed little connection between these two factors and the Lumbricus terestris population.  Further future research is needed to understand exactly how moisture, elevation and other factors influence earthworms

Peter J Ransom, 2546 W Country Club Dr, Fargo, ND 58103

Email: peteransom@gmail.com 

Abstract

      The diet of Lumbricus Terrestris (European Night Crawler) is known to include a vast array of decomposing organic matter, including anything from leaves and grass to fruits, vegetables, cardboard and eggshells. As the Lumbricus terrestris is widely raised and used for fishing bait, it is of interest to know the effect that different foods have on the mass (growth rate) and liveliness of the L. terrestris. I collected populations for three experimental groups from the same location. I divided up the collected specimens into three populations and recorded the weight of the population and number of specimens in each population. I placed each of the three populations in identical controlled habitats. I supplied a different diet to each of the three populations, including: organic material found around the natural habitat of L. terrestris, organic kitchen waste, and commercial worm food. I controlled and monitored the diets of each population over a 45-day period, after which I weighed and counted the populations again. After 45 days, the first population given the diet of natural organic material became totally extinct, leaving no trace that a population even existed there. The second population that was given the diet of organic kitchen waste increased in number and its mass substantially increased. The third population that was given the diet of commercial worm food decreased in number, but increased slightly in population mass. This study shows that varying the diet of Lumbricus Terrestris may have a significant effect on the amount of mass gained over a set period of time and the liveliness of L. terrestris populations. Further experiments must be done in order to determine the significance and effect that diets have on mass and growth.  

Andrew E. Rasband, 971West Pfeifferhorn Court, Alpine, Utah 84004 Email:andrewrasband@hotmail.com 

      The Populus Tremuloides commonly know as the Quaking Aspen are clones from other aspens nearby. The Quaking Aspen grows in clusters and creates the world’s largest living organism. In this study I plan to find the average distance between the Populus Tremuloides. This study will also be seeing if the diameter of the tree has an effect on the distance between the trees. This study was done in the Uintah National Forest outside of Heber City, Utah. In this study I found that average diameter of the Quaking Aspen and the average distance between the trees. 

Keywords: Populus Tremuloides, Quaking Aspen, Heber City, Distance, Diameter.

Prevalence of Weevil (Curculio Glandium) Population in Oak Trees: Holladay, Utah, U.S.A. 

Jessica Reese, 1340 North Freedom Boulevard Apt. 335, Provo, Utah  84604 Email: jessica_reese@msn.com 

      Weevils (Curculio glandium) formulate their nests in the acorns of oak trees (Schopmeyer 1974).  Many different kinds of acorn-bearing oak trees are found throughout the United States.  The purpose of this experiment was to determine the prevalence of acorn-nesting weevils in the acorns of red oak trees (Quercus borealis) and Oregon oak trees (Quercus garryana) in the suburb of Holladay, Utah.  I collected acorns from multiple locations throughout Holladay and examined for weevils through a float test method; this float method is a fast, nondestructive, and reliable means of differentiating between sound and insect-infested or damaged acorns (Gribko & Jones 1995).  For each of these locations, I determined and recorded the population density; the data indicated a correlation between species of oak tree and dense weevil infestation.   

Courtney E. Robbins, Undergraduate, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah 84604.

Email: miniballerinakitty@yahoo.com  

Abstract

     The way a mule deer and bighorn sheep’s leg move is related to their environments and their anatomical muscle structures. There are similarities and differences in the structure of their muscles as well as the physiology. I observed these animals in a natural habitat. I observed mule deer in an area outside of Universal Studios in California and bighorn sheep in Nevada by Lake Mead. These creatures were watched as they moved; I paid close attention to their leg movement and how it could relate to the environment.  

Key words: mule deer, bighorn sheep, anatomical muscle structures, structure, physiology  

Tyler J. Robertson, 758 East 900 North Apt. 103, Provo, Utah 84604 Email: tylerdyde35@gmail.com 

Abstract

      Throughout the animal kingdom, color plays an important role in the food chain. Many animals, including birds and lizards recognize colors to decide what is safe to eat and what is not. Ants are predominantly known to use scent trails and detection of chemicals to navigate and find food, but more research is required to detect their ability to discern colors and whether or not colors affect their choice of food to eat. For this experiment, ant colonies were marked and identified. Then food of different colors was placed on cards around the colony and the number of ants on each card was counted at intervals of 30 minutes and 2 hours. Results show little regard for color in the long run, although initial response was more favorable to the colorless food.  

