The Coming and Going of Insects Beneath a Boulder in Lehi, Utah, U
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The impact of a fire disturbance on the seed bank of an ecosystem.
Chance B. Allen, 720 E. Center St. Apt. 3, Provo, Utah 84606 Email: [email protected]
Abstract: I performed an experiment in Orem, Utah near the Provo River to observe the impact a fire disturbance has on the seed bank and on the germination of seeds within the seed bank. These experiments tested the hypothesis that the second growth that would occur in the wake of the disturbance would be ryegrass (Lolim Multiflorum), which grows in that area; and that the ryegrass would grow very quickly. I isolated, and observed the plant growth in a control sector of land on the banks of the river two feet by two feet wide. I also isolated, and burned another three sectors of land close to the control site to mimic a forest fire. Eleven days after the burnings I observed that the ryegrass did begin to grow in the burned sites. The seeds within the seed bank were germinated very quickly and the grass began to grow with blades up to 2 ½ inches tall. This confirmed my hypothesis.
Key Words: Provo River, second growth, fire, disturbance, seed bank, ryegrass (Lolim Multiflorum)
The Coming and Going of Insects Beneath a Boulder in Lehi, Utah, U.S.A.
Quinten Z. Barney, 2819 N. 400 E., Lehi, Utah 84043 Email: [email protected] Submitted March 2011.
Abstract. Flipping over a small boulder can reveal numerous species of insects, however only careful observation can reveal which of these insects consider the underside of the boulder as their “home”, and which ones may just be traveling through. I made observations of the presence of insects and their movement during a four week period, and those observations were recorded regularly to help show which insects reside there on a more permanent basis. General observations of the environment were also made, including both the air and the soil temperature. These environmental factors were then recorded, analyzed, and plotted in order to understand the insects’ preferred environmental circumstances for movement and activity. The graphed information was then compared and contrasted with already known data of the insect’s preferred habitat temperature. The findings of the experiment showed 3 types of insects, whose frequency of appearance were correlated with the air and soil temperature.
Key words: Lumbricus terrestris, coleoptera, Insect habitat, soil communities
Effects of Altitude on Saxicolous Lichen
Benjamin D. Boizelle, 1065 E. 450 N. #6, Provo, Utah 84606 Email: [email protected] Abstract Many lichen form crustose growths on rocks in all climates and at all heights, and endure temperatures and altitude extremes which boast of few other species. However hardy, environmental factors do affect the prevalence and growth rates of lichen. Saxicolous lichen depend on thin soil wrested from rocks. Humidity and precipitation help determine growth rates, and altitude has been linked to species variation in lichens. Careful identification of saxicolous lichen in the vicinity of Provo, Utah, U.S.A., will identify the native species of lichens which thrive at various altitudes.
Regarding the bird feed color preference of wild birds (Aves) in residential Provo, Utah
Lucy E. Brimhall, 659 N 300 E #2, Provo, Utah 84606 Email: [email protected]
Abstract Bird feeding is a popular activity across the nation. However, little is known and little has been done to determine the bird feed preference of various birds, and the factors that increase bird feed attractiveness. This experiment specifically examined the bird feed color preference of wild birds in Provo. Three bird feeders were constructed and 2/3 of the seed was colored with food dye – one part green, on part red, and on part left as the control (natural seed color). The purpose was to test the hypothesis that birds would more often consume the green or red-colored bird seed, as both were more vibrant and possibly more attractive to the wild birds in Provo, and the naturally colored bird seed would blend too much with barren winter trees. The result of the experiment led to the conclusion that birds were neither attracted to the naturally colored seed, nor the vibrant red-colored seed, but some were attracted to and did consume the green-colored seed.
Key words: Provo, Aves, bird feeders, bird seed, color preference
Sunlight capture success among select Gymnosperms based on needle variations.
Emily S. Chambers, 475 W. 1720 N. #202, Provo, Utah 84604. [email protected]. Submitted April 2011.
