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Articles 181 - 210 of 283
Full-Text Articles in Biology
Phylogenetic Analyses Of The Burrowing Members In The Freshwater Crayfish Genera Fallicambarus And Procambarus In Arkansas, Timothy D. O'Connor, Dr. Keith A. Crandall
Phylogenetic Analyses Of The Burrowing Members In The Freshwater Crayfish Genera Fallicambarus And Procambarus In Arkansas, Timothy D. O'Connor, Dr. Keith A. Crandall
Journal of Undergraduate Research
There are an estimated 338 taxa of freshwater crayfish in the United States, with approximately 48% considered to be endangered, threatened, or of special concern (Taylor et al. 1996). Life history information for the majority of the primary burrowing species is lacking because they dig deep burrows and venture out only during breeding periods. Burrowing members of the genera Procambarus and Fallicambarus are found in seasonally moist habitats across Arkansas, such as roadside ditches and open pastures. To date, no phylogenetic study has been conducted that establishes a phylogenetic framework for the classification of these elusive species.
Lichen Flora Of Boulder Mountain, Aquarius Plateau, Wayne County, Utah Usa: An Altitudinal Comparison Of Lichen Communities, Steven Leavitt, Dr. Larry St. Clair
Lichen Flora Of Boulder Mountain, Aquarius Plateau, Wayne County, Utah Usa: An Altitudinal Comparison Of Lichen Communities, Steven Leavitt, Dr. Larry St. Clair
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Lichen ecology is a facet of biology that remains relatively unexplored in many parts of the United States. Lichens can play an important role as indicators of local environmental conditions, as lichen species density and community structure are significantly affected by airborne contaminants and other anthropogenic influences. Obtaining baseline ecological data for local lichen communities will make it possible to continually monitor local communities and evaluate future changes in community structure.
The Effects Of Point Mutation Saturation On The Loss Of Information In Mutated Dna Sequences, Kimberly Baer, Dr. David Mcclellan
The Effects Of Point Mutation Saturation On The Loss Of Information In Mutated Dna Sequences, Kimberly Baer, Dr. David Mcclellan
Journal of Undergraduate Research
The research I am conducting fills a niche in molecular adaptation. My experiment uses accepted methods of reconstruction to evaluate the accumulation of multiple hits at single sites. It is accepted that over time point mutation saturation in specific sequences occurs in a clock-like manner following Poisson-like pattern leading to loss of information in empirical data being very unrecoverable. This area of study shows a gap in scientific knowledge as to how molecules change and develop over time. I want to understand how saturation accumulates and what it means for the loss of information.
Reconstructing The Phylogeographic History Of The Chilea Catfish (Trichomycterus Areolatus), Andre Bennin, Dr. Jerald B. Johnson
Reconstructing The Phylogeographic History Of The Chilea Catfish (Trichomycterus Areolatus), Andre Bennin, Dr. Jerald B. Johnson
Journal of Undergraduate Research
The current geographic distribution of Chilean freshwater fishes has likely been shaped by several abiotic factors, including fragmentation caused by the Pacific Ocean, glaciers that covered the entire southern part of Chile during the Pleistocene Epoch, and orogenic and volcanic activity. Exactly how these factors have impacted population histories of Chilean freshwater fishes remains unknown. In this project, we examined the phylogeographic history of the freshwater catfish Trichomycterus areolatus, a species native to Chile that occurs across most of the latitudinal range of this country (Fig. 1). Given the distribution and ubiquity of this species, we anticipate that the results …
Establishing Isotopic Patterns Among Rock Pools, Heather Semon, Kent Hatch
Establishing Isotopic Patterns Among Rock Pools, Heather Semon, Kent Hatch
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Isotopic analysis with natural markers has been applied to tracking the migration of birds and butterflies as well as many other species over large geographic scales.1-4 We wanted to zoom in on a much smaller scale and determine whether stable isotopes could be used to track the small-scale dispersal of insects among rock pools and tenajas (a series of rock pools in a drainage).5 Stable isotopes have been used to study aquatic invertebrate dispersal and metapopulation dynamics by artificially spiking water sources with 15N-enriched NH4Cl. 6,7 However, it is not known how this chemical may have altered the ecology of …
Evolution Of Thrips (Thysanoptera) Phylogenetic Patterns And Mitochondrial Genome Evolution, Mark Terry, Dr. Michael Whiting
Evolution Of Thrips (Thysanoptera) Phylogenetic Patterns And Mitochondrial Genome Evolution, Mark Terry, Dr. Michael Whiting
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Thysanoptera (thrips) is an order of insects currently comprised of 7400 species, 1200 genus-groups, and nine living families with three fossil families (Mound, 2005). Two major suborders are recognized in Thysanoptera: Tubulifera (thrips with abdominal segment 10 tubular in shape) and Terebrantia (thrips with abdominal segment 10 subdivided ventrally).
