How altitude and latitude affect configuration of biomes in Southern Arizona and Central Oregon
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Effect of Water Temperature on the Biodiversity of Insects in Provo RiverJeffrey R. Smith, 744 East 750 North Apt. 9, Provo, Utah 84604 Email: jsmith329@gmail.com AbstractThe purpose behind this nature experience was to observe the correlation between the decreasing water temperature of the Provo River and the biodiversity of insects. The fall season is a time of transition in the living world and brings about changes in all types of life as preparations for a cold winter are made. During this time of transition, observations were made along the Provo River, approximately three miles up Provo Canyon, recording the quantity of insects and identifying as many species as possible. The data supports a decrease of insect life with a decrease in water temperature, but also suggests other determining factors. Keywords: water temperature, biodiversity, insects, Provo River, fall
Sorenson B. Jeffrey, 2220 Merrill Hall, Helaman Halls, Provo, Utah 84604 Email: jeffrey.b.sorenson@comcast.net Abstract: Field Crickets are commonly found and heard in Utah during the warmer months of the year, ranging from late spring to mid fall. The purpose of this study was to analyze the direct affect thermal temperature has on the rate and patterns of the chirp song of crickets. I hypothesized that with increase thermal temperature of the surroundings, the chirp rate would therefore increase, and that with a decrease of temperature, the rate would slow. At a certain low range, the Field Crickets would theoretically die off or leave the biome withholding Y Mountain, Provo. Plotting a designated area of research on the mountain, I measured and recorded the temperature, time and chirp rate of the local crickets. After calculating and plotting the recordings, my hypothesis was confirmed and backed with research, illustrating the direct relationship of thermal temperate and its effects upon the song rate. The chirp rate was the greatest as the temperature peaked during measurements, subsequently slowing as the temperature descended from the crest. The abiotic factors including sunlight and temperature are accounted for the chirp rate range. One particularly rainy rain congested the cricket chirps altogether. Key Words: field crickets, chirp rate, behavior, temperature, time, weather conditions, Y Mountain
Lauren A. Spurgin, 1117 David John Hall, Provo Utah 84604 Email: spurg@byu.net Abstract The behavior and habitats of mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) have often been monitored; however, the appearance of deer in developed communities’ calls for observance and research of newly developed activities and changing territory. Mule deer are common in Utah and are found in many types of habitats ranging from high mountains to urban areas; however deer sightings occur more often in urban green spaces where deer population and road density are high. I observed deer in three environments (Brigham Young University Campus, Y Mountain, and Provo Canyon). Using the Brigham Young University campus as a control, I was able to compare deer sighted on Y Mountain and Provo Canyon to this already developed community. At each location the number of deer sighted in a 2 ½ hour window was recorded biweekly. The behavior of each deer was noted and compared to deer found in the other previously mentioned locations. These observations were conducted to show that a larger number of deer will be seen in more populated areas due to increased urban development. I observed a total of 15 deer, and received a mixed combination of observations. However, more mule deer were found in the controlled urban environment, rather than the variable mountainous locations. A narrower study might be suggested of observing specific groups of mule deer’s for several seasons to monitor their ranges and provide a more in depth idea of the effects of urbanization on a mule deer’s range. Keywords: Odocoileus hemionus, behavior, habitats, developed communities, urbanization
Karina Stabenow, 69 Harris Hall, Provo, Utah 84604 Email: karinastabenow@gmail.com Abstract: The purpose of this study was to see if the amount of distance between geese and a human being would have an effect on the behavior of the geese living in natural habitats compared to civilized areas. Geese were observed at Barnes Park, a local park, as well as a natural pond, both located in Kaysville, Utah. Reactions from the geese when exposed to human interaction were recorded at various distances. The changes in their behavior were recorded to conclude what effects human interaction have on geese when they are in their natural habitat compared to an area of high human interruption. Any increase in human disturbance of a natural habitat is likely to be directly correlated to species adaptation. Analysis of the geese behavior related to the distance from human beings was preformed and will be discussed. Keywords: natural habitat, human interruption, behavior, species adaptation Are Honey Bees (Apis mellifera) Attracted to Certain Color of Flowers? Amanda Stagno, 7672 Wyatt Earp Avenue, Eagle Mountain, Utah 84005 Email: angelpriss14@yahoo.com Abstract The behavior of bees (Apis mellifera) is something that has been researched many times. One question that comes to mind is, are bees attracted to a certain color of flower? Experiments were taken to test the hypothesis of whether or not honey bees (Apis mellifera) are attracted to a certain color of flower. I tested this hypothesis by using three different colors of flowers. The colors were purple, pink and white. After doing observing the honey bees it seemed that they were more attracted to the purple flowers. They all went to different colors, but purple they were most attracted too. In order to which it seemed they like the different colors proceeds as purple, pink and then white. Keywords: honey bees, color, flowers, preference