Abstract. This study takes branch samples from three different conifers: scots pine (Pinus sylvestris), white spruce (Picea glauca), and European larch (Larix decidua) and calculates sunlight capture surface area. The first method calculates the area by multiplying the average needle length, width, and number of needles. This method was found to be fairly inaccurate because it does not take into account needle crossover and is overoptimistic in that it assumes that every needle is completely exposed to sunlight. It also assumes that the shape of a needle is rectangular. The second method uses an optical imaging camera to obtain the sunlight capture area of the shadow of the sample in pixels. This method was found to be much more effective and accurate. Keywords: Pinus sylvestris, Picea glauca, Larix decidua, scots pine, white spruce, European larch, persistent, evergreen, conifers, softwoods, photosynthesis, imaging camera, Provo.
Affect of Nutrient Deficiency on Primrose Flowers
Caitlin Clive, 1950 Temple View Drive, #270, Provo, Utah 84604 Email: [email protected]
Abstract The effects of smoking tobacco cigarettes are typically fatal for a human, because the organ systems in his body are interdependent. When a human exposes his respiratory system to toxins in a cigarette, nearly all of his vital organs experience disease or some other kind of health defect (Center for Disease Control). Since smoking cigarettes affects humans so significantly, I predicted that annual Primroses (Primula) exposed to cigarette ingredients would reflect significant health problems.
Keywords: Primula, plant disease, tobacco cigarette toxins
The Effect of Temperature on the Growth of Vegetation in Provo Canyon, U.S.A
Jane Cutler, 966 North 900 East Apt. 14, Provo, UT 84604 Email: [email protected]
Abstract
The growth the plants is affected by thermal conditions. In this study two plant species in the Provo Canyon were measured over the course of several weeks to determine how temperature affected their growth. This study examines tufts of green grass and flowering bushes in order to explore the growth of flowering and non-flowering plants. The growth of the plants was recorded along with the average daily temperature and notations of any occurring anomalies (such as returning frosts, precipitation etc.) The expectation was that over the course of several weeks this data would give a good indication of how directly temperature affects plant growth. Over the course of fourteen days, the grass did show growth, however the rate of grass growth did not directly correlate with temperature as predicted and the flowering bushes showed no signs of rejuvenation. I conclude, therefore, that plant growth occurs at varying rates based upon the species and individual within that species, and that temperature allows that growth to occur as long as the temperature lies within a certain range.
Keywords: Temperature, growth, development, grass, flowering bush, natural experiment
Effect of increased solar radiation on the south aspect of Rock Canyon, Provo, UT on the width of tree rings of Douglas-fir trees (Pseudotsuga menziesii) Leah Davis, 2208 Stover Hall Provo, UT 84604 Email: [email protected]. April 2011.
Abstract
This study examines how slope-aspect (the direction a slope faces) affects the tree rings of Douglas-fir trees (Pseudotsuga menziesii) relative to the increased amount of sunlight on the southern aspect. Core samples were taken from trees on both the southern and northern aspects of Rock Canyon in Provo, UT to determine whether the rings differed in width. Variables such as number of trees in the sampled tree stand, elevation, and angle of the canyon slopes were controlled in an attempt to isolate the variable of solar radiation. However, results showed that on average, the samples from the southern aspect did not have larger tree rings than the northern aspect. While researchers have indeed proven slope-aspect to cause differences in growth, other factors present in this particular ecosystem, such as competition, temperature, or precipitation, may have had a greater impact on the width of the tree rings.
Key words: Dendroclimatology, sunlight, conifers, growth responses, precipitation, slope angle
Preference among Birds and Feeders in February
Ellen Decoo, 601 East Normandy Drive, Provo, Utah 84604 Email: [email protected] Submitted: April 2011
Abstract
Bird feeders can be purchased in most home and garden stores, and there is a wide variety to choose from. Materials are usually limited to plastic and wood, and occasionally metal. Because of the many choices one can make, many people to wonder what kind of bird feeder they should buy based on what will attract the most birds. In this experiment I want to see if birds have a preference towards one kind of material of bird feeder, focusing solely on plastic and wood. Observational experiments with the two different kinds of feeders will be conducted in a backyard in Provo, Utah and at a cabin near Sundance, located far from the city. Experiments will also be conducted in February, when temperatures are often cold and food is most difficult to find. I predict that no matter what the location, the majority of birds will prefer the wooden feeder. The observations concluded that birds in general do not have a preference for the material of the feeder, though other factors such as shape and color of the feeder are important.
