Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®
- Keyword
-
- Agriculture (2)
- Air pollution (1)
- Aquatic macroinvertebrates (1)
- Biodiversity (1)
- Black-footed ferret (1)
-
- Captive breeding (1)
- Captive breeding programs (1)
- Captivity (1)
- Cats (1)
- Conservation (1)
- Conservation Biology (1)
- Conservation technique (1)
- Electrofishing (1)
- Endangered species (1)
- Environment (1)
- Ex-situ conservation (1)
- Factory farming (1)
- Feral cats (1)
- Health (1)
- Index of Biotic Integrity (1)
- Insects (1)
- Keystone species (1)
- Nutrition (1)
- Nutrition log (1)
- Outdoor air quality (1)
- Protein (1)
- Public awareness (1)
- Public health (1)
- Re-wilding (1)
- Reintroduction (1)
Articles 1 - 8 of 8
Full-Text Articles in Life Sciences
Land Use Effects On Fish Assemblages In Mississippi River Tributaries In Scott County, Ia And Rock Island County, Il, Benjamin Ford, Kevin Geedey
Land Use Effects On Fish Assemblages In Mississippi River Tributaries In Scott County, Ia And Rock Island County, Il, Benjamin Ford, Kevin Geedey
Urban Watershed Project
Fish assemblages are viable indicators of stream quality because they respond predictably to changes in abiotic and biotic factors, such as habitat and water quality, and human exploitation and species additions. In this a study we examined the relationship between fish abundance, diversity, and IBI (Index of Biotic Integrity), and urban and agricultural land use in Scott County, IA and Rock Island County, IL. Fish were sampled during the summer of 2021 within 12 local watersheds, which contain a variety of land use types. We followed a standardized sampling method of a single pass with a backpack electrofishing unit through …
Assessment Of The Negative Role Amur Honeysuckle Has On Urban Forest Diversity, Hayley Schlabowske, Paige Lundborg, Jason Koontz, Michael Reisner
Assessment Of The Negative Role Amur Honeysuckle Has On Urban Forest Diversity, Hayley Schlabowske, Paige Lundborg, Jason Koontz, Michael Reisner
Independent Research Projects
Lonicera maackii (Amur Honeysuckle), an invasive shrub species, has out-competed native species in urban riparian zones for decades due to its ability to receive more sunlight and it also secretes an allelochemical from its leaves that negatively impacts the ecosystems. Our research question is how does Lonicera maackii affect native plant species in the herbaceous understory? Five forest communities were sampled in Northwest Illinois. Sites were separated into four different categories with L. maackii only, Garlic Mustard (Alliaria petiolata) only, Neither invasive species, and sites where both occur. There were 12 sites for each of the four categories resulting in …
Animal Agriculture And American Health: The Search For Sustainable Protein, Britta Brinkmann
Animal Agriculture And American Health: The Search For Sustainable Protein, Britta Brinkmann
Biology: Student Scholarship & Creative Works
This study examines the impact large-scale animal agriculture has on the environment. It links the environment and health. The goal is to find protein sources that are sustainable and nutritious in order to replace typical meat and dairy products. A study is proposed to measure the impact of the typical American diet, a vegan diet, an insect-supplemented diet and a diet heavy in seafood.
Outdoor Air Quality, Taylor Curley
Outdoor Air Quality, Taylor Curley
Global Issues in Public Health
Outdoor air quality is a significant issue for the entire world. It affects any and all people, but is more of an issue in low-income countries and among people that are more susceptible to respiratory issues such as young children, pregnant women, the elderly, and people who already suffer from respiratory problems like asthma. Poor air quality is caused by the burning of fossil fuels which releases particles and chemicals into the air like carbon dioxide, particulate matter, and nitrogen to name a few. It can cause multiple health issues such as respiratory problems to people who are exposed to …
Trap-Neuter-Return Programs And The Importance Of Associated Public Awareness, Nicolette Sliwa
Trap-Neuter-Return Programs And The Importance Of Associated Public Awareness, Nicolette Sliwa
Biology: Student Scholarship & Creative Works
The focus of this paper is to describe a typical Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) program and highlight the major pros and cons surrounding this somewhat controversial method of managing the overwhelming free-roaming cat population. The effects of the species’ overabundance on the environment and human health are also discussed. Citing studies completed on TNR programs around the globe as well as mathematical models, the effectiveness of this method is compared to other, currently used alternatives. Finally, it has been suggested that the general awareness level a neighborhood possesses about the true goals of TNR programs has a potentially significant impact on the …
Evaluating Trophic Rewilding As A Conservation Technique, Aaron Sieve
Evaluating Trophic Rewilding As A Conservation Technique, Aaron Sieve
Biology: Student Scholarship & Creative Works
The focus for this paper is to define specifically trophic rewilding, determine its efficacy as a conservation technique, and explore ways to lessen one of its key limitations. Trophic rewilding is the conservation technique whereby an extirpated keystone species or ecosystem engineer is reintroduced into a degraded habitat to restore ecological function by triggering trophic cascades. The technique is evaluated through analysis of the concepts of trophic cascades and ecosystem engineers. Key limitations of trophic rewilding are that a lack of population control in reintroduced may cause issues, that many times not enough is known about trophic cascades to be …
Ex-Situ Conservation Programs: Worthwhile?, Nicolette Sliwa, Aaron Sieve
Ex-Situ Conservation Programs: Worthwhile?, Nicolette Sliwa, Aaron Sieve
Biology: Student Scholarship & Creative Works
The effectiveness of conservation programs was researched, specifically within zoos, and their attempts to repopulate areas with captive-born individuals of endangered species. There are major biological and economic concerns with these programs focused on, including potential genetic adaptation to captivity, effects of inbreeding, and if this is a truly worthwhile use of funds to restore a species. Looking at the black-footed ferret, the whooping crane, and other supposed successful captive-breeding programs, it is explored whether reintroduced individuals thrive in their new habitats sufficiently enough to contribute to the restoration of the species, and more broadly, their ecosystems.
Impact Of Impervious Surfaces On Water Quality By Measurement Of Macroinvertebrates In Rock Island And Moline, Illinois, Kara Noonan
Urban Watershed Project
Streams have been degrading in quality since the introduction of impervious surfaces. Water concentrations have been altered as sediment and other pollutants have been introduced from severe erosion from runoff. As the water continues to change, the biotic integrity becomes disturbed. More specifically, aquatic invertebrate populations begin to change. More organisms that can tolerate poor quality streams are thriving as organisms that can only tolerate high quality streams are beginning to run thin. This study strives to find a spatial relationship between impervious surfaces around Rock Island and Moline, Illinois and the water quality within the streams by looking at …