Key Words: Fire Ants, Solenopsis invictas, food, color recognition

The many aquatic insects that can be found in the Provo River 

Michael K. Robinson, 183 S 850 W, Orem, Utah 84058. Email: mikerobinson85@gmail.com 

Abstract

Keywords: Insects; gather; waders; surprises.

A Study of Factors Contributing to Mallard Ducks (Anas platyrynchos) Wintering in Urban Settings 

Jeff Rodeback, 2168 N. 40 W., Provo, UT, 84606. Email: FlightShadow492@gmail.com 

      There are numerous examples of waterfowl wintering in urban settings in and around Provo, Utah. This project involved observing, photographing, and tracking waterfowl at a pond in a developed area of Provo near the Brigham Young University campus, then analyzing the data collected in field observations to determine factors contributing to the selection of an urban setting as a winter habitat for the Mallard duck (Anas platyrynchos). Field observations and photographical analysis provided evidence that many waterfowl seemed to frequent a specific setting, and did not travel often from one locale to another. A number of factors seemed to contribute to the waterfowl’s decision to winter in an urban setting; some of these factors include safety, security, and abundance of food, and the presence of other members of a similar species nearby. Areas within a local urban setting that exhibit these characteristics provide a safe haven for local waterfowl, allowing them to spend the winter within a relatively small geographical area without having to venture long distances to find inhabitable areas. 

Keywords: Waterfowl, Mallard, Anas platyrynchos, wintering, urban

Preferred Habitations of the Rock Squirrel (Spermophilus Variegatus) at a Mountainside in Layton, Utah, U.S.A.

Clinton H. Rollins, 665 North 500 East Apt. 4, Provo, Utah 84604 Email:  Happyclint@gmail.com

The rock squirrel or Spermophilus variegatus are large bushy-tailed ground squirrels found throughout the southwestern United States and northern and central Mexico (Johnson 1981).  My parents and other neighbors nearby can attest to this in perhaps a positive or a negative way as many rock squirrels live and roam near homes, which are located on a mountainside, the east bench of Layton, Utah.  Such squirrels, however, aren't so common in every area of Utah.  Experiments were conducted at and nearby the mountainside in Layton using peanuts—a food generally eaten only by squirrels in that particular area.  Results indicate a greater population of squirrels in areas that meet several conditions, especially sloped rocky places that have sufficient food.

Breanne N. Roper, 1121 Hinckley Hall, Provo, Utah, 84604 Email: brebre_5118@yahoo.com  

Abstract

      The behavior of Utah birds in two different locations is affected by change in season (change in temperature and weather conditions) and can be monitored before winter migration to the south. The experiment includes observation in two separate places, the Provo River and the Provo Canyon. Behavior such as bird sightings, birdcalls, and bird activity was closely annotated and later studied in the two locations. These studies were conducted at dawn in both locations and bird activity before and after the sunrise was observed and compared. This observation gives some idea as to what birds do in response to dawn and the change in weather.

Jonathan Clark Rose, Undergraduate, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah 84604.       

      Email: jonathanrose@byu.edu

Abstract:

      The purpose of this study was to see if the growth of plants years after a natural fire took place, were the same as before the fire.  The hypothesis that growth would flourish after the fire was tested.  Three, five by five squares were observed on two opposing mountains at the same altitude.  The first mountain has never been touched by fire; the second was scorched by a natural fire in 2003.  The hypothesis that growth would flourish years after a fire, due to the natural nutrients left behind, was observed to be disproved. 

Keywords: Kaysville, Utah, growth, pressure, altitude, plant biomass, chaparral,

Fruit consumption of wasps (Paravespula: Vulgaris) in Rock Canyon: Provo, Utah, U.S.A. 