Keywords; bird feeder, wood, plastic, preference, birds
Differences in amount of aquatic insect life due to differences in stream bed composition in the Provo River, Utah Kaitlyn Fairholm, 2113 Hinckley Hall, Provo, UT 84604, [email protected]
Abstract Insects were collected from the Provo River in Provo, Utah. The insects were collected, using a 12 inch by 6 inch net, from two different locations within the river chosen based on type of stream bed, whether it was a rocky stream bed or a muddy stream bed. This was done to determine if stream bed composition had any affect on the amount of aquatic insects living in the river. Collections took place on March 19, 2011, and 8 samples were taken total. It was determined that the stream bed composition does affect the amount of aquatic insects collected, and that rocky river beds have a higher concentration of aquatic insects than muddy stream beds. Further study is needed to determine the affect water velocity has on aquatic insect life.Further study is also recommended to determine the types of insects that live in these different river bed types since patterns were observed but not studied while collecting data.
Keywords: Provo River, aquatic insects, stream bed, muddy, rocky
The size of a Salmo trutta has an influence on the size and types of insects that it eats
Jason R. Freeman, 824 S 2080 E, Springville, Utah 84663 Email: [email protected]
Abstract: Experiments were conducted to measure whether or not the size of Salmo trutta (brown trout) has an influence on the types of insects that it eats. The fish that were used in this experiment were caught on three different dates: February 17th, March 1st, and March 22nd. Each fish was cut open in order to identify the amount of insects from each order. The insects were counted and put in groups according to their order: Trichoptera, Diptera, Hymenoptera, Isopoda, Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, Gastropoda, and Coleoptera. The smaller Salmo trutta tended to eat a less diverse variety of insects, while the larger trout consumed larger insects from a wider variety of orders.
Key Words: Hobble Creek, Salmo trutta, Trichoptera, Diptera, Hymenoptera, Isopoda, Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, Gastropoda, and Coleoptera.
Measuring the effect of elevation on the richness of plant species on the Wasatch front in Provo.
Ethan W. Galloway, Heritage Halls, Maeser 73, Provo Utah 84604. Email: [email protected]
Abstract Richness of plant species can be measured over an elevation gradient and is most often predicted to decline monotonically as elevation increases. Other ideas of how richness is distributed over elevation include the mid-domain effect which looks like a bell curve. I sampled a total of 9 plots of land at three different elevations and measure the species diversity and productivity in each area. The lower elevation connotes the greatest richness, and the higher elevation the least species richness. From these samples I was able to conclude that there is indeed an inverse relationship between plant species richness and elevation, one which matches the work of Rapoport. There are however exceptions due to the many variables in environment which affect species richness, such as sunlight, temperature and water. Even with such variations, it is common to see richness decline monotonically with increasing elevation.
Keywords: species richness, elevation gradient, species area relationship, Geographic ecology, Rapoport
Effect of Temperature on Time of Dawn Chorus
Anna Gee; 3102 David John Hall, Provo, UT 84604; [email protected]
Abstract: Whenever I am up in the earlier hours of the morning, I notice greater activity among birds (Aves) because I can hear a mixture of the twittering of various birds, commonly known as “the dawn chorus”. I had always noticed this fact, but never analyzed whether the time this song began ranged from day to day and, if so, what affected the change. In this experiment I woke up before sunrise on several separate mornings throughout the semester. I noted the temperature, the time of sunrise, and then the time that the chorus began, to see if the time changed based on the temperature. At the conclusion of my experiment, I was able to determine a correlation between the temperature and the amount of time between the start of the dawn chorus and the sunrise.
Keywords: ornithology, sunrise, birdsong, Aves
The Effect of Elevation on the Richness of Communities of Aquatic Insects along the Provo River: Provo, Utah
Melissa J. Hardy, 1107 David John Halls, Provo, Utah 84604 Email: [email protected]
Abstract The affects of elevation on the communities of aquatic insects will be tested. The experiment will tale place along the Provo Rive at two specific locations that differ in elevation. Elevation affects the communities of aquatic insects specifically Ephemeroptera, Tricitoptera, Plecopters, and Dipters by the richness of each species in the different experiment sites. The Provo River was tested four different times, twice in Midway, Utah at a point along the Provo River and twice in Provo, Utah at another site along the Provo River that had a substantial difference in elevation. At each location the aquatic insects were collected to be identified and studied to see the affects elevation had on their communities. The affects that elevation had on the richness of aquatic insect communities were close to the same results as the few studies that have been done before. Elevation affects the communities of Ephemeroptera, Tricitoptera, Plecopters, and Dipters that the Provo River contains and the differing results of order composition that we compared between the two experiment location sites along the Provo River.