Geneworkshop: A Dynamic, Developing Environment For Biologists, Computer Scientists, And Bioinformaticians, Joshua Sailsbery, Dr. David Mcclellan
Geneworkshop: A Dynamic, Developing Environment For Biologists, Computer Scientists, And Bioinformaticians, Joshua Sailsbery, Dr. David Mcclellan
Journal of Undergraduate Research
The GeneWorkshop project had one goal, to enable biologists to better utilize bioinformatic tools. Generally, bioinformatic tools have a large learning curve and are not very robust as to the data they accept. In order to meet these criteria, GeneWorkshop was separated into two main objectives. The first objective was the obtaining and maintaining of genetic data. The second objective was interpreting and implementing various bioinformatic software packages.
Conservation Genetics Of Mexican Deer Mice, Melina C. Walden, Dr. Duke S. Rogers
Conservation Genetics Of Mexican Deer Mice, Melina C. Walden, Dr. Duke S. Rogers
Journal of Undergraduate Research
In the field of biology, the job of documenting, describing, and defining the species of the world is a critical, yet overwhelming task. By focusing research in a specific area of interest, however, scientists work to contribute one small piece at a time to the much larger puzzle. In researching the biological relationships between the Mexican deer mice Peromyscus megalops and P. melanurus, my project contributes to one of the primary goals of biology.
In Quest Of Scientific Literacy And Civic Engagement: Innovations In Biology 100, Timothy Larsen, Dr. Gary M. Booth
In Quest Of Scientific Literacy And Civic Engagement: Innovations In Biology 100, Timothy Larsen, Dr. Gary M. Booth
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Scientific literacy is increasingly becoming a concern for citizens and consumers in a scientifically and medically advancing world. Service-Learning, Inquiry-Based Learning, and Concept Mapping have been implemented as a means of helping students to adopt deeper approaches to learning. It is the goal of my mentor, Dr. Gary Booth, to use these instructional methods to better prepare BYU students to participate as informed citizens and consumers in society.
Cheatgrass, Scott A. Davis, Dr. Bruce Roundy
Cheatgrass, Scott A. Davis, Dr. Bruce Roundy
Journal of Undergraduate Research
The invasion of non-native species, mainly cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum), into our rangelands, especially following the destruction caused by wildfires, has made it necessary to find viable options for the restoration of native plant species to these areas. The aim of this project was to determine whether or not it was possible to create models for the germination and seminal root growth of a suite of species using heat accumulation. By creating these models, we hoped to be able to discover other native species that not only compete with cheatgrass by establishing early, but provide a good food source for native …
Population Structure Of The Cuttlefish Sepia Officinalis From The North Atlantic-Mediterranean Region, Mark Joseph Nolte, Dr. Keith Crandall, Marcos Pérez-Losada
Population Structure Of The Cuttlefish Sepia Officinalis From The North Atlantic-Mediterranean Region, Mark Joseph Nolte, Dr. Keith Crandall, Marcos Pérez-Losada
Journal of Undergraduate Research
An understanding of the relatedness of a population of organisms, or their phylogeny, combined with knowledge of that population’s geographical distribution, can illuminate which geographic forces and events may have played a role in forming the “family tree” of that organism. Therefore past speciation events and the incipient stages of speciation can be discerned when phylogenetic and geographic information is merged. This process, broadly known as the practice of phylogeography or biogeography, is important because it permits researchers to visualize the evolutionary interplay between environment and organism. Additionally, an understanding of an organism’s population structure, or family tree, enables scientists …
Correctly Assigning Dna Barcodes To Organisms, James B. Finlay, Dr. Keith A. Crandall
Correctly Assigning Dna Barcodes To Organisms, James B. Finlay, Dr. Keith A. Crandall
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Harvard biologist Edward O. Wilson suggested that what makes humans unique is our innate need for closeness to other forms of life. This “biophilia” has been evident since recorded history and was brought to the forefront of science with Darwin’s famous writings about the origin of species. Since that time there has been a major thrust to categorize all life into groups and subgroups in a field known as taxonomy. There are an estimated 10-15 million extant species (Hammond, 1992) on the earth. Taxonomists have classified roughly 1.6 million of these organisms (Wilson, 1992), indicating that much work needs to …
The Significance Of Isotopic Ratios In Migratory Pathways, Rachel Hart, Kent Hatch
