A comparative evaluation of tree species in different geographical elevations in Provo, Utah

Nocturnal insect activity at Wymount Terrace Deer Trail

Jason Ewell, 609 Wymount Terrace, Provo, UT 84604. Email: [e-mail]

ABSTRACT

            Throughout my biology 100 class I have learned that there is so much diversity in the world (Nelson, biology 100). The numbers of diverse species that I learn about are incredible because I really do not see a fraction of these numbers. Is it that I am asleep when life on earth is just awakening? This nature experiment strives to find out when all these suspected species are active, specifically insects. My hypothesis is that nocturnal insect activity is higher than diurnal activity at Wymount Terrace Deer Trail. I will collect my data by using insect ground traps near the Wymount Terrace Deer Trail. Seven days of data were collected to determine when these insects were most active. Unfortunately, my research was negative. I could not tell by the data that I collected whether nocturnal activity was greater than diurnal activity. Come to find out, after further research was done, there are so many variables that determine when insects are active that further experimentation is needed to answer my question. 

 

KEYWORDS: Nocturnal, Diurnal, Crepuscular, senses, dormancy, life cycle, biological clock.

Effect of Wavelengths on Photosynthesis of Plants (Dracaena deremensis and Hedera helix): Provo, Utah USA

Jennifer J. Farrell, 2111 Stover Hall, Provo, Utah 84604 Email: [e-mail]

Abstract

Different wavelengths of visible light affect the photosynthesis of plants thus affecting their growth rate, but more research is required before we can determine which wavelength of light is the best for plant growth. Experiments will be conducted in a controlled environment so that varying wavelengths is the only variable. The plants (Dracaena deremensis and Hedera helix) will be observed on a daily basis and changes in appearance and height will be recorded with respect to time that has passed and species of plant.

Keywords: visible light, plant growth, wavelength

Blinding the Fish: The effects of natural found water on the Electric Organ Discharge of the Gnathonemus petersii.
Keenan E. Fessler, 784 W. 100 N. Provo, Utah, 84601. Fessler.Keenan @gmail.com
Abstract

I gathered and tested water samples of different natural types and sources from around the Utah and Heber valleys. These samples were then tested for environmental dangers to insure the safety of the Gnathonemus petersii. The Gnathonemus petersii was then placed in each water sample and the electric organ discharge recorded, along with the water’s acidity/alkalinity, carbonate hardness, general hardness, and the levels of ammonia and ammonium cation. The results showed small changes in voltage in all but one case. One sample created a voltage 10 times larger than any of the others. After review of the gathered information I concluded that the chemical composition of the water doesn’t affect the generation process of the electric field of the Gnathonemus petersii but after comparison of the different tested levels I observed that as total hardness increased so did the voltage readings of the electric organ discharge. I then conclude that the recorded exponential growth in voltage is in response to the change of calcium and magnesium cations.

Keywords: Gnathonemus petersii, Elephantnose fish, Mormyrid, electric organ discharge, water conductivity, bioelectricity, ion, general hardness, carbonate hardness.
Reasons to the Diversity of Leaves Amongst Trees

Anne S. Fiala, 3218 David John Hall, Provo, Utah 84604 Email: [e-mail]

Abstract

In this study observations were made dealing with the diversity of the shapes and sizes of the different leaves within the Provo area. Samples and pictures were taken as well as observations recorded in order to see all the possibilities. Environmental factors were considered as well as comparisons from tree to tree. It was observed that reasons for the differences in size and shape are due to the necessity of access to the sun’s light for photosynthesis as well as protection and survival for the tree.

Keywords: Leaves, diversity, photosynthesis, natural selection, observations

Abstract

According to many current biological studies, algae growth tends to increase as water temperature increases. Studies examining algae growth were conducted at Provo River, Utah, in an effort to test this theory. Experiments were conducted at four different locations along Provo River during three separate trials. Water temperature was measured using a digital thermometer while algae growth was calculated by weighing the volume of algae present at each site. Findings suggest that an increase in temperature also causes an increase in algae growth at Provo River. These findings may also present evidence for a global warming trend. The collected data also suggests a relationship may exist between current speed and algae growth, presenting the need for future studies.

