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The Status Of The Blacknose Shiner (Notropis Heterolepis) Tn Iowa: A Preliminary Survey, Neil P. Bernstein, Michael Getting, Timothy Kamp, Stevenson Christain, Ryan Smith, Joseph Steele, Steven Steele

Journal of the Iowa Academy of Science: JIAS

During the last 45 years, the blacknose shiner (Notropis heterolepis) has been restricted to a three county area in northwestern Iowa. We surveyed locations where this siltation-intolerant species had been captured to update the status of the fish in the state. Streams were blocked with nets on both the upstream and downstream ends of sample areas, and fish were collected with a backpack electrofisher and seines. Lakes where the blacknose shiner had been found were also sampled. No blacknose shiners were found and several possible explanations are offered for their absence from historical sites.

Density-Dependent Effects On Microhabitat Selection And Activity Of Two Species Of Larval Ambystoma Salamanders, Jeanette M. Jaskula, Robert Brodman

Journal of the Iowa Academy of Science: JIAS

To be able to distinguish unnatural amphibian declines from natural population fluctuations we need a better understanding of the mechanisms that affect amphibian community structure. Larval pond-breeding salamanders exhibit density-dependent effects on population parameters, but little is known of the effect of density on behaviors that mediate interactions. Two species, Amby1toma tigrinum (tiger salamander) and A. laterale (blue-spotted salamander), were evaluated in laboratory aquaria for intraspecific and interspecific interactions that affect microhabitat selection and activity. Microhabitat selection was studied by partitioning containers into microhabitats that either contained or lacked refuges, and movement was recorded over a hexagonal grid to determine …

Morphological Abnormalities In Illinois Cricket Frogs, Acris Crepitans, 1968-71, Robert H. Gray

Journal of the Iowa Academy of Science: JIAS

Reports of malformed amphibians have been increasing, including external deformities such as missing or extra arms and legs, missing eyes and mandibles, and internal abnormalities involving the bladder, digestive system, and testes. Natural phenomena such as limb amputations during predation attempts by other animals, parasitism, xenobiotic chemicals (herbicides, insecticides, fertilizers and others), and UV-B or other radiation (either directly or indirectly by triggering production of toxicants from nontoxic chemicals) have all been linked to amphibian abnormalities. From 1968-71, I studied the natural history, effective breeding size, and seasonal, annual, and geographic variation in color morph frequencies of cricket frogs (Acris …

Assessing The Classification Accuracy Of Digitized National Aerial Photography Program Imagery: Comparison With Botanical Data, Mark Arthur Alexander

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The ability to acquire and use remotely sensed data has revolutionized large-scale ecological studies by reducing dependence on difficult and expensive field survey techniques for acquisition of land use and land cover data. Multispectral satellite imagery, typically from the Landsat Multispectral Scanner (MSS), Thematic Mapper (TM) and the SPOT High Resolution Visible (HRV) instruments, has proven particularly valuable in surveying and classifying vegetation cover (Frank & Thorn, 1985). Further studies have concluded that alpine vegetation communities and habitats can be mapped successfully by including the geomorphic parameters of elevation, slope, and incidence when classifying remotely sensed data.

This research analyzes …

Community Composition Of Dry Prairie In Iowa And Southeast Nebraska, Thomas R. Rosburg

Journal of the Iowa Academy of Science: JIAS

Results from quantitative research on the community composition of dry prairies across Iowa were consolidated from three different studies completed since 1983. Information is provided on the distribution and abundance of 204 dry prairie species. The most abundant species included little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium (Michx.) Nash), big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii Vitman), side-oats grama (Bouteloua curtipendula (Michx.) Torrey), prairie dropseed (Sporobolus heterolepis (Gray) Gray) and Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.). Multivariate analyses were completed using two independent measures of species abundance-relative cover and community constancy. When relative cover was used to determine community composition, the abundance of graminoids (tallgrasses vs. mid-grasses) …

Earth News, Fall 1998, Department Of Earth Science, University Of Northern Iowa.

