Biology Commons^™

The Construction Procedure Of The Saline River Habitat Group In The Fort Hays Kansas State College Museum., William Raymond Eastman

Master's Theses

The development of the museum wild life habitat group in recent years has created much public interest here in the College museum many people have expressed a desire to see such a habitat group related strictly to Kansas , particularly Western Kansas . The year of such a group was not particularly expressed, but as preliminary visions developed, it seemed only reasonable that the public would enjoy a glimpse of Kansas in the days when it was making early history . Thus it was decided to design and execute a life-sized habitat depicting the ecological relationship s found between the …

Effects On Different Intensities Of Utilization Upon The Underground Parts Of Short Grasses In West Central Kansas, Farrel Branson

Master's Theses

Work on root systems of forage plants has indicated that a knowledge of root relationships is fully as important in determining the actual conditions of ranges or pastures as is knowledge of the effects of grazing upon aboveground portions of plants. This is especially true in arid or semiarid regions since plants of these areas are frequently subjected to long periods of drought, high temperatures, and high wind velocities. Some xeric plants have a thickened cuticular layer, stomates that open only at night, and other mechanisms that prevent loss of water that is absorbed by the roots. However, in plants …

An Ecological Study Of The Pocket Gopher In An Sandy Loam Area Of Ellis County, Kansas., Benjamin Mosier

Master's Theses

This thesis is an ecological study of the pocket gopher in a sandy loam area of Ellis County, Kansas.

A Descriptive Analysis Of The Musculature And Osseous Systems Of The Kangaroo Rat, Dipodomys Ordii, Virgil Mathis

Master's Theses

The kangaroo rats constitute the only genus, Dipodomys, of the subfamily Heteromyinae, now extant . There is fossil evidence of two other genera which are now extinct. The kangaroo rat, Dipodomys ordii richardsoni, is one of the common rodents of western Kansas . According to Hibbard (3, p. 76), "Its range extends northeastward along the Kansas river into Riley County." These animals are easily distinguished from other rodents by their long tail, long hind legs and feet, small hands, fur lined external cheek pouches, and their saltating method of locomotion. These rodents are seldom seen by the casual observer, being …

An Analytic Comparative Study Of Certain Biology Textbooks Used At Secondary School Level, Joseph E. Rankin

Master's Theses

The specific problem of this the sis is "An Analytic Comparative Study of Certain Biology Textbooks Used at the Secondary School Level."

Study Of Viable Seeds In Surface Soil From Various Habitats In Ellis County, Kansas., Robert D. Lippert

Master's Theses

It is the purpose of this study to determine what species of plants emerge from samples of surface soil taken from various habitats after several years of favorable growing conditions.

Pastures Of Western Kansas In Relation To Intensity Of Utilization In Past Years, Gerald W. Tomanek

Master's Theses

Short grass pastures vary in their ability to produce forage for livestock consumption. One of the reasons for this difference is a variation in the degree of utilization in past years. Forage production of short grass ranges has been reduced to about one-half after only a few decades of improper grazing; therefore the problem of proper utilization is becoming more important every year (Forest Service, 1936). When the settlers first came to western Kansas they found an almost complete cover of native vegetation and during the first few years only a small portion of the range land was cultivated. With …

A Comparative Study Of Directed Laboratory And Lecture Demonstration As Methods Of Instruction In Teaching Botany To High School Students, M. Lucida Vorndran

Master's Theses

A controlled investigation of green plants as the most important food factories of the world has been made in order to contribute more information upon the issue. Stated more specifically, the problems of this experimental study were the following: To determine which of the two methods, if either, is superior as a procedure for learning. To determine whether laboratory experiments are more effective than lecture-demonstration in training students to think clearly, to correlate and retain facts; and finally, to draw logical conclusions. To determine, if possible, which method stimulated the greater amount of pupil interest.

Bio-Ecology On A Mixed Prairie Near Hays, Kansas, H. Leo Brown

Master's Theses

A survey of the activity of wild animals in connection with range conditions and range management is greatly needed in western Kansas. To have a well-managed range one should have an understanding of the ecological factors which benefit or deplete the native vegetation that is essential for production of livestock. The impact of grazing, and the effect of changes in edaphic and atmospheric environment on the prairie have further emphasized the importance of a cover of grass in preventing erosion.