The Significance Of Isotopic Ratios In Migratory Pathways, Rachel Hart, Kent Hatch
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Stable isotope research is an important asset in securing the migratory paths of birds. By matching elemental isotopic ratios in different parts of a bird’s body to the water it drinks, important stopover sites may be conserved and the biological phenomenon of migration may be preserved. Thus far, such research among migratory birds has suggested a positive correlation between certain elemental isotopic ratios found in water sources and those in the composition of bird feathers. Hydrogen (δD) and oxygen (18O and 16O) isotopes have been examined in scientific literature but have not been tested thoroughly, as there are still many …
Phylogeny Of Sap Beetles (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae) Deciphering Patterns Of Host Shift, Matthew Moulton, Dr. Michael F. Whiting
Phylogeny Of Sap Beetles (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae) Deciphering Patterns Of Host Shift, Matthew Moulton, Dr. Michael F. Whiting
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Nitidulids are a moderately diverse family of beetles, but the evolution of their feeding specializations was poorly understood. They are important in agroecosystems as pests of fruit crops, stored grains, honey production, biocontrol of aphids and scale insects, and transmission of plant viral pathogens. The phylogeny produced helped answer questions pertaining to the evolution of nitidulid host specialization, and provided insights into the diversification of this group. I conducted the first subfamilial phylogenetic analysis based on molecular data. Specific goals were: (1) Perform a phylogenetic analysis using molecular data from eight genes; 2) Use the phylogeny to infer the ancestral …
A New Species Of Blackish Deer Mouse, Jared B. Lee, Dr. Duke S. Rogers
A New Species Of Blackish Deer Mouse, Jared B. Lee, Dr. Duke S. Rogers
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Biodiversity is a hallmark of our planet. We can see this everyday in the various habitats and environments that we live in, from the desert in Utah to the lush rain forests of South America. These great ecosystems provide a diversity of life in plants and animals. Biologists study and classify these organisms to better understand how this world came into being. All the time new species are being described and discovered in areas throughout the world. In this research project, we used traditional and modern techniques to better understand the diversity and variation in populations of a rodent in …
Patterns Of Genetic Diversity In The Galapagos Archipelago: Identifying And Preserving Evolutionary Processes, Rebecca Baum, Dr. Jack W. Sites
Patterns Of Genetic Diversity In The Galapagos Archipelago: Identifying And Preserving Evolutionary Processes, Rebecca Baum, Dr. Jack W. Sites
Journal of Undergraduate Research
The Galapagos Archipelago, located 1000 km off the coast of Ecuador, arose 1-5 million years ago by the eruption of underwater volcanoes. It consists of 13 larger islands, 6 smaller islands, and numerous islets. The Archipelago is a national park and a UNESCO World Heritage site, yet very little is known about its “hotspots” of genetic diversity or the processes that generate this diversity. The identification of areas of high genetic diversity provides information not only about lizards but also other native species. This information can be used to prioritize conservation efforts such as non-native (i.e. cats, rats, goats) species …
Matrixgen: Customized Amino Acid Change Matrices To Study Protein Family Evolution, John J. Bowers, Dr. Keith A. Crandall
Matrixgen: Customized Amino Acid Change Matrices To Study Protein Family Evolution, John J. Bowers, Dr. Keith A. Crandall
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Background: Algorithms for aligning protein and DNA sequences are dependent upon the scoring matrix used to generate accurate alignments. Most alignment applications offer only a few choices for such scoring matrices (typically PAM and BLOSUM series matrices).
Phylogeny Of The Tribe Psoraleae In North America, Rebecca Schaeffer, Dr. Keith Crandall
Phylogeny Of The Tribe Psoraleae In North America, Rebecca Schaeffer, Dr. Keith Crandall
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Many species of plants in the Leguminosae family are important economically, but many of these plants are now considered rare, threatened, or endangered. Seventy percent of the species in the genus Pediomelum are highly limited in geographic distribution, which influences conservation status. In addition to this, very little work with phylogenetic studies has been done on this group. Learning about evolutionary relationships within these species is a first step to understanding more about their conservation status.