Earth News

Inside this issue:

--- Faculty Achievements and Activities
--- 1998 Earth Science Graduates
--- Student Research Presentations
--- Sigma Gamma Epsilon - Gamma Sigma Chapter
--- Earth Science Majors
--- Observatory: Room with a Stellar View
--- Gifts to the Department of Earth Science
--- 1998 Scholarship and Award Recipients
--- Earth Science Seminar Series
--- UNI Students Get Up Close and Personal with Nature
--- Earth Science Alumni Notes

A Literature Review And Survey Of The Status Of Iowa's Terrestrial Flora, Deborah Q. Lewis

Journal of the Iowa Academy of Science: JIAS

A survey of Iowa's floristic literature and herbarium resources indicates that while there is not uniform coverage of plant groups and regions, a great deal is known about the Iowa flora. Taxonomic and floristic studies are ongoing, despite evidence of a decreased number of researchers with expertise and interest in Iowa's flora and changing emphases in academic research. Current knowledge is sufficient for the production of an Iowa Flora, and an Iowa Flora committee to initiate this project is proposed.

Carrion Beetles (Coleoptera: Silphidae) Of Northeastern Iowa: A Comparison Of Baits For Sampling, David R. Coyle, Kirk J. Larsen

Journal of the Iowa Academy of Science: JIAS

Carrion beetles (Coleoptera: Silphidae) were inventoried over a 8-week period from June into August of 1996 at 10 sites in 4 counties of extreme northeastern Iowa. Carrion preference and relative abundance of carrion beetles were studied by use of non-lethal pitfall traps constructed from large plastic plant pots and baited with aged fish, beef liver, chicken, or piglets. A total of 3,183 carrion beetles were collected, representing 11 different species. The most commonly encountered species of carrion beetles in northeastern Iowa included Necrophila americana (71.5%) and Oiceoptoma novaboracense (18.5%). When comparing baits, chicken and fish attracted the greatest number of …

Mammals Of Iowa: Holocene To The End Of The 20th Century, John B. Bowles, Daryl L. Howell, Richard P. Lampe, Howard P. Whidden

Journal of the Iowa Academy of Science: JIAS

This review of Iowa's mammal fauna at the close of the 20th century summarizes changes in distributional patterns following Euroamerican settlement in the early 1800s. Data from historical records, museum specimens, and presettlement late Holocene fossils indicate presence of 69 resident mammals at that time. Hunting pressures and the conversion of prairie and forest to agricultural fields reduced the populations and ranges of many state mammals, and 14 species were extirpated by 1900. An additional 15 species are either uncommon or rare today, and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources lists four species as endangered, three as threatened and one …

Nomenclatural Changes For Some Diatoms Found In Iowa, David B. Czarnecki

Journal of the Iowa Academy of Science: JIAS

Nomenclatural revisions for four diatom taxa found in Iowa, two of which are presently maintained in the Loras College Freshwater Diatom Culture Collection (FDCC), are necessary because of systematic interpretations of the Division Bacillariophyta. Achnanthidium hauckianum (Grun.) Czarnecki comb. nov. was originally assigned to the genus Achnanthes Bory. Three taxa were previously assigned to the morphologically diverse genus Navicula Bory. These are Cavinula weinzierlii (Schimanski) Czarnecki comb. nov., Craticula cuspidata var. major [(Meist.) Czarnecki comb. nov. and] Craticula halophila var. subcapitata (0str.) Czarnecki comb. nov.

Eighty Years Of Research At Iowa Lakeside Laboratory: A Bibliography, Debby Zieglowsky Baker

Journal of the Iowa Academy of Science: JIAS

Over 400 scientific reports and theses have resulted from work conducted at Iowa Lakeside Laboratory since it was founded in 1909. This bibliography updates Ulmer's 1962 bibliography and gathers some of the hundreds of theses written by students at the Lab.

Annual Report Of The Iowa Academy Of Science, 1988-89, Paul E. Rider

Journal of the Iowa Academy of Science: JIAS

Starting in 1976, annual reports have served as a continuing record of the activities of the Iowa Academy of Science. These augment a 100 year history of the Academy which was written in the centennial year of 1975.

This report covers the period from July 1, 1988 to June 30, 1989. It is based on the official records of the Academy (committee reports, Board minutes, correspondence) as well as the recollections, impressions and musings of the author, who is writing his first annual report.

Annotated Bibliography Of Iowa Prairie Literature, Dean M. Roosa, James H. Peck

Proceedings of the Iowa Academy of Science

This bibliography contains 335 references by 244 authors on the prairies of Iowa. The references include the taxonomic, floristic, ecologic, physiologic, historical, and wildlife reports on the Iowa prairie. Each reference is annotated to clarify its title and to summarize the contributions or topics discussed.