The Utilization Of Grasses And Forbs In Relation To The Intensity Of Grazing In The Mixed Prairie Near Hays, Kansas, Noel Runyon

Master's Theses

The principal occupation of the inhabitants in the Great Plains Region is livestock farming. The problems confronting the farmers and ranchers of this large area are many and varied. Not the least of these problems is the one of a proper stocking rate for the various types of ranges in order to secure a maximum production with the least in capital outlay and range deterioration. Another problem that has presented itself in recent years is the one of revegetating thousands of acres of marginal and semi-marginal land so that mother nature may again heal the marks of erosion and bring …

Some Physical And Chemical Properties Of Wheat Starch In Relationship To The Maturity Of The Wheat, Claude W. Bice

Master's Theses

Wheat is one of the most valuable of economic plants and is grown extensively throughout the world. Because of the unique chemical and physical properties of its gluten, 'Wheat is superior to all other cereals for bread making. Its high starch content provides a tremendous source of energy as a food, as well as filling certain industrial starch needs, especially in textile manufacturing . The present study on properties of immature and mature wheat starches should be of inestimable worth for evaluation of damaged wheats for starch production, as well as for yielding fundamental information which may facilitate the use …

A Study Of The Relationship Existing Between Certain Insects And Some Native Western Kansas Forbs And Weedy Plants, Carl Theodore Brandhorst

Master's Theses

To the casual observer perhaps no sight could be more commonplace than that of an insect alighting upon a Kansas sunflower. But the relationship which exists between plant and insect is a matter which is often unknown even to the specialist. And yet a lack of understanding of these relationships has at times resulted in inconvenience, loss and even in calamity. To determine the relationship which certain insects bear to some of our native western Kansas forbs and weedy plants is the purpose of this study.

A Study Of Fluctuations In Coyote Numbers And Possible Causes, Sherwin B. Griswold

Master's Theses

This paper reports the findings of a study of coyote numbers, with particular reference to fluctuations, their periodicity, if any, and their possible causes.

Scientific Illustration, Alys Leontine D'Avesne

Master's Theses

It may be somewhat difficult at first glance to understand the essential character of the relationship of art to science, and especially to the natural sciences. Without illustration it would be impossible either to learn or to teach these sciences . Drawings are needed in the classroom and in the laboratory to aid the teacher, and they are perhaps even more important in individual research where there is no teacher present to guide and to instruct the student .

Scientific illustration is not only an aid to teaching, it teaches by itself when properly executed. In cases where verbal description …

The Effect Of Climate And Different Grazing And Dusting Intensities Upon The Yield Of The Short Grass Prairies In West Central Kansas., Marvin L. Lacey

Master's Theses

The purpose of this problem was to determine the effect of climate, amount of dusting, and degree of grazing by livestock and grasshoppers upon the quantity and quality of forage produced by various short grass pastures in west-central Kansas.

The Life History Of Side-Oats Grama Grass And Variations In Its Growth At Hays, Kansas, When Grown From Seed Produced In Different Parts Of The Great Plains Region, Harold Hopkins

Master's Theses

This study, which covered a period of two years, was originated in order to learn more of the merits and faults of side-oats grama grass as a revegetation and soil conservation plant in the Great Plains Region. It was suggested by the fact that there is a definite need for more knowledge about the native grasses which are potential revegetation plants of the Great Plains. An attempt was made to find as many growth habits of the species as possible, and a comparison was made in the growth, development, and forage production of plants grown from seed produced in different …

The Effect Of Clipping And Weed Competition Upon The Spread Of Pasture Grass Seedlings, Cecil L. Hase

Master's Theses

The drought of the last seven years with its disastrous dust storms has damaged vast areas of the native prairie as well as much of the cultivated land. Deficient rainfall has caused crop failures over large areas, leaving the fields without a protective covering. Due to these conditions, wind erosion started the dry, loose soil to drifting. Large amounts of the soil settled on the grassland and destroyed much of the native plant cover. Where t e native vegetation was weakened or destroyed, the soil was invaded by such weedy annuals as lambsquarter (Chenopodium sp. ) , Russian thistle (Salsola …

An Analysis Of Seed Production Of Native Kansas Grasses During The Drought Of 1939, Lester R. Branson

Master's Theses

The present interest in the control of soil erosion and the stabilization of agriculture has initiated a great amount of research to find suitable grasses and methods for restoring grass production. The results of these investigations have shown that the native climax grasses are best suited for reseeding in arid and semi-arid regions

The Life History And Habits Of Buffalo Grass, John J. Webb

Master's Theses

Buffalo grass (Buchloe dactyloides) is a dioecious, stoloniferous perennial which, with Blue Grama grass (Bouteloua gracilis), forms the short grass faciation of the Great Plains. Its range extends from Saskatchewan to Mexico in the plains area. It is exceedingly valuable as forage, both during the growing season and winter, since cured grass is relished by livestock. Its stoloniferous habits make it an aggressive plant, and give it great soil-biding properties. This species of grass has vast possibilities in revegetation practices. A study of its life-history should be of benefit to conservationists as well as to agrostologists and taxonomists. There is …

The Morphology And Histology Of The Virginia Oyster, Ostrea Virginica, Lister, Lewis Charles Goldstein