Key words: Chlorophyta, freshwater biomes, global warming, Provo River, scientific uncertainty

Presence of Algae as Determined by Water Velocity

Jared D. Fisher Department of Statistics, TMCB 307, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah 84602.

Email: [e-mail]

Abstract

To disprove the common, even stereotypical idea that algae only grow in standing water, I attempted to find the threshold water velocity that limits algae growth, that is to say, the maximum water velocity that algae grow freely in. To add to standing literature, measurements were taken along the Provo River and Utah Lake, to confirm the prior scientific reasoning that algae can thrive in water with current. The data was inconclusive about the exact threshold, but did show that algae grow prosperously in water velocities of more than 0.016 meters per second.

Keywords: algae, water velocity, Provo River, Utah Lake.

Influence the Hobble Creek River has on plant diversity: Springville, Utah, U.S.A.

Morgan Fitzgerald, Horne Hall #59, Provo, Utah 84604 Email: [e-mail]

Abstract

            I was curious as to whether there is more plant diversity along the bank of the Hobble Creek River in the upper (in the mountains) or lower areas (in the valley) of the river.  Therefore, I created a hypothesis that there is more plant diversity up river rather than down river.  This is because the mountains have a more natural habitat than the valley does.  After forming a hypothesis, an experiment then took place in three different places along the Hobble Creek River.  Roping off an area that was 10’ x 10’ in a circular shape, located along the river’s edge, each number of plant species was counted and identified if possible to find the difference in diversity between the three areas.  By looking at the data, it was clear that in the middle area along the Hobble Creek River, there was the most plant diversity.  The second most plant diverse area was in the mountains, and least diverse was in the valley.  There were also some similarities among the upper and middle river areas.  After determining these results, we can conclude that my hypothesis was not completely correct.  The most plant diversity was actually located in the middle region of the river rather than in the upper part of the river.  There are many factors that could contribute to these results, such as sunlight, and a larger variety of seeds delivered in that area by the river, which is more unlikely down or up river. 

Keywords: Plant diversity, Hobble Creek River, similarities, habitat.

The Effects of Water and Light on Pisium sativium Germination

Mara Azucena Flores, Undergraduate, Brigham Young University, 847 East 560 North, Provo, UT 84606. Email: [e-mail]

Abstract

The growth of a plant depends on water, soil, light and weather conditions. But water and light are the main components for a plant to grow properly. The purpose of this study is to discover how the use, or lack, of water and light affected the growth and maturation of pea plants.

These findings will give a foundation for this experiment to better understand the variables of growth in the experiment. It is the objective to become more familiar with and know the response and growth of plants due to variations in light and water. This in turn helps to understand not only the best combination of these variables to stimulate plant growth, but also the affects of not using the variables properly. The hypothesis for this experiments are: 1. - The best association of variables at the end of the experiment will demonstrate that the combination of water and light in the right amounts will produce a healthier plant, 2.- A plant in the darkness with appropriate amounts of water will grow but it will lack proper color and production of fruit or leaves as well as limited oxygen production, and 3.-Pea seeds will not germinate in the absence of water regard of light presence.

The Effects of Weather and Temperature on Garden Spiders in Rock Canyon Park

Jake A. Fogle, 835 North 50 East Apt. 122, Provo, Utah 84604

Email: [e-mail]

Abstract

The life cycle of most spiders lasts one year, with the male and female mating in the early fall, after which the male dies; the female producing one or more egg sacs containing up to several hundred eggs; the female dying; the eggs hatching in the sac; and the spiderlings spending the winter in the sac, awaiting spring to come out and continue the cycle (Hillyard, 2007). My study was focused on what part weather and temperature play in the timing of that cycle. The location of the observation work was Rock Canyon Park, due to its rural nature, coupled with its proximity to campus to allow for frequent visits. The visits varied from early morning to late afternoon, in order to note variations in webs and activities throughout the day.