Jordan Stauss, 665 N. 500 E. #8, Provo, Utah 84606 Email: HappyChap8727@sbcglobal.net Abstract The Celtis reticulata, or net leaf hackberry, possesses leaves which are covered to a degree with hackberry psyllids or galls (Homoptera: Psyllidae: Pachypsylla). Studies have shown that these galls are parasitic and cause the tree to shed its leaver faster than most other trees in the same area. I studied three of these trees situated in the ravine in Rock Canyon of Provo, Utah over a period of five weeks to observe the changing effects during autumn on the galls and the leaves. The study I underwent yields data showing that through the autumn the leaves and the galls both eventually turn brown and fall from the tree. Keywords: Celtis reticulata, Homoptera: Psyllidae: Pachypsylla, leaves, shed, autumn
Spencer Taylor, 437 Belmont Place, Provo, UT 84606 Email: sjtaylor74@gmail.com Abstract October 24-30, 2008 I took many structural measurements of crabapple trees. I feel that there is much that can be learned from plant structure and organization that can be applied to architectural and engineering methods and techniques for the construction of everything from buildings to artificial limbs. One such structure is the individual leaf stems that support the essential organs that feed the plant. I measured the difference in strength between leaf stems in relation to there location in a tree’s canopy. I thought that trees would spend more energy strengthening the stems of leaves on the periphery of the tree’s canopy because those leaves are more exposed to detrimental forces such as wind or contact with debris. The findings in this experiment on a species of crabapple tree, the scientific name for which may be Malus rockii, supported my hypothesis that leafs on the periphery would support more weight, but it seems that the ratio of the leaf size to the stem length corresponds in the opposite way from what I had supposed. The leafs on the outer edges of the tree canopy which hold more weight on average also have a shorter stem length on average. Further research could be done to test verify these findings and also explore other possible explanations, such as how the flexibility of the longer branches may play a role an individual leaf stems durability. Key words: periphery, tree canopy, leaf stem, external forces, detrimental forces, crabapple
Amanda Teerlink, Undergraduate, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah 84606. Email: mteerlink@gmail.com Abstract The purpose of this particular observational study was to see what the difference is between plant diversity at different levels of altitude on a hill. A common hypothesis is that the diversity and richness of the plant species decreases as the altitude decreases. However, another hypothesis is that the dependence of plant diversity on altitude is more in the shape of a bell curve. In other words, when the altitude is either very low or very high, the plant diversity is lower. Plant species were observed and counted at different levels at one of the hills forming Rock Canyon. Pictures were taken of the variety at different levels. The hypothesis that plant diversity dependence on altitude is a bell curve was found in the results. Keywords: Plant diversity, richness, Rock canyon, altitude, variety
Eric A. Thayne, 92 Rogers Hall, Provo, Utah 84604. Email: ethayne@gmail.com Abstract Most deciduous trees’ leaves change to a reddish color during Autumn and eventually fall off their tree, but they all happen at different rates. The purpose of this study was to compare different deciduous trees to find the rates at which they colorize and lose their leaves. Experiments were conducted on three different types of deciduous trees in Kiwanis Park, Provo, Utah, just east of the Brigham Young University campus. I hypothesized that temperature and weather in the most prevalent factor contributing to the rates of coloration and defoliation. At the conclusion of the experiment, studies led me to conclusions as to why some trees colorize and defoliate faster than others. Keywords: deciduous trees, coloration, leaf loss
Hilary G. Thomas, 2207 Taylor Hall, Provo, Utah 84604. hilarygthomas@gmail.com Abstract The song patterns of Sturnella neglecta (Western Meadowlark) vary by air temperatures and daylight hours. Observations were made in local and wild areas around Provo, Utah in order to differentiate between the song pattern and frequency in each variable. As the air temperate decreased or it proceeded to get later in the day, the Meadowlark’s songs decreased substantially. Additionally, as the seasons changed and the weather became colder and harsher, the Meadowlark’s song changed frequencies. As the ground became colder, the Meadowlark migrated in search for stable food sources. When frost or ground coverage was present, minimal singing was recognized. It also held true that minimal or no singing was observed in dusk and night time hours. The Western Meadowlark’s song was heard minimally as breeding season ended and the males mating songs decreased. Overall, it was observed that bird song was heard most at sunrise and early daylight hours with little ground cover and a warm temperature. Key words: Sturnella neglecta, repertoire, grassland birds.