Brian L. Ross, 195 East 600 North Apt. 31, Provo, Utah 84606 Email: bross3g@gmail.com 

Abstract:

      Wasps will utilize fleshy sweet fruit as nourishment for their colony and themselves when given the opportunity, but which fruits do they prefer? What attracts them to certain fruit, and what keeps them at that fruit? There may be a correlation between the most chosen fruit, and the sucrose content. The wasps may have an innate ability to choose the most nutrient dense food. The color or brightness may be determining factors, or the texture and solidity of the flesh of the fruit. There have been recent studies conducted that have determined that insects use their antennae to smell, so there is a possibility that the smell of the fruit may contribute to their decision. Time of day could also change which fruit they choose. I conducted an experiment in Rock Canyon in Provo Utah with resident wasps to determine which fruits they are more inclined to eat. Seven different kinds of fruit were placed around an area of high wasp concentration. The wasp’s activity was observed right after the fruit was set out, it was left for one hour, and the wasp activity was documented. 

Keywords: Paravespula vulgaris, fruit, preference, sucrose, odor, color

Observations of the autumnal coloration patterns of Acer platanoides and Quercus robur grown in direct sunlight compared to Tilia x euchlora, Ulmus parvifolia, and Acer saccarinum grown in partial or complete shade.

 Jennifer Rowe, Brigham Young University, 737 East 750 North Provo, Utah 84606, U.S.A. (email: jenny743@hotmail.com)

 Abstract: Pigments in Norway Maples (Acer platanoides) and English Oak (Quercus robur) leaves, when in direct sunlight, remain green longer during the autumn coloration period than leaves from Crimean Linden (Tilia x euchlora), Siberian Elms (Ulmus parvifolia), or Silver Maples (Acer saccharinum). When these leaves were gathered at the end of September as well as the end of November, they showed differing levels of change during senescence. In the specific experiment conducted, Norway Maple and English Oak began to show their carotenoid colors later in the period than Crimeans, Elms, or Silver Maples due to their location in open areas with no shade from surrounding trees or buildings. 

A Comparative Study of Flowing and Still Aquatic Systems

Matthew Rowley, Undergraduate, Brigham Young University, Provo Utah 84606.

Email: mattbrowley@gmail.com 

Abstract

      Don't drink the water!  We're all familiar with that warning, and finding a clean water source has been a major concern for humans throughout all history.  Thanks to the germ theory of disease we even understand why one should be careful about untreated water, but long before we acquired that understanding traditional knowledge has guided us to the best available water sources.  Even for a layman it seems intuitive that moving water would be cleaner and safer than still water.  A controlled study could offer greater insight into the validity and extent of this difference.

      This study used direct microscopy to observe and compare microorganism density in different aquatic systems.  Samples of standing and flowing water were included to offer a comparative look at the differences between them.  Samples were collected, stained, and observed under a light microscope.  As expected, still water with high nutrient availability showed the highest numbers of microbes, and flowing river water the least.  Unfortunately confidence intervals were very large, so parameters for a more successful future study are also suggested. 

Keywords: Microscopy, Aquatic System, Microbe, Bacteria, Protist.

Responses of American Coots to Various Genres and Styles of Music

 
Garrett Samuelian, 2119 May Hall, Provo Utah, 84604. garrettsam@byu.net  

      The purpose of this study was to see if foreign vocal sounds had an effect on species that were both extremely vocal (American Coot) and not frequently vocal (Ruddy Duck).  This study also aimed to determine which sounds, if any, would affect the behavior patterns and actions of the American Coot and the Ruddy Duck. The hypothesis that “big band” music would have the greatest effect on the American Coot was tested and confirmed, although altered.  There was also confirmation that vocal species have a much greater reaction than non-vocal species to external sounds/vocalizations. Data was collected and will be discussed later in chart and table formats.  Analysis of which sounds and music styles triggered what responses will also be discussed. 

Michelli Cavalcante Sant’Ana

1565 N. University Avenue #163 84604 Provo UT chellisant@hotmail.com

Abstract

      The purpose of this study was to understand the effect of different weather conditions on grasshoppers’ sexual behavior.   The data gives evidence that at low temperatures, there is a decrease in the ability of grasshoppers to sexually reproduce. Higher temperatures increase their excitement stage, and the process of generating offspring. Temperature above or below grasshoppers’ preferred temperature range alters their sexual behavior because the difficulty grasshoppers have in controlling their body temperatures.