Radiological Analysis Of Osteoarthritis In The Mouse Knee Joint, Mark Newcomer, Dr. Robert Seegmiller
Radiological Analysis Of Osteoarthritis In The Mouse Knee Joint, Mark Newcomer, Dr. Robert Seegmiller
Journal of Undergraduate Research
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services cites that nearly 21 million Americans currently suffer from osteoarthritis (OA) and has recently issued a news release which states that, “Today, 35 million people, 13 percent of the U.S. population, are 65 and older, and more than half of them have radiological evidence of osteoarthritis in at least one joint. By 2030, an estimated 20% of Americans – about 70 million people – will have passed their 65th birthday and will be at increased risk of OA.” Arthritis can present itself in many ways and degrees of severity. Osteoarthritis is by …
Members Of The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter-Day Saints In The Middle Missouri River Valley (1846-1853) Recreating A Legacy Of Faith, Tiffany Taylor, Dr. Shauna C. Anderson
Members Of The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter-Day Saints In The Middle Missouri River Valley (1846-1853) Recreating A Legacy Of Faith, Tiffany Taylor, Dr. Shauna C. Anderson
Journal of Undergraduate Research
In 1846, after escaping mob persecution in Nauvoo, Illinois, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints established communities along the Missouri River in both Iowa and Nebraska. Approximately 90 settlements were created within seven years, with the most well-known being Winter Quarters.
The Use Of 13c/12c And 15n/14n Stable Isotope Ratio Analysis To Determine Carnivory Level In Gender Identified Free-Ranging Utah American Black Bears (Ursus Americanus), Eric Olsen, Beverly Roeder
The Use Of 13c/12c And 15n/14n Stable Isotope Ratio Analysis To Determine Carnivory Level In Gender Identified Free-Ranging Utah American Black Bears (Ursus Americanus), Eric Olsen, Beverly Roeder
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Stable isotope analysis of carbon (13C/12C or d13C) and nitrogen (15N/14N or d15N) has been shown to provide a more accurate estimate of overall diet in various mammalian species (Sponheimer et al. 2003). This technique was used to determine the amount of vegetation and animal protein in the nutritional uptake of free ranging Utah black bears (Ursus americanus). Samples were obtained from harvested bears taken during the fall 2005 and spring 2006 hunt from various regions of Utah via the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (UDWR). Gender was reported by the hunters at time of harvest. Age was determined by …
Meeting The Needs Of Diabetic Patients: An Examination Of Type 2 Diabetes Treatments In Ghana, Ashley Valdivieso, Dr. Melinda Ostraff
Meeting The Needs Of Diabetic Patients: An Examination Of Type 2 Diabetes Treatments In Ghana, Ashley Valdivieso, Dr. Melinda Ostraff
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Diabetes is an escalating health risk in Ghana, and it is estimated that approximately 22% of Ghanaians who develop the disease will die of it.1 While government programs intended to provide treatment for diabetes patients have focused on traditional western medicine, Dr. Kwabena Beecham, President of the Ghana Diabetes Association reports that “over 50% of people with diabetes do not experience full health and quality of life despite the availability of medicine.” 3 Studies have also shown that some diabetics have chosen not to treat the disease at all.4 This apparent failure to meet the needs of diabetes patients indicates …
A Higher Resolution Multiplexed Microsatellite Marker Set For Reliable, Cost Effective Genotyping, Robert J. Kolts, Elliott G. Richards, Sam Ashby, Will D. Brubaker, Aaron C. Ferguson, Paul Fjeldsted, Derek Hatch, Dr. Edward R. Wilcox
A Higher Resolution Multiplexed Microsatellite Marker Set For Reliable, Cost Effective Genotyping, Robert J. Kolts, Elliott G. Richards, Sam Ashby, Will D. Brubaker, Aaron C. Ferguson, Paul Fjeldsted, Derek Hatch, Dr. Edward R. Wilcox
Journal of Undergraduate Research
We are creating a new microsatellite marker set for public use. Because many projects involving genetic disorders in humans depend on microsatellite markers, there is an existing need for a reliable and cost-effective marker set that provides higher-quality statistical data while still being affordable. Our proposed set will consist of approximately 800 markers and currently has a rough spacing of one marker every 4.1 cM. The average heterozygosity is currently 0.85. To further reduce costs to users, we are arranging markers and corresponding PCR primers into ~178 multiplexed groups consisting of 4-5 markers each. These multiplexed groups will allow research …
Effects Of Predator Presence On Reproductive Effort In Livebearing Fishes Of The Genus Brachyrhaphis, Jason Kiene, Dr. Jerry Johnson
Effects Of Predator Presence On Reproductive Effort In Livebearing Fishes Of The Genus Brachyrhaphis, Jason Kiene, Dr. Jerry Johnson
Journal of Undergraduate Research
My research experience has been quite different than anything I foresaw or expected. I will start this report by first reminding you what the experiment was supposed to be, then discuss the setbacks I had during the last two years to try to do the experiment and finally what has happened most recently that led to the failure of the experiment.