Keywords: Elevation, Ephemeroptera, Tricitoptera, Plecopters, Dipters, species richness
Affects of Pollution on Platanus x acerifolia and Prunus serrulata trees in Utah County.
Mark Harris, 849 W. 740 N, Orem, Ut, 84057, Email: [email protected]
Abstract Everything in nature follows a delicate balance. Trees have a major influence on us, as they provide much of the oxygen that we breathe. Trees take a certain amount of carbon dioxide or polluted air and turn it into oxygen, or clean air that we use to breathe. Trees can also tell us a lot about the health of the environment. When the environment is doing well, trees are healthy and that means they aren’t being overwhelmed by pollution levels in the air. To find the effects of pollution on Platanus acerifolia (Bloodgood London Plane) and Prunus Serrulata (Kwanzan Flowering Cherry) trees I will measure several indicators. There are many different aspects of the health of a tree, some of which will be measured and compared to find any correlations to the amount of traffic in the area. Having indicators that follow pollution will make it easier to prevent problems in environments in the future before they grow too large; this will enable us to maintain an environment suitable for habitation, where kids can play without being worried about dangerous health risks being involved.
Keywords: Platanus acerifolia, Prunus serrulata
Diversity and biological integrity of invertebrates in the Provo River and tributary
Colin Hatch, 246 N 100 E, Provo, UT 84606, [email protected]
Abstract
Invertebrates were collected from the North Fork Creek which flows south into the Provo River. Samples were also collected from the Provo River, downstream from the connection with the creek. Invertebrate were counted and examined to test the hypothesis that more diversity in types of invertebrate would be discovered in the Provo River and that the species found in the North Fork Creek would also be found in the Provo River. It was discovered that the Provo River did support more invertebrate life, but the species found were only marginally similar to those found in the North Fork Creek. The quality of and the differences in each environment are considered as evidence as to why these results were discovered.
Key words: Provo River, North Fork Creek, invertebrate, diversity, biological integrity. The effects of elevation on the types of plants grown in Provo Canyon, Provo, Utah
Ashley E. Holt, 1107 Hinckley Hall, Provo, Utah 84604 Email: [email protected]
Abstract:
Plant species were observed at different elevations in Provo Canyon, Provo, Utah. The elevations were 5065 feet, 5144 feet, 5246 feet, and 5288 feet, respectively. As elevation increased, the types of plants changed. The lowest sample contained shrubbery, such as Artemisia tridentate. At the highest elevation, plant life had shifted to trees like Quercas gambelii and Acer grandidentatum. From this change I concluded that elevation has a measurable effect upon plant species and their reproductive success. This is due to the reduced barometric pressure, increased sunlight exposure, and lower temperatures. I offer no conclusion as to which of these factors is the most influential.
Keywords: altitude, plants, Provo, elevation, growth.
Diversity of Insects and Crustaceans in Varying Habitats on the Provo River, Provo, UT
Allison Huff, 42 Fox Hall, Provo, UT, 84604 Email: [email protected]
Abstract: Rivers are very diverse habitats that provide homes for countless insects, fish, and other living things. Diversity varies depending on the habitat which includes variables like water velocity, substrate, and depth. I collected samples from three different locations on the Provo River which represented the three main types of habitats; pools, runs, and riffles. I used the first 100 method to collect my samples, and sorted them into families. Although the creek at South Fork had the most insects in it, it was the least diverse area, with mayflies making up over sixty percent of the population. The river right below Deer Creek Dam had two species which were not present in any other area. My results match my research; mayflies prefer areas with riffles and stony substrate, and scuds can detect predators from chemical flows in the water. Keywords: Substrate, riffle, run, pool, mayflies, habitat.