Key words: Grasshopper, temperature, sexual reproduction, seasonality, climate.

Plants Favored by Different Environments on Opposite Faces of Rock Canyon 

Justin C. Schoof, 112 Shipp Hall, Provo, UT, 84604 E-mail: momotinman@hotmail.com 

       This is a general study to see what kind of plants are optimal for the different environments offered by the north and south sides of Rock Canyon in Provo, Utah. The north side, since it is in sunlight much more than the south side, offers an environment quite different from the south side. Three of the predominate species of plants in each area were observed, and only a few of the characteristics, namely height and population number, were recorded since these were the characteristics that were most easily observable as differing considerably. On the whole, it was found that the warmer environment with varying temperature and sunlight levels on north face of the canyon favored smaller, more numerous plants, while the cooler, relatively stable temperature and sunlight levels of the south face favored much larger plants with a much smaller population.  

Dustin Seely, 1130 E. 450 N. Apt 7, Provo, Utah  84606 Email: snljunkie@gmail.com 

Ants (Formicidae) have different eating habits depending on geographic location. The purpose of this study was to determine the preference of food and productivity differences between a sweet diet and a bland diet. The specie studied was the Iridomyrmex Humilis. Two distinct ant hills of the same specie were observed to be similar in population showing approximately 100 visible ants at any given time. Two types of food, dead insects and honey graham crackers, were used as the ants’ diet during this observation. Results yielded that the sweet food or graham cracker was the food of choice throughout the experiment. Measurements showed that the anthill that was given the graham cracker consumed more than the anthill that was given the dead insects. This food in turn increased their productivity slightly by showing more ants working at any given time of the day. Results show that the sweeter food returned a slight increase in productivity of the ants.

Stephen Sharrah, Undergraduate, Brigham Young University, Provo Utah 84606. Email: StephenSharrah@byu.net

Abstract:
The behaviors of nocturnal flying insects show how they are attracted to light sources at night time.  In order to show reasons why these insects are attracted to a particular light source at night, more research is needed to be done.  Experiments will be conducted in Provo Canyon, the Provo River, and outside a neighborhood.  These places have been chosen in order to accommodate for any lurking variable in an environmental surrounding, so choosing three different kinds of places to receive data is of the most importance to coming to a real conclusion.  A light source will be placed in a strategic spot to try to attract insects to it and after X amount of time; insects will be caught with a net.  Number of insects will be plotted against the amount of time the light source was acting upon the insects.
Keywords: Flying Insects, Behavior, UV light, Light, Attraction.

Wetland Conservation and Reconstruction: A Case Study of the Jordan River, Utah.

C. Natasha Sirrine, 1061 W. River Pine Cir.  Riverton, Utah 84065. blondietash@gmail.com

      Along the Jordan River in Utah communities have taken advantage of the scenery to provide a trial running along the river’s side.  With these communities come development of land that may prove harmful to the environment.  Between 12300 South and 16000 South, along the river in the cities of Riverton and South Jordan, there are various sections of wetland that had been covered up by the development of the area.  This study compares one reconstruction site to an untouched portion of the wetland area in order to provide data indicating whether the community’s efforts had been effective in restoring what once was natural.  Data was collected for a comparison of plant life, water purity, and animal habitation.          

Samantha L. Skabelund, 220 N. 600 W. Orem, Utah 84057, email: samilori13@hotmail.com

Abstract

Keywords: common home lawn grasses, grass health, pH level chart

Alyssa L. Smith, 3219 David John Hall, Provo, Utah  84604 Email: alyssalee19@hotmail.com 

Abstract

      Plant life is affected in large part by the elevation in which it is grown.  My research focused on why, and at what elevation and temperature the plants are at their peak condition.  Observations were made in American Fork Canyon.  A scrub oak bush (Quercus gambelii) and a Red Pine tree (Pinus resinosa) were identified and observed.  Using an altimeter, altitude was calculated. Pictures were taken at each of the three altitudes. I found that the lower the elevation, the more productive the Quercus gambelii was.  Each of the altitudes was productive for the Pinus resinosa. 

Keywords: elevation, Quercus gambelii, pinus resinosa, temperature