Tilapia Fish: Feast Or Famine?, Laura Scott, Dr. Jerald B. Johnson
Tilapia Fish: Feast Or Famine?, Laura Scott, Dr. Jerald B. Johnson
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Tilapia is a commonly farmed fish throughout the world because of its nutritional value, reproductive efficiency, high resistance to disease, and the low-cost of production. However, despite such commercial benefits, there are some characteristics of this fish that are being overlooked. Previous field research in Costa Rica suggests that when tilapia escape from local farms into nearby streams, they negatively impact native fishes, both in terms of abundance and diversity (unpubl. data). The native fish most notably affected are small, livebearing poecealiids.
Enantioselective Synthesis Of Biologically Important Compounds, David G. Evans, Dr. Matt A. Peterson
Enantioselective Synthesis Of Biologically Important Compounds, David G. Evans, Dr. Matt A. Peterson
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Until only very recently it has been the common practice of most pharmaceutical manufacturers and manufacturers of agrochemicals such as herbicides and insecticides to market chiral compounds as mixtures of enantiomers. This practice has been driven by market forces due to the fact that it is much more cost efficient to market chiral compounds as mixtures rather than invest the resources needed to separate them. Tragic cases have shown that there is indeed a need for complete separation of enantiomers and their separate pre-clinical and clinical evaluation.
Effects Of Inundation Length On Fairy Shrimp, Tammy Behunin, Russell Rader
Effects Of Inundation Length On Fairy Shrimp, Tammy Behunin, Russell Rader
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Phyllopods (fairy shrimp, tadpole shrimp, and clam shrimp) are the species that best characterize freshwater rock pool communities around the world because of their unique adaptations to temporary conditions. The fairy shrimp, Branchinecta packardi, is one of the most abundant animals in temporary rock pools of the Colorado Plateau. Some rock pools can fill and dry in less than 2 days during the hottest part of the year (July). We conducted a study to examine the relationship between pool evaporation rates and rates of fairy shrimp development. The objectives of this study were to test two hypotheses: 1) fairy shrimp …
The Orthopteran Mitochondrial Genome And The Evolution Of Genes, J. Daniel Fenn, Dr. Michael F. Whiting
The Orthopteran Mitochondrial Genome And The Evolution Of Genes, J. Daniel Fenn, Dr. Michael F. Whiting
Journal of Undergraduate Research
The insect order Orthoptera contains the common name groups of Grasshoppers, Katydids and Crickets. We sequenced the entire mitochondrial genome of the Mormon Cricket (Anabrus simplex). Within this genome we found interesting evidence relating to the organization and evolution of mitochondrial genomes. In particular we focus on the secondary structure of messenger RNA molecules, and the role they play in determining gene separation and cleavage. We also examined the A+T-rich region of fifty-five mormon cricket individuals from seven populations and compared the variability within this region. This has led to a better understanding of the evolution of genomes within populations.
Speciation By Reproductive Isolation, Ian Dawson, Dr. Jerry Johnson
Speciation By Reproductive Isolation, Ian Dawson, Dr. Jerry Johnson
Journal of Undergraduate Research
The Ecological Speciation Hypothesis is a controversial explanation for how new species form. Although the idea is gaining momentum, there have been very few empirical tests of this model. Hence, our research is very timely and addresses what could be a common process by which new species form. Our research will address the effect of differences in predation pressure on the evolution of mating behavior. It will be one of only three studies to examine if predation can lead to reproductive isolation.
Effects Of Fasting On Oxygen Stable Isotope Ratios, Bryt Christensen, Kent Hatch
Effects Of Fasting On Oxygen Stable Isotope Ratios, Bryt Christensen, Kent Hatch
Journal of Undergraduate Research
The purpose of my project was to see if fasting has any effect on oxygen stable isotope ratios. Oxygen isotopes are molecules of oxygen that weigh more or less than normal oxygen 16 because they have more or less electrons. Stable isotopes are used as a scientific tool in many fields to study a variety of things. Among many applications, they are widely used by ecologists to study migration patterns and they have also been used to study the diets of animals.