Fibonacci numbers in the growth patterns of scrub oak (Quercus gambelii) branches as found in Rock Canyon, Provo, UT
Elisabeth Kaseda, 1340 N. Freedom Blvd. #338, Provo, UT 84604 E-mail: [email protected]
Abstract Many people recognize the Fibonacci numbers as found in art and architecture, but these numbers are said to be found in nature, as well. There is some discrepancy on where these numbers are found, and while there are many references to these numbers being found in branching patterns, there are not many studies that have been done to prove this true or false. Scrub oak (Quercus gambelii) are plentiful at the mouth of Rock Canyon in Provo, UT, and are easy to examine for these growth patterns. I found that while some of these plants exhibit this pattern, others do not. The actual variation in branching patterns was also discovered as a result of this study.
Keywords: Fibonacci, branches, growth patterns, scrub oak, Quercus gambelii
Population densities of aquatic insects in varying velocities of water in the Provo River, Provo, Utah, USA
Sydney Marie Keller, 2116 Hinckley Hall, Provo, Utah 84604 Email: [email protected] April 2011
Abstract
Aquatic invertebrates live in most aquatic environments and act as good indicators of environmental quality (Amlard et. al 2006). Although these organisms live mostly throughout the entirety of their environment, they do appear to prefer certain qualities in their environments over others. In this natural experiment, population densities of aquatic insects were sampled in slow flowing water, moderately flowing water, and fast flowing water. Insects were collected with a net held into the current of the Provo River, Provo, Utah, USA. The population densities of Baetidae camelobaetidius, an aquatic invertebrate, were highest in the fast flowing river currents. A major reason for this result could be due to the fact that a higher volume of water moved through the net in the high velocity water than in the low velocity water. Scientists will be able to use these findings to aid in future aquatic insect collection.
Keywords: Aquatic invertebrates, river currents, population density, velocity, and Baetidae camelobaetidius.
The Nature Experience: Provo, Utah tree growth dependent on thermal conditions and elevation Amber Kent, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah 84606. Email:[email protected] Date: April 4, 2011
Abstract Trees are wonderful aspects of our environment and day to day existence. They provide shade, contribute to the ecosystem, and are visually pleasing through out the year. There is a large variety of trees on the BYU campus and through out the Provo Canyon, this diversity comes form the different affects thermal and elevation conditions have on the trees. During the winter trees take on a different forum in which they lose their leaves and essentially stop growing. This has made me curious about the affects of thermal conditions during winter on trees. In order to learn about the affect climate and elevation have on tree growth I researched the tree population in the Provo area and attempted to observe the growth of varies trees during the winter months. In order to gather information about the thermal conditions data was gathered from the weather database. Tree species observed were found growing in the Provo area including the BYU campus, Y mountain, and Provo Canyon.
Keywords: trees; thermal conditions; elevation; Provo Utah; tree growth.
Riparian zone vegetation influenced by proximity to the rivers and streams of Bridal Veil Falls, Provo, Utah U.S.A.
Katie Kiefer 45 S 900 E #3. Provo, Utah, 84062. Email: [email protected]
Abstract Experiments for this nature experience were conducted and observed on the banks and riparian zones of the streams and river beds of Bridal Veil Falls located in Provo Canyon of Provo, Utah. Riparian vegetation and plant growth were observed and quantified during the course of a several week period. Weather conditions varied during the course of observational periods. These periods included conditions that had the presence of snow, springtime runoff, and moderate temperatures that included partly cloudy skies to moderate sunshine. The purpose of this nature experience was to measure if proximity to river, stream or water sources would illustrate more predominant vegetation growth. In contrast, zones that were further away from said water source were likely to show reduced presence and growth of vegetation.
Key words: Riparian zone, vegetation and plant growth, rivers, streams, and proximity.