Master's Theses

The oyster has been known and used commercially since before the Roman and Greek civilizations, and reports of investigations pertaining to it can be found dating back almost to that period. Because of the commercial value of the oyster, most of the study of' the animal has dealt with its economic importance. Definite information concern­ ing the morphology and microscopic . structure of this Mollusc, therefore, is scarce. To be sure, there is an abundance of miscellaneous literature, but no systematic microscopic study has been reported. T. C . Nelson (1938) states, "A critical survey of the abundant and scattered …

A Study Of The Variations In The Growth Of Blue Grama Grass From Seed Produced In Various Sections Of The Great Plains Region, Andrew Riegel

Master's Theses

During the past 7 years the Great Plains Region, with its "dust bowl", has been the scene of unparalleled activity in the fields of range management and erosion control. The people of this short grass area are extremely conscious of the need for a sound, practical program of conservation that will revegetate the wasted pasture and cultivated land, which will aid materially in preserving the eroding soil. Many problems have arisen as the program of conserving the soil and the vegetation has progressed.

A History Of The Changes In Population Of Certain Mammals In Western Kansas, Floyd L. Carter

Master's Theses

This particular study has been restricted to certain mammals in western Kansas, including some on which there is little information, and others which observers would be most likely to notice in everyday life. For several years the writer has been vitally interested in the animal life in Kansas. Therefore, when the need for a study of western Kansas mammals was presented to him in the summer of 1936, the problem of this study was selected. It is hoped that this report will suggest to ecologists, historians, and others, further studies, including reasons for the changes here-in shown. What have been …

A Study Of The Structure Of Hair As A Means Of Mammal Identification., Earl R. Oyer

Master's Theses

The hair of small and medium sized mammals is often found in the stomachs, feces and pellets of predators , for example in the stomachs and feces of coyotes and in the pellets regurgitated by hawks and owls. These pellets produced by hawks and owls and the feces of mammalian predators are the undigested residue of what these animals have eaten. If the hair from these sources can be identified, then much desirable information concerning the food of predators can be obtained. The purpose of this study has been to determine whether or not such identification is possible.

Studies In Breaking The Rest Period Of Grass Plants By Treatments With Potassium Thiocyante And In Stimulating Growth With Artificial Light, Harold R. Shepherd

Master's Theses

There has developed a need for a practical means of artificially breaking the rest period and of stimulating the growth of grasses so that sods can be procured early in the fall before freezing weather, brought into the greenhouse, and forced early to make an abundant vegetative growth. This need suggested the study of which this paper is the report, namely to discover whether or not the rest period of native grasses can be broken by treatment with potassium thiocyanate and their growth stimulated by artificial light supplemental to winter daylight.

The Flora Of The Tasco Lake Region, Sheridan County, Kansas, Raymond W. Darland

Master's Theses

It has been customary in writing theses dealing with taxonomic problems to collect data from an entire county. Having had occasion to collect botanical specimens from the Tasco Lake for work in biology at the Sheridan High School, the wealth of plant life to be found here became apparent. The area ranges from xerophytic forms on the uplands to the hydrophytic forms in the lake and marshes. Many of the latter have never been reported from Western Kansas. Collections in preserving fluid were made of the water forms found and specimens of the landforms were mounted on regulation-sized sheets properly …

Notes On The Distribution Of Amphibia And Reptilia Of Ellis County, Kansas, L. A. Brennen

Master's Theses

Comparatively little has been done concerning the listing or recording of the Amphibia and Reptilia of Ellis County, Kansas. What records there are of the species are for the most part unpublished. Early papers dealing with Kansas herpetology are few in number. Little has been done in Ellis and the surrounding counties, so there seems to be a need for such an ecological study as has been carried out in this paper “Notes on the Distribution of Amphibia and Reptilia of Ellis County, Kansas . " The objectives kept in mind in preparing this report have been to attempt to …

An Analysis Of The Habitat Distribution Of The Fauna Of A Stream- Bank Association In Western Kansas, Olive Falls

Master's Theses

This present paper is chiefly concerned with the distribution of animals. The environmental and faunal conditions of Western Kansas have not been studied, and they are rapidly changing, due to human occupancy of the region. Therefore, a major object of this report is to put on record information in regard to the present vertebrate animal life in Western Kansas. Profound changes in the native conditions have already been recognized; for example, many animals have become extinct, and others are gradually vanishing. It is in the hope of contributing something of the facts of the status of the species in this …

The Botany Laboratory, S.J. Neher

Master's Theses

In the present work it has been my purpose to present a descriptive list of laboratory exercises in botany which is predictable and useable under the existing conditions of the average small high school of western Kansas. To be more specific these exercises may be used by a teacher without special training in botany, in a crowded curriculum, and with little laboratory equipment. Most of the apparatus needed may be improvised by the pupil, and the plants called for are common in any community in the western half of Kansas.

Gramineae, Vicinity Of Richmond, Virginia, Mary Smith Lynn

Master's Theses

List of grasses documented in the vicinity of RIchmond, Virginia.