Keywords

Argiope, Orb Weaver, Web, Cocoon, & Egg Sac.

Reaction of Polistes dominula (Wasps) to changes in Weather Temperature and Rain and the Mystery of how Decedents of Polistes Dominula Repopulate After Winter

Brian J. Foote, 375W 1720N Apt. 113, Provo, Utah Email: [e-mail]

Abstract

Observations and research are presented that describe the behavioral changes of the social wasp, Polistes dominula—an invasive European paper wasp accidently introduced into the United States about twenty years ago (Curtis et al 2005)—in response to changes in weather temperature and rain. I also explain how P. dominula repopulate after only the queens survive winters (Dapporto et al 2004). Experiments support the observations and research that P. dominula become lethargic and tranquil as the temperature decreases. Other personal observations confirm research that during rain storms P. dominula are likely to decrease their activity in order to stay warm and dry, and observations support the research that states the majority of the nest population dies after the first frost, and that only fertile females overwinter (Starks 1998).

Keywords: Paper wasp; effects of temperature and rain; overwinter; wasp activity

Diversity of Arthropods on the Trunks of Four Species of Tree (Picea pungens, Acer grandidentatum, Quercus gambelii, and Amelanchier alnifolia) near Bridal Veil Falls, Provo Canyon, Utah in Late Autumn

Alexander T. Fuller, 414 Wymount Terrace, Provo, Utah 84604 Email: [e-mail]

Abstract

Abundant research has been performed on the interaction and density of specific arthropods on four common trees native to Northern Utah. These four species of trees are Blue Spruce (Picea pungens), Canyon Maple (Acer grandidentatum), Rocky Mountain White Oak (Quercus gambelii), and Western Serviceberry (Amelanchier alnifolia). However, the scientific community has yet to compare the diversity of arthropods between these four species, especially during late autumn. To test whether the number of arthropod species is dependent on the tree species, I collected and identified arthropod species over a 24-hour period in early November. The Blue Spruce had the most diversity of species with a total of 14 species present. This may have been caused by the shelter that the coniferous Blue Spruce provides in late autumn. The collected data will set a benchmark for further studies and correlation with abiotic and biotic factors.

CLIMATE EFFECTS ON MULE DEER FEEDING PATTERNS NEAR BUTTERFIELD CANYON, UTAH

Megan Garcia, Undergraduate, Brigham Young University, 13519 S. Fragrant Ln. Herriman, Utah, 84096 Email: [e-mail]

There are several reasons that factor into what, where and why deer eat what they do. These factors include the time of year, what there is available, what other options they have. Mule deer are abundant in the mountainous areas of Utah. Having grown up in Utah my whole life, I have become quite familiar with deer. They are known to survive off of forbs (flowering plants) and browse (twigs and leaves). I was curious as to if and how their feeding patterns change during the winter in the presence of snow. My hypothesis was that, when observed, more mule deer would be found near homes in neighborhoods near the benches of the mountains rather than at the actual base of the mountain or in the canyon because it would simply be easier to find food near the homes as opposed to the snow-covered mountains where everything is frozen and dead. My collected data showed otherwise. Mule deer were seen to feed in the neighborhoods before it snowed more than after it had snowed. After snowfall, mule deer grazed in the canyon more than in the neighborhood. This is due to what food was available and where and if they could find it.