Affect of proximity to water on Taraxacum (Dandelion) structure, dimensions and biomass of roots in Provo, Utah
Dylan Lambert, 431 N. 750 E., Provo, Utah 84606, Email: [email protected]
Abstract Dandelions (Taraxacum) are perennial weeds that populate grassy areas as well as dirt areas largely due to their easy reproduction and adaptability. While growth is similar above the surface, this study was conducted to see the variance in root systems. In this study, five Taraxacum plants were gathered from the banks of the Provo River as well as five from flower beds at Joaquin Park in Provo, Utah. Their root systems were measured for overall biomass, which was observed to correlate by location. Structure and dimensions of roots were also observed to correlate by location for plants covering the same area of ground. I hypothesized that the difference in root structure, dimension and biomass would be small, because the water absorption by roots is largely very small over a root system (Tinker 1976), and that due to nutrient availability, plants growing near the water would be larger (Nadelhoffer et. al. 1985; Cyr et. al. 1990). This was found to be true, and biomass was also observed to correlate with ground stability and the presence of a fine root system.
Keywords: Taraxacum, dandelion, biomass, roots, water The budding rate of three different species of deciduous dicot trees on Brigham Young University campus in Provo, Utah
Dani Lauricella, 3217 David John Hall, Provo, Utah 84604 email:[email protected]
Abstract: Observations of an Eastern Redbud (Fabaceae Cercis canadensis L.), Paperbark Maple (Aceraceae Acer griseum), and a Honey Locust (Fabaceae Gleditsia triacanthos L.) were made on Brigham Young University campus in Provo, Utah to test the budding rate of different dicotous trees. Observations of specific branches of each tree were made each week and photo documentation was taken. Each day the temperature and weather were noted. The Eastern Redbud was the fastest budding with an average of 17 buds a week. The Honey Locust was the slowest with an average of 6 buds a week. Results explain that the Eastern Redbud had a fast budding rate that continued through cold weather, the Paperbark Maple had a fast budding rate, but could not sustain it through cold weather, and the Honey Locust had a slow but stable budding rate.
Keywords: deciduous, budding, temperature, leafing out, dicot
The Strength of tree branches in Provo Canyon Park.
Aaron Magallanes, 1565 North University Avenue apartment #76, Provo UT, 84604 email: [email protected]
Abstract: Walking through the forest or a nice wooded area, you may be able to observe many different scenes of nature. One that is very common among these places is that of tree branches that litter the forest floor. Why are they there? What made them fall? In this experiment, there will be tests performed on different branches in the different trees located in Vivian Park. Branches of different trees will be weighted and tested to measure the strength, recorded, and then repeated on a different tree to be able to compare them at the conclusion of the experiment.
Keywords: Stress, Compressibility, vernier caliper, diameter Needle length correlation to branch size in Austrian pines (Pinus nigra)
Dallin Marr, 1130 E 450 N Apt. 51, Provo, Utah 84606 Email: [email protected]
Abstract Ten Austrian pines (Pinus nigra) were studied to determine the hypothesized correlation between the circumference of a branch and the length of the needles on that branch. The hope of the study was to make future research involving tree comparisons easier and more significant. Two pairs of needles from two branches of each tree were measured. A strong correlation was found (R = 0.62) between the circumference of the branch and needle lengths. There was still significant error in the resulting estimation model (SEE = 17.62 mm), so further study is needed to test this hypothesis. Specifically, studying variability of these two within one tree is necessary.
Keywords: Pinus nigra, needle length
The rate of growth of lichen in the genus crustose in Provo, Utah, U.S.A.
Misti Merrell, 961 West 680 South Orem, Utah 84058 Email: [email protected]
ABSTRACT The rate of the growth of a specific species of lichen within the genus Crustose varies because of many environmental factors. To measure the growth rate of specific species in Provo, Utah, the surface area of different species of lichen was measured on gravestones of different ages in the Provo Cemetery. Data was plotted in order to compare the rate of growth of each species over time. It was discovered that certain lichen species have a slow growth rate. This is due to the way lichen can grow on the gravestones.
Keywords: Lichen, growth rate, lichenology, genera crustose
Influence of Aspect on the Scrub Oak (Quercus gambelii) in Rock Canyon: Provo, Utah, U.S.A
Nate Noorlander, 434 S. 700 W. Apt. 4, Provo, Utah 84601 Email: [email protected]
Abstract I conducted this experiment up Rock Canyon in Provo Utah. I observed the size and spacing of the tree species Quercus gambelii appeared to differ according to aspect (north or south facing wall of the canyon). I hypothesized that the sun had a large influence on the size of trees, and consequently that the success of the trees on the northern aspect were sturdier, larger, and more numerous primarily for this reason. To test this hypothesis I measured the height and base and canopy sizes of groups of trees on both aspects. I determined that the trees on the northern aspect were indeed larger, but not only because of sunlight. I discovered that slope also plays a role in tree size, and that the slope of my two sample plots resulted in tree heights that were similar, while the base and canopy sizes of the northern aspect remained larger than those on the southern aspect.
