Schayla K. Bowers
Scientific Inquiry
Abstract March 22, 2017
Wolves are a part of a diverse ecosystem that live in Yellowstone National Park (YNP). They reside at the top of the ecosystem chain, and they control how this system functions. After intimidating the local settlers, they were extirpated from YNP. This caused a cascade of events that trickled down the ecosystem of Yellowstone. The absence of the wolves led to an increase of smaller predators and a decrease in the plant life around them, which lowered the ecosystem's ability to carry more animals. The effects were noticed by scientists, and they decided to do something about it. They brought back the wolves after about 60-70 in an attempt to undo the damage that had occurred. The smaller predators began to return back to their previous population sizes, and the plant life began to grow gaining the ability to support more animals again.
Wolves Extirpation and Reintroduction Effects on an Ecosystem like Yellowstone National Park
Ocean Acidification and Coral Bleaching
Introduction September 18, 2017
Coral reefs have absorbed between 24 and 33% of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions caused by humans, which puts them in great danger of ocean acidification and coral bleaching. The uptake of CO2 causes the seawater pH to lower, which affects the organisms and coral reefs. An example would be the CO2 interfering with the carbonate ions that are crucial for calcifying organisms to have skeletal support for protectio. When the pH is lowered, the concentration of bicarbonate ions are increased, which decreases the availability of carbonate ions, and this lowers the saturation state of aragonite and calcite, which helps to form shells for organisms. The CO2 emitted into the atmosphere also results in higher air temperatures, causing the bleaching of corals. Coral reefs are vital to coastal communities because they provide sources of income, food, and coastal protection through activities like shellfish farming and coral tourism. Ocean acidification is a global issue but since the effects on coral reefs are not blatantly apparent, the motivation to do anything is not as high as it should be.
Determining the Effects of Depressant Drugs via Heart Rate of Age Varied Daphnia
Abstract March 22, 2017
Daphnia, also known as water fleas, are optimal subjects for observing heart rates because of their transparent bodies. The objective of this experiment was to observe the effects of depressant drugs on daphnia and whether their age causes variable results. Adolescent and mature daphnia were treated with .1, .01, and .001 mg/ml solution of alprazolam (Xanax). Their heart rates were measured in 15 second intervals to determine beats per minutes. It was discovered that adolescent daphnia heart rates increased and mature daphnia heart rates decreased when treated with Xanax. Also, in both groups, average heart rates decreased as concentrations increased. Treating and observing daphnia furthers the understanding of how drugs, like Xanax, may effect the human heart.