Keywords: mule deer, canyon, winter, feeding patterns

Strain of Nitrogen and Phosphorus as Nutrient Pollution on Aquatic Specie Diversity: Goldfish (Cyprindae: Carassius Auratus) as an Example of an Affected Mobile Organism: Provo, Utah, U.S.A

Melanie A. Gardner, 1565 N University Ave, Apt. 66, Provo, Utah, 84604 Email: [e-mail]

Abstract

Nutrient pollution, particularly that of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P), occurs when human activity introduces an excess amount of these chemicals into aquatic ecosystems. The excess chemicals may be introduced via agricultural fertilizers or sewage facility runoff, as well as a myriad of other human activities (Simon 2010). These chemicals promote growth of both algae and cynobacteria; the extra biomass is decomposed by microbes and as a result normal levels of the oxygen in the system are depleted. The lack of usual oxygen creates “dead zones” or hypoxic events where sessile organisms die and mobile organisms leave the ecosystem (Essington 2010). Because aquatic ecosystems are adversely strained by nutrient pollution introduced by human activities and greater N/P amounts are detrimental to the health and diversity of a biotic community, I studied the effects of such nutrient pollution on a smaller scale in order to gain an understanding of its effects on individuals. Using an example of typical plant fertilizer, I treated three groups of Goldfish (Cyprindae: Carassius Auratus) with varying levels of nutrient pollution and observed their behavior in the affected environment. Comparing the observed health of those three groups in an affected environment with that of fish in a control group (in untreated water), it became apparent that an overabundance of added nutrients had adverse effects and caused death to the inhabitants of heavily polluted waters.

Keywords: Cyprindae: Carassius Auratus, hypoxic event, Nitrogen, Phosphorus, aquatic diversity, aquatic biota, toxins, trophic level, eutrophication

Abstract
Hemiptera gerridae, or Water Striders, have the uncanny ability to move across the water, and are able to travel quickly through streams and currents. What allows them to do this is the surface tension of the water. The Water Striders (Hemiptera gerridae) were observed after being placed in three different kinds of water samples—tap water, carbonated water, Provo River water. Each water sample was broken down into three categories that contained the following contaminants—dish soap, table salt (NaCl), and vinegar. This made for a total of nine water variations (see figure 1). The findings of the experiment indicated that when dish soap was added to any of the three water samples the Water Striders (Hemiptera gerridae) were not able to maintain their ability to float atop the water.
Keywords: surface tension, cohesion, aquatic insect, micro-setae, hydrophobic

Impacts of Natural Disturbances of Ant Nests Produces Repair, Not Relocation (Formicidae) 

Anneli Givens, 1214 Chipman Hall, Provo, UT 84604

            Abstract. Although we all see ants almost everyday, they become insignificant to us because of their commonality and tiny stature in the grand scheme of nature.  Even though we may not always notice individual ants, it is hard to miss the immense structures they build that seem to crop up and reestablish soon after natural disturbances. Though ants (Formicidae) are particularly good nest builders, it is unknown how committed they are to remaining in their established nest after the event of significant natural disturbance occurs. I conducted experiments on local ant nests near trees on trails behind Provo Temple and I observed ant behavior after the simulated natural disturbance of a branch being dropped from a tree height onto the ant nest.  I plotted the three ant nests in a field notebook and named them Nest A, Nest B, and Nest C.  The nests were then identified and according to the ants’ behavior and were easily recognizable according to my sketch.  I also made it a point to make sure the nests were spread far enough apart that no branch that I might drop on one nest could interfere in any way with a nest not being disturbed at the time.  I found that after each ant nest was disturbed, to a small degree or more drastically, the ants (Formicidae) did not relocate their home to a nearby location but instead built around the object (a stick or small branch) to re-create the nest.  This result happened fairly quickly, as the ants were fast to identify the stick that had destroyed part of their habitat and instead of relocating to another area or using materials from their destroyed nest to rebuild in a different location, the ants (Formicidae) shifted slightly in the direction of the nest but did not move the site of their nest.

Keywords: colony formation, swarming, habitat, impact of colony disruption, Formicidae building habits.

