Relationships Between Alternative Visual Methods To Quantify Tree Reproduction,
2023
Roosevelt University
Relationships Between Alternative Visual Methods To Quantify Tree Reproduction, Riley Adams
2023 Midwest Ecology & Evolution Conference
Many tree species have extremely high variability in their magnitude of reproduction over space and time. Annual seed crop variation in trees affects forest regeneration, and the seeds influence animal reproduction and wildlife population dynamics in numerous species (e.g., birds, mammals, and insects). The number of reproductive structures on trees is commonly estimated by varying visual counting methods, from categorical classifications as done by the National Phenology Network, to timed counts and counts of all visible reproductive structures. Different methods may produce different findings, and with recent multi-species databases, constructed on tree reproduction and for future projects, variation across methods …
Forest Recruitment Dynamics Within The Southern Boreal-Temperate Ecotone,
2023
DePaul University
Forest Recruitment Dynamics Within The Southern Boreal-Temperate Ecotone, Kiley M. Chernicky
2023 Midwest Ecology & Evolution Conference
Understanding how global climate change will alter future forest composition is especially challenging in forest communities where tree species have long co-occurred, but their competitive balance may be altered due to changes in climate. Of particular concern with increasing global temperatures are boreal forest communities that lie on the southern boreal-temperate forest ecotone, where the boreal forest is particularly vulnerable. The aim of my research is to investigate shifts in recruitment dynamics due to climate change near the southern range limit of two historically co-occurring boreal forest conifer species, white spruce (Picea glauca) and balsam fir (Abies …
Phosphours Trasnport In Soil: Locating And Identifying A Limiting Element,
2023
University of Minnesota - Twin Cities
Phosphours Trasnport In Soil: Locating And Identifying A Limiting Element, Jeremy Giannone
2023 Midwest Ecology & Evolution Conference
The phosphorus (P) cycle is not well understood. While carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) have gas phases, P does not. Phosphorus runoff in waterways and its shortage are both understood since their causes are due to agricultural demands. Fertilizers increase the rate of phosphorus in the soil leading to greater runoff which then accumulates in the surrounding bodies of water.1 From an economic perspective the phosphorus availability and food prices have a direct correlation. The instability of phosphate prices may have direct causation to the instability of the food and agriculture markets.2In order to deal with these …
Mycorrhizal Fungi And Reforestation In An Eastern Lowland Rainforest Of Madagascar,
2023
SIT Study Abroad
Mycorrhizal Fungi And Reforestation In An Eastern Lowland Rainforest Of Madagascar, Sophia Gibby
Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection
Most terrestrial plants worldwide make associations with mycorrhizal fungi, yet the fungal diversity of Madagascar is vastly unknown. This research project is a preliminary investigation into the mycorrhizal status of 19 tree species in and near Ranomafana National Park (RNP), a lowland tropical forest on the southeast coast of Madagascar. Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) colonization in these species was studied in root samples under the microscope in the laboratory of Centre ValBio (CVB). The degree of AM infection was assessed for three study areas: one directly adjacent to a protected area and two reforestation sites supported by CVB. For the 19 …
Understory Epiphyte Hydrology: Analyzing Water Storage Capacity Of Epiphytes Along An Elevational Gradient In Western Ecuadorian Cloud Forest,
2023
SIT Study Abroad
Understory Epiphyte Hydrology: Analyzing Water Storage Capacity Of Epiphytes Along An Elevational Gradient In Western Ecuadorian Cloud Forest, Angelina Dodge
Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection
Epiphytes are defined as plants that grow on a host, often another plant, and acquire their nutrients and water from the atmosphere. As such is true, epiphyte composition is largely dependent upon atmospheric and thus climactic conditions. Due to high levels of atmospheric water availability that results from the frequent presence of mist, clouds, and high humidity, epiphytic plants grow and thus store water within the above ground region of the Andean cloud forest at levels higher than in any other ecosystem found in Ecuador. This study was done in hopes of revealing any trends of epiphytic water storage capacity …