The Distribution Of Orchids In Iowa, David Niemann

Proceedings of the Iowa Academy of Science

08 The Distribution of Orchids

The distribution of the native orchids of Iowa was determined through herbarium and field studies. Twenty-five species have been collected in Iowa: Aplectrum hyemale (Muhl. ex Willd.) Torr., Calopogon tuberosus (L.) BSP., Coeloglossum viride (L.) Harem. var. virescens (Muhl.) Luer, Corallorhiza maculata Raf., Corallorhiza odontorhiza (Willd.) Nutt., Cypripedium calceolus L. var. pubescens (Willd.) Correll, Cypripedium candidum Muhl. ex Willd., Cypripedium reginae Wale., Galearis spectabilis (L.) Raf., Goodyera pubescens (Willd.) R. Br., Liparis lilifolia (L.) L. C. Rich., Liparis loeselii (L.) L. C. Rich. , Malaxis unifolia Michx., Platanthera clavellata (Michx.) Luer, Platanthera flava (L.) Lindl. …

Survey Of Some Eastern Iowa Caves For Wintering Bats, Rudy Pruszko, John B. Bowles

Proceedings of the Iowa Academy of Science

Nineteen caves in the eastern Iowa counties of Dubuque, Jackson, and Jones were surveyed for bat usage during the winter of 1983-84. A total of 1548 hibernating bats of 4 species (Myotis lucifugus, Myotis keenii, Pipistrellus subflavus, and Eptesicus fuscus) were counted in 12 of the caves. Only the previously reported federally endangered Myotis sodalis was not found.

Bryophytes Of The Loess Hills Of Western Iowa, Judith Van Der Linden, Donald R. Farrar, Steven P. Churchill

Proceedings of the Iowa Academy of Science

Seventy-nine mosses, 15 liverworts, and one hornwort are reported to occur in the seven Loess Hills counties of Iowa. Barbula acuta is a new state record; 29 species represent new county records. The flora consists primarily of species characteristic of the eastern deciduous forest, but there is also a significant representation of prairie species. Arid climate, absence of extensive bedrock exposures, and absence of non-calcareous soils limit bryophyte diversity in the Loess Hills region.

Science Notes - Conservation Education Center Summer Course Offerings, Carl W. Bollwinkel

Iowa Science Teachers Journal

Eight different content courses relating to the environment will be offered in June and July at the Conservation Education Center in Springbrook State Park near Guthrie Center; Iowa. The Education Center; which has air-conditioned dormitories, dining hall and lounge building, and classrooms, is located in a wooded area with nearby ponds and prairie remnants.

Ecology Of Iowa Drosophila I. Lowland Forest, Neil J. Jennings, Edward Pilkington, Robert D. Seager

Proceedings of the Iowa Academy of Science

We have studied the seasonal abundances of Drosophila species collected from a lowland forest community in northeastern Iowa. Eleven species were collected of which six were collected in appreciable numbers (over 20 individuals). One species, D. affinis, is dominant until early summer when it virtually disappears and a second species, D. tripunctata, becomes dominant. Two other species, D. falleni and D. robusta, also are very common early in the year and collected much less frequently later. It is hypothesized that temperature is a critical factor in determining these seasonal patterns.

Program Abstracts, 97th Session, Iowa Academy Of Science, April 26-27, 1985, Central College

Proceedings of the Iowa Academy of Science

No abstract provided.

Vegetation Communities Of Ledges State Park, Boone County, Iowa, Cindy L. Johnson-Groh

Proceedings of the Iowa Academy of Science

The vegetation of Ledges State Park was sampled with 54 plots placed in representative plant communities throughout the park. The plots were ordinated by tree species and compared with topography. Seven major vegetation types were defined: Quercus alba type ,Quercus alba-Quercus rubra type, Quercus rubra type, Quercus rubra-Tilia americana type, Tilia americana type,Juglans nigra type, and slump forest type. A vegetation map of the park was constructed using field data and aerial photography. In comparison with eastern Iowa forests, the forests of Ledges State Park are a western extension of the species-rich eastern forests with the addition of xeric …

Flora And Phytogeographical History Of Ledges State Park, Boone County, Iowa, Cindy L. Johnson-Groh, Donald R. Farrar

Proceedings of the Iowa Academy of Science

The Ledges State Park flora includes 437 species of vascular plants, several of which are unusual for central Iowa. The flora is surprisingly diverse considering its western location. The current distributions and occurrences of plants in the Ledges suggest the influence of historic plant migrations. The Ledges flora is composed of three elements, eastern mesophytic species, southern zerophytic species and northern boreal species. The dissected topography of the Ledges State Park has allowed boreal species, relics of northern forests, to persist in the protected canyon habitats.