Hunting tactics of spiders in Bonneville Canyon and Provo, UT (Arachnid: Tetragnatha montana)

Jeremy Glauser, 2183 Nevada Ave. #4, Provo, UT, Email: [e-mail]

Abstract

I have conducted observations and research on the manner in which spiders (Arachnid) hunt and feed on their prey. Due to the variety of different types of spiders I have focused my research on Tetragnatha montana. I made my observations over the course of three weeks for several hours. The sites I focused on include Bonneville Canyon and several spiders’ layers along Campus Drive. I observed the movements of the spider, the size of the spider, how many prey it had caught, what the spider did with its prey, how big the prey were, how the web was structured, and where the spider positioned itself on the web. Ultimately, the spider spent most of its time motionlessly waiting in the coneshaped retreat or on the web’s platform. Tetragnatha montana hunted passively and alone. The size of the spiders was about that of a dime and the size of the insects was that of a small gnat. The platform was made of a non-adhesive web whereas the catching zone was much stickier and nearly invisible. The spider would not immediately attack and wrap the prey. Usually the prey had been on the web for a long time before the spider ever reacted. This spider’s hunting tactics resemble those of many other species, including humans.

Keywords: Arachnid, Hunting, Hunter, Feeding, Spider

The Survival of the House Sparrows America

David Godoy, 675N. 500W. Provo, Utah 684601

Email: [e-mail]
Abstract
The House Sparrow (Passer domesticus) is a very common bird in the USA. In every city you can find them picking in the ground, in the wires of poles and flying around. Because there are so common not many people pay attention to them. And not everyone knows that this bird is originally from Europe. The purpose of this study is to understand the urban adaptation of the Passer domesticus. Why they were one of the only birds that well adapted in America? Why there are so many of them? This experiment will try to understand their adaptations by observing their behavior, understanding their history, diet, breeding, etc.
Keywords: Passer domesticus, Sparrow, common birds of USA, adaptation.

Altitude Influence on the growth of Sagebrush (Artemisia tridentate) on Mount Timpanogos: Provo, Utah, U.S.A.

Kelsea N. Goodrich, 2219 Chipman Hall, Provo, Utah 84604 Email: [e-mail]

Abstract

The growth of Sagebrush (Artemisia tridentate) on Mount Timpanogos is affected by altitude differences. More research is needed to discern how growth is affected by altitude changes. By planting three species of Atremisia tridentate at the bottom of Mount Timpanogos, and three species of Atremisia tridentate at the top of Mount Timpanogos, I was able to study the effect of elevation change on the sagebrush. By observing and comparing the growth of both sets of sagebrush, I saw that the experiment resulted in a lower leaf count, smaller growth, and eventual death.

Keywords: elevation, plants

Title: The root lengths of Artemisia tridentata (Sagebrush) and Ephedra nevadensis (Nevada Ephedra) and how they affect growth and durability in the desert of Antelope Valley, Nevada, USA

Name and Adress: Ben Goodson 3107 Budge Hall, Provo, Utah 84604 Email: [e-mail]

Keywords: root diameter, length, circumference, Ephedra Nevadensis, Artemsisia tridentate, Nevada,

Absract

Sagebrush is very successful and stable in extreme conditions (Matzner and Richards 1996). This gives the plant an advantage over other plants in the area late in he season when the soil layers with more nutrients are dry (Matzner and Richards 1996). I set up an experiment to find out what made sagebrush so successful by digging up sagebrush and Ephedra Nevadensis and measuring their roots to see what made the sagebrush so successful. At first I was going to measure the water levels in the various plants, but since I had no way to make that experiment happen, I decided to look at the roots of both plants. After my sister and I had dug up both sets of plants the sagebrush plants had much more roots, even if they weren’t that much deeper. My conclusion was that because the sagebrush had a more vast area with its shallow roots, it was able to absorb nutrients and grow quickly. Both plants were durable because of their deep taproot. Although the Ephedra plant doesn’t reside exclusively as it has spread across the United States to as far as the Great Lakes area (Maher 1964)