Kasey K. Thompson, 375 West 1720 North Apt. 114, Provo, Utah 84604 Email: mrfibble11@yahoo.com Abstract: Plants receive three necessary nutrients from fertilizers. These three macronutrients are nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Without these three macronutrients, plant growth will be limited. Various household products contain these three macronutrients and if used correctly, could possibly stand in as a viable fertilizer to help plant growth. Experiments were conducted on ten seedlings found at Bicentennial Park. Five different household products containing these valuable macronutrients were added individually and in various combinations to the plot of soil surrounding the immediate area of the seedlings. Most of the seedlings exhibited stunted or normal growth. However, the use of one household product incurred a positive change in the health of the seedling. Keywords: fertilizer, macronutrients, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, household product. The elements that influence the color change of leaves on trees in the fall season. Study to be done in Rock Canyon: Provo, Utah, U.S.A. Peter L. Tidwell, 215 W. Laguna Vista Circle, Orem, Utah 84058 Email: peter_tidwell@byu.net Abstract The colors of leaves on deciduous trees change each fall. The trees in the mountains noticeably change much sooner than those located in the valley. Is it because of the lower temperatures in the mountains that cause them to change from their normal green to an array of yellows, reds, and oranges? Observation and research will be done in Rock Canyon on a few different types of trees, such as Maple and Oak trees. Observations will be contrasted with trees in the valley and in the city in order to accurately discover and compare the factors that influence the color change in the trees in Rock Canyon. Observations will be done each week in both places. The results of the experiments will help determine the various factors that cause or contribute to the color changing seen during each fall season. Other factors that play a part in the color changing process will also be included in the results. Keywords: Autumn leaves, chlorophyll, vacuole, deciduous, fall foliage, photosynthesis.Comparison of the Attractiveness of Three Different Sweet Substances to the Pavement Ant Species (Tetramorium caespitum) Jon D. Troutman, Biology 100, Section 18, Fall 2008, BYU, jontroutman@gmail.com Abstract Pavement Ants (Tetramorium caespitum) are a common household pest throughout North America. There are thousands of ant species that fill significant roles in the food chains of their respective habitats, however, they can also prove to be bothersome pests in many urban areas. Ants are known to be particularly attracted to sweet substances. By discovering which foods are more or less attractive to these ants we can know how to best avoid attracting them in unwanted areas. Thus, this study seeks to establish a relationship between the sugar content of a substance with the level of attraction of Pavement Ants toward that substance. Three substances are used for testing in this study: refined sugar, natural unrefined sugar, and a sugar substitute. A sample of Pavement Ants is taken and placed in a controlled environment featuring these three substances. The results show that there is a slightly greater attraction to the unrefined sugar. The difference, however, is not great enough to prove that Pavement Ants have a statistically significant preference for unrefined sugar, refined sugar, or sugar substitute. Key words: Pavement ants, Tetramorium caespitum, unrefined sugar, refined sugar, sugar substitute, Hymenoptera: Formicidae The Creation of an Ecosystem: A Study of the Drainage Gutters Along 500 East, Provo, Utah, USA. Gary Tydryszewski, 460 North 500 East, Provo, Utah 84606 Email: betterthanbond@gmail.com Abstract Despite mankind’s best efforts to eliminate wild and plant life in suburban environments, Mother Nature fights back and still manages to thrive. She also repays the trouble we have caused her by choosing to live in the most inconvenient way, such as filling our beautiful cement canals with bio-refuse which clogs our drainage and overflows our sidewalks, thereby once again inconsiderately impeding our path to daily learning of Biology en route to campus. Experiments will be conducted along the path of thoughtless destruction of suburban convenience to categorize the varying levels of ecology and biology, as well as a study to determine the cause and solution to this problem. Keywords: Drainage, Urbanization, Urban Planning, Provo, Utah
Allysa Urbanek, Undergraduate, 105 A. Richards Hall, Provo, Utah 84604 Email: allysaurbanek@byu.net |