Keywords: aspect, tree growth, sunlight, water, Scrub Oak (Quercus gambelii)
How varying levels of urbanization affect how much blackoil sunflower seed birds consume in Provo, UT, USA
Elizabeth Portanova, 2210 Taylor Hall, Provo, UT 84604, [email protected] Abstract
Some members of the scientific class Aves become domesticated through urban exposure and therefore unperturbed by human activity; in fact, some have even become dependent on humans and their byproducts for their survival. Other birds do not react in such a mutualistic manner, and are affected by human presence. In this study, the effects different levels of urbanization had on the amount of food consumed was tested by placing birdfeeders with sunflower seeds in four areas with varying amounts of human presence. These locations were all in Provo, UT--three of them around the populated Brigham Young University campus. For three of the locations, birdfeeders were placed in Picae pungens (Colorado Blue Spruce), and for one location, two birdfeeders were placed in Pentaphylloides floribunda (Shrubby Cinquefoil). The data collected supported my hypothesis that birds consume the most in the locations with the least amount of human activity. The small, non-predatory birds that consumed seed from the feeders with the least amount of civilized influence felt less threatened and therefore ate more seed. Another factor for more food being eaten was the amount of other food sources in the surrounding area.
Keywords: birds, Provo, urbanization, pedestrian, birdfeed
Effect of Temperature on the Budding of Gamble Oak (Quercus gambelii) in Rock Canyon, Utah
Chase E. Quinn, Helaman Halls 2122, Provo, Utah 84056 Email: [email protected]
Abstract Every spring, Utah goes through a variety of temperatures. Due to this trees have developed a way to know when to begin budding. This ability involves the temperature of the air around them. In this study I have recorded the development of these buds at various temperatures of the Gamble Oak (Quercus gambelii) in many different areas. Average amount of buds forming were taken for each branch on three different trees and temperatures were recorded. I predict that as the temperature rises there will be more buds per branch.
Key Words: Gamble Oak, Quercus gambelii, budding, Rock Canyon, Utah Vegetation
How moths respond to different colored light Ashley Rencher, 948 N 50 E, Apt. 301, Provo, Utah 84604. Email: [email protected]
Abstract
Moths are positively phototactic which means they are attracted to light. Moths use light sources to fly in straight lines through an evolutionary process called transverse orientation. The increased amount of artificial light utilized by humans has a negative effect on crops, flowers, and other animals because moths are attracted to and distracted by bright yellow artificial lights. I studied how moths respond to yellow, red, green, and purple light near the Provo River by shining yellow light into one open box and the other colored lights into another open box through holes covered by colored tissue paper. Moths were attracted to the yellow light significantly more than to any other color. Red light attracted the fewest moths. It is important to understand how moths are attracted to different colored lights to limit the negative effects of human activity in order to preserve biodiversity.