A Floristic Analysis Of The Attached Diatoms In Selected Areas Of The Upper Mississippi River, Jeffrey B. Vansteenburg, Mark R. Luttenton, Ronald G. Rada

Proceedings of the Iowa Academy of Science

Attached diatom communities were studied along the border of the main channel of Navigation Pools 5 and 9 of the Upper Mississippi River. A total of 296 diatom taxa representing 42 genera were observed in the study. Approximately 52% of the taxa were common to both pools. The number of taxa was greatest in both study areas during the spring and fall and lowest during the summer. Coccones placentula var. euglypta (Ehr) Cl. usually accounted for ca 50% of the diatom density during the summer in Pool 5, whereas Cocconeis placentula var. euglypta and Navicula tripuntata var. schizonemoides (V …

The Conversion Of A Recreational Camp Into A Residential Environment And Educational Learning Center, Ellen Wells Ernst

Graduate Research Papers

Educational systems in our country have continually faced the challenge of providing educational opportunities for all our children. As well as maintaining a national goal of high educational standards, we have also encouraged an individualistic approach to meeting needs of students. Our educational systems must deal with an extremely wide range of personalities, beliefs, backgrounds, expectations, incomes and abilities. Teachers have a wealth of information available to help them determine students' individual needs and ways of meeting these needs. Students' needs can vary from cognitive-knowledge and moral-motivational needs to personal-emotional and physical needs. Curricula and programs generally attempt to insure …

Iowa's Mammal Fauna: An Era Of Decline, John B. Bowles

Proceedings of the Iowa Academy of Science

Of the 70 species of mammals reported from Iowa since European settlement, 39 (55%) are extirpated, rare, or declining. Twenty-nine (42%) are not appreciably declining and 2 (3%) are increasing in number and distribution. Continued pressure to clear and row-crop as much land as possible is placing an increasing stress on the mammals of Iowa.

The 1981 Outstanding Service Award, Lynn W. Glass

Iowa Science Teachers Journal

The Iowa Science Teachers Section of the Iowa Academy of Science has selected Dr. Jack A. Gerlovich of the Iowa Department of Public Instruction as the recipient of its 1981 Outstanding Service Award.

Studies On Silica-Scaled Chrysophytes From Iowa. Ii. Common Synura Species, James L. Wee

Proceedings of the Iowa Academy of Science

Synura (Synuraceae, Chrysophyceae) includes some of the more common and conspicuous planktonic algal forms in lowa. This genus, with its covering of characteristic overlapping siliceous scales is representative of the Synuraceae. Since 1955 published identifications of species in this family by specialists have not been considered accurate unless they are based on electron microscopy of scales. However, little effort has been made to correlate light microscopy with electron microscopy. In this paper scales are illustrated with transmssion and scanning electron micrographs as well as light micrographs. Four of the most common Synura species are discussed. Three of them, S. uvella …

Decapods Of Iowa (Part Ii), Gary Phillips

Iowa Science Teachers Journal

Since the classic work of T.H. Huxley in 1880 on The Crayfish, decapods have been widely used in teaching elementary zoology, as well as for research along more advanced lines. Traditionally decapods have been used to demonstrate various characteristics typical of arthropods in general. Among these are the open circulatory system, ventral nervous system and segmentation.

Dates To Remember

Iowa Science Teachers Journal

A listing of dates for a variety of science events.

Prairie Publication

Iowa Science Teachers Journal

The Fifth Midwest Prairie Conference, which was held in Ames in August 1976 has now published its proceedings. The Proceedings of the Fifth Midwest Prairie Conference contains over 200 pages of information on ecological studies, restoration and management of Midwest prairie species and prairies centered on Iowa.

Iowa Plant Booklet

Iowa Science Teachers Journal

A 93-page booklet on Iowa's endangered and threatened vascular plants is available through the State Preserves Advisory Board.