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Full-Text Articles in Life Sciences
Can Diet Affect Coloration In Tiger Salamanders?, Katherine Novak
Can Diet Affect Coloration In Tiger Salamanders?, Katherine Novak
Undergraduate Research Symposium 2018
Amphibians are the fastest known declining taxonomic group in the world with 48% of populations in decline (Stuart et. al. 2004). These declines in amphibian populations are partially due to the lack of basic life history data (Semlitsch 2003). For example, amphibians are known for their bright coloration and ability to rapidly change color. Coloration is key to amphibian survival in terms of defense (as camouflage or a warning sign to predators), thermoregulation (darker skin warms faster), and communication (primarily mating displays) (Rudh and Qvanstrom 2013). One aspect of amphibian coloration that is poorly understood is how much the environment …
Leaf Litter Decomposition In The Pomme De Terre River, Lily Fulton
Leaf Litter Decomposition In The Pomme De Terre River, Lily Fulton
Undergraduate Research Symposium 2018
We studied the role of riverbank plant leaves as habitat and food for macroinvertebrates in the Pomme de Terre River. Our objectives were to characterize tree cover along the riverbank using GIS, the decomposition of leaves of 4 native and invasive plant species, and the abundance and diversity of macroinvertebrates colonizing experimental leaf packs. Leaf packs contained boxelder, cottonwood, buckthorn or cattail leaves. Leaves were dried, put into mesh bags and attached to submerged logs in the river. Paper punchers were used to take leaf samples. Tree cover varied among counties. Macroinvertebrate abundance differed significantly between leaf species (ANOVA, p= …