Tropical Tree Carbon Storage At Drago Dos Forest In Boca Del Drago, Panama,
2023
SIT Study Abroad
Tropical Tree Carbon Storage At Drago Dos Forest In Boca Del Drago, Panama, Ben Dwyer
Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection
Currently, anthropogenic carbon emissions pose a significant, global threat, contributing to Global Warming and Climate Change (CC). Today, the most effective carbon sinks are natural. Trees are highly effective carbon sinks that sequester large amounts of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2), most greatly in tropical areas. However, tropical tree carbon storage needs to be more accurately estimated to provide valuable information toward mitigating CC and its negative environmental effects. This study aimed to estimate CO2 sequestration at a tropical forest in Boca Del Drago, Panama, and compare it to that of a nearby mangrove forest. It was hypothesized that the tropical …
Variation In The Growth Parameters And Biomass Of Rhizophora Mangle Seedlings With Distances From Playa Estrella, Bocas Del Toro, Panama,
2023
SIT Study Abroad
Variation In The Growth Parameters And Biomass Of Rhizophora Mangle Seedlings With Distances From Playa Estrella, Bocas Del Toro, Panama, Thiny Tep
Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection
Mangrove is a salt-tolerant, intertidal, tropical tree or shrub and make up a rich community of various organism. On the Caribbean coast of Panama, in Bocas del Toro, mangrove forests cover 28 km2 and are dominated by R. mangle, followed by L. racemosa and A. germinans. Simultaneously, Isla Colón, the most populated and developed among all islands in the Bocas del Toro Archipelago, is a tourist center. Unfortunately, tourism comes at the price of environmental degradation via alteration of natural habitats, solid and wastewater pollution. Therefore, this study aims to gain a preliminary understanding on how the …
Troop Composition And Behavior Of Mantled Howler Monkeys (Alouatta Palliata) In Mangroves And Forested Islands South Of David, Panama,
2023
SIT Study Abroad
Troop Composition And Behavior Of Mantled Howler Monkeys (Alouatta Palliata) In Mangroves And Forested Islands South Of David, Panama, Slate Hyacinthe
Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection
The mantled howler monkey, Alouatta palliata, is one of the most commonly studied and widely distributed primate species in Central America. They have been reported to inhabit mangrove environments in Panama, but few studies have undertaken to describe their demography and behavior in these particular ecosystems. For my study, I spent 12 days studying A. palliata populations in both the mangrove and forested island ecosystems (Isla Parida and Isla Boca Brava) south of David. Seven groups were found in the mangrove environments, and 11 groups were found on the island environments. The mangrove groups were significantly smaller and at a …
A Comparative Plague Study Of Cacao Fungal Disease In Cacao Pods Within Monocultures And Indigenous Agroforests In Ecuador’S Napo Province,
2023
SIT Study Abroad
A Comparative Plague Study Of Cacao Fungal Disease In Cacao Pods Within Monocultures And Indigenous Agroforests In Ecuador’S Napo Province, Seamus Mccarthy
Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection
This study analyzes the composition of three major fungal diseases in Theobroma cacao fruits compared between monocultures and chakra agroforests in the Napo province of Ecuador with the goal of noting similarities and differences in the disease composition between the two systems, as well as investigate possible variation within this poorly understood category of agroforest to better structure future studies. Cacao pods on sampled trees were counted and fungal infections identified visually and by touch. Chakra systems were selected in the communities of Cinco de Enero and Seis de Marzo to the Southwest of Tena, Ecuador. Monoculture data was collected …
Community Participation And Perspectives Of Ambondrolava Mangrove Restoration Project,
2023
SIT Study Abroad
Community Participation And Perspectives Of Ambondrolava Mangrove Restoration Project, Nadine Shannon
Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection
Madagascar’s mangrove forests are intertidal ecosystems that provide numerous valuable ecosystem services but are nonetheless under pressure from large amounts of deforestation. On the southwestern coast of Madagascar, the village of Ambondrolava practices community led management of the mangrove and its resources. This research project studied the evolution of the mangrove area using GIS data, and investigated, through interviews, the relationship between the local community of Ambondrolava and the organizations that manage the mangrove ecosystem. From 2000 to 2018, the zone of the mangrove has experienced a net loss in area every year, despite reforestation efforts. Most community members interviewed …
Dendrochronology In The Blackwater Ecological Preserve,
2023
Old Dominion University
Dendrochronology In The Blackwater Ecological Preserve, Sarah Durham, Arvind Bhuta
College of Sciences Posters
The Blackwater Ecological Preserve (BEP), located in southeastern Virginia, holds significant ecological importance as it contains the northernmost intact community of Pinus palustris, longleaf pine. At the BEP, we cored longleaf pine and recorded sample data including tree height and diameter at breast height (DBH). Two sites on the BEP, the 20’s series and 40’s series, were found to correlate within, but not between, sites. Statistical and qualitative analyses were conducted to find differences between the sites significant enough to affect correlation within a chronology. This data is being incorporated into a larger dendrochronology and climate analysis study on …
Timber Talk, Vol. 61, No. 1, March 2023,
2023
University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Timber Talk, Vol. 61, No. 1, March 2023
Timber Talk: Nebraska Forest Industry Newsletter
Timber Talk, Vol. 61, No. 1, March 2023
Modeling Growth And Stress Factors For Converted Silvopasture Systems In The Missouri Ozarks,
2023
Missouri State University
Modeling Growth And Stress Factors For Converted Silvopasture Systems In The Missouri Ozarks, Bailee N. Suedmeyer
Graduate Theses/Dissertations
Silvopasture systems are becoming increasingly popular among sustainable agriculture ranchers, due to the increase in knowledge of benefits to the cattle and ability to grow cool season grasses beneath the canopy. This project focuses on the forest crop aspect of silvopasture systems from monitoring of the health of the trees over time to recommendations for thinning management to keep it functioning as viable silvopasture. The study site consists of five acres of upland hardwood forest area in Southern Missouri with 18 monumented fixed area plots. Arial and ground data was collected at each plot throughout the growing season, along with …
Timber Talk, Vol. 61, No. 2, June 2023,
2023
University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Timber Talk, Vol. 61, No. 2, June 2023
Timber Talk: Nebraska Forest Industry Newsletter
Timber Talk, Vol. 61, No. 2, June 2023
Territory Inheritance And The Evolution Of Cooperative Breeding In The Acorn Woodpecker,
2023
University of California, Berkeley
Territory Inheritance And The Evolution Of Cooperative Breeding In The Acorn Woodpecker, Walter D. Koenig, Joseph Haydock, Hannah L. Dugdale, Eric L. Walters
Biological Sciences Faculty Publications
There are two main hypotheses for why offspring in cooperatively breeding taxa delay dispersal and remain on their natal territory rather than disperse. First, ecological constraints may force offspring to remain on their natal territory until a reproductive opportunity presents itself in an otherwise saturated habitat. Alternatively, delaying dispersal and helping kin may increase an offspring's inclusive fitness. One means by which offspring might enhance their direct fitness by delaying dispersal is by inheriting breeding status on their natal territory. Such territory inheritance regularly occurs in acorn woodpeckers, Melanerpes formicivorus, a species whose social groups consist of a cooperatively …
The Long-Term Effects Of Wildfire Severity On Oak-Pine Communities And Their Microclimates,
2023
University of Kentucky
The Long-Term Effects Of Wildfire Severity On Oak-Pine Communities And Their Microclimates, Scott Glenn Culbert
Theses and Dissertations--Forestry and Natural Resources
In the eastern U.S., fire-dependent tree species have historically dominated upland forest communities, but are now experiencing widespread regeneration challenges as a result of 20th century fire suppression policies, and are being replaced by mesophytic species. Wildfires that contain areas of high burn severity may provide an important means of mitigating these challenges and facilitating fire-dependent species regeneration and recruitment into larger size classes. One mechanism by which high-severity fire can accomplish this is by modifying understory microclimate characteristics to be more conducive to these species’ growth. A wildfire within the Daniel Boone National Forest, Kentucky, USA, provided the …