Keywords: phototactic, moths, light, color, transverse orientation, and light trap
Insect (Arthropoda: Hexapoda) preference for different types of artificial light in Orem, Utah, U.S.A. Christopher M. Rytting, 1745 N. 210 E. Orem, Utah 84057. Email: [email protected]
Abstract
Various bugs such as fleas, mosquitos, moths, and other insects can be undesirable because they destroy property, spread disease, simply annoy and do other things which have a negative impact on humans. They can also be beneficial for several reasons. There are several things which fairly obviously attract bugs. Places abundant in food, water and/or humans attract bugs, for example. One other sure attraction to bugs is artificial light at nighttime. Therefore, it would be valuable to be aware of which types of light most strongly attract bugs so that humans could know how to avoid attracting them or so that humans could focus on attracting them, depending on the circumstances and motivations. I lit three light bulbs – a visible fluorescent light, a visible incandescent light, and an incandescent black light – outdoors for seven consecutive nights. Beginning in between ten and eleven each night, depending on the circumstances, I lit these lights for an hour straight each of the seven nights and checked back every twenty minutes to see how many bugs had come to visit each of the lights. I took into account the number of bugs each time I counted them and came up with an average number of bugs per twenty minutes. I got both negative and positive results – which I consider to be fortuitous – and learned, primarily, that bugs are not likely to emerge for any reason during cold or rainy nights and that they prefer incandescent lights to fluorescent and black lights. Keywords: Light, Attraction, Bugs, Insects, Entomology Physical Effects of Volatile Organic Compounds on Plant Structure (Floracion primavera otono)
Kurt Serrano, 213 E Richards Hall Provo, Utah 84604, Email: [email protected]
Abstract There are various natural causes which affect plant life; however, human interactions and creations also introduce other problems to plant health. Observations of air pollution and volatile organic compound (VOC) effects on plant life prove to be dangerous to the overall condition of the plant. Direct exposure of these chemicals by plants happen often during everyday life whether through accidental or conscious means. The effects on the physical properties of the plants by these pollutants which cause loss of functionality peak my interest. Diversity of chemicals should affect the plants’ physical characteristics in various rates; those with higher concentrations of volatile organic compounds should pose more profound alterations to the plants. Experiments will be done to gain knowledge of the physical distortions of the plants when they are introduced to the harmful chemicals and which chemicals cause more destructive influences which cause loss of functionality in the plants. Loss of functionality can include corrosion, wilting, or utter destruction. Experiments include introduction of common harmful chemicals directly to the plants and testing the effects of the certain chemicals over a period of time. As the experiments were conducted, the plants with the damaging chemicals definitely had considerable differences to the control group.
Difference in plant growth due to a gradient of elevation on Maple Mountain
Kevin Stagg, 114 E 400 N Apartment 14, Provo, Utah 84601 Email: [email protected]
Abstract Elevation can determine what plants grow and where they grow. Plants have distinct ranges of elevation at which they grow. By observing plant growth at different elevations I will see were the different plants grow and find the levels of change along the gradient of elevation. Each different plant has its own range in which it can grow. The ranges of the different plants overlap with each other.
KEY WORDS: Elevation, gradiant, plant, Maple Mountain
Frequency and Nature of Interspecific Communication by Birds (Aves) located near the former Presidents’ Home on BYU Campus
Robyn Stagg, 114 W 400 N Apt. 14, Provo, Utah, 84601 Email: [email protected]
Abstract The primary goal of this research was to identify the frequency and nature of interspecific communication among birds at the Former President’s Home on BYU Campus. I hypothesized that I would not see any interspecific communication. I observed eight species of birds on eight days over the course of three weeks and found that no interspecific communication existed between any of the species. However, I did discover that robins eat dead worms off of the sidewalk and that all species of the birds vocalized in the air and in the trees but not on the ground.
Keywords: chirps, vocalizations, interspecific, scrub jay, vulnerable
The abiotic factors of light and water saturation and their effect on the distribution of the common earthworm (Lumbricus terrestris).
Julia Vincent, 2114 N 170 W Apt. 244, UT 84604 Email: [email protected] submitted April 2011
Abstract
Earthworms (Lumbricus terrestris) are a familiar inhabitant in most gardens and their presence is commonly accepted as a good indicator of healthy soil. Since they are highly beneficial to plants growth, I wanted to know what would conditions would encourage their presence. For this experiment, I tested earthworms to compare their preferences of varying levels of light exposure and water saturation. I gathered 60 worms and put them in a 30.5cm x 20cm x 5cm tray and gave them varying options for light exposure and then water saturation. After letting them roam freely in the tray for a set amount of time, I then counted to see how many worms were in each section to determine what the worms' habitat preferences were. The results of the light experiments were that ,on average, 18% were found in the full light exposure section, 22% were found in the section with the least amount of light exposure and 60% of the worms were found in the section with partial light exposure. In the soil saturation experiments 59% of the worms were found in the wet section and 41% were found in the dry section, on average. The possible reasons for these results are that the worms need to keep their skin moist and so they prefer soil with more water in it. They also may have liked the warmth of the light, but not the full light exposure since they are nocturnal creatures. key words: zoogeography, animal migration, habitat, ecosystems, soil water saturation.