Near-Surface Soil Nitrogen And Vegetation Response To Invasive Emerald Ash Borer In Forested Black Ash Wetlands Of The Western Upper Peninsula, Michigan, Usa,
2023
Michigan Technological University
Near-Surface Soil Nitrogen And Vegetation Response To Invasive Emerald Ash Borer In Forested Black Ash Wetlands Of The Western Upper Peninsula, Michigan, Usa, Daniel A. Beyer
Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports
Invasive emerald ash borer (EAB) (Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire) poses an imminent threat to the structure and function of North American hardwood forests, particularly black ash (Fraxinus nigra Marshall), and alters the hydrologic and ecological services of their wetlands. Black ash trees regularly grow in seasonally saturated soils and are responsible for hydrologic regulation and nutrient cycling. In this study, a gradient of black ash wetlands impacted by EAB were monitored to assess vegetation changes and near-surface soil nitrogen availability. Vegetation community changes were intertwined with nitrogen cycle disturbances following EAB infestation. As black ash died and fell to …
Fine Root Respiration In Quercus Rubra Is Influenced By Multidimensional Trade-Offs In Root Trait Space,
2023
Michigan Technological University
Fine Root Respiration In Quercus Rubra Is Influenced By Multidimensional Trade-Offs In Root Trait Space, Emma L. Shedd
Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports
Economic theory is often applied to plant strategies, arguing that trade-offs exist between maximizing quick returns on investment within short lifespans or producing longer-lived tissues with slower returns. While these trade-offs are well-studied aboveground, their influence on belowground traits, including root respiration, remains unclear. Resource heterogeneity and symbioses with mycorrhizal fungi may complicate root trade-off axes beyond those predicted by economics theory alone. Investigating fine root trade-offs in Quercus rubra populations along a latitudinal gradient in the Midwest, USA, we identified two distinct axes of variation in root traits: one related to a potential “fungal symbiosis” trade-off and another representing …
Sequencing Antisense Transcriptome Of Populus Through Antisense/Sense Transcript Pair Enrichment,
2023
Michigan Technological University
Sequencing Antisense Transcriptome Of Populus Through Antisense/Sense Transcript Pair Enrichment, Emma V. Burke
Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports
Past transcriptome research on plants focused primarily on protein coding genes, and only recently researchers began looking into the non-protein coding regions that may play significant roles in gene regulation. Antisense RNA transcripts that are found naturally in the cell share complementary sequence with sense transcripts and have been shown to regulate expression of their sense counterparts. Since antisense RNA has been largely under-studied and difficult to sequence because of their low relative abundance, new methods are needed to target antisense RNA for efficient genome-wide profiling. To address this gap in methods to efficiently and cost effectively enrich antisense RNA …
Impacts Of Introduced Earthworms On Sugar Maple Sap Chemistry And The Discourse Of Invasion Ecology,
2023
Michigan Technological University
Impacts Of Introduced Earthworms On Sugar Maple Sap Chemistry And The Discourse Of Invasion Ecology, Shelby Nicole Lane-Clark
Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports
To delve into further understanding of the relationships between introduced earthworms, forest ecosystems, and the human systems they impact, two approaches were taken. In the first approach, we seek to explore ways we can shift the discourse within and regarding the field of invasion ecology by re-framing how we approach discussion, management, and education regarding introduced species. Language issues surrounding introduced species through the example of earthworms in North America are described and potential solutions are provided, including a repositioned perspective that may facilitate better relationships with the natural world. The goal is to shift the language to be more …
