A comparative evaluation of tree species in different geographical elevations in Provo, Utah

Aspen tree (Populus tremuloides) leaf color and abundance based on distance from Provo River, Provo, Utah, United States of America

Carmen C. Mowrey, 1208 Hinckley Hall, Provo, Utah 84604 Email: [e-mail]

Abstract

The rate at which an aspen tree’s (Populus tremuloides) leaves change color and fall off is believed to be affected by how much nitrogen, sunlight and water gets absorbed by the tree. An experiment was conducted observing how the distance from Provo River and six aspen trees effected what color their leaves were and how many leaves were still attached by measuring the distance, taking pictures, and recording observations in a table. The experiment did not prove whether or not there was a relationship between the distance and the leaf color, however there was a significant amount of leaves on the trees within five feet of the river compared to those more than ten feet away. This experiment also revealed that there were more leaves present on the tops of all the trees than near the bottom. Although this experiment did not prove the relationship between the distance between a water source and a tree’s leaf color, it is noted that the experiment was conducted at the end of autumn and therefore if it was to be repeated, it should take place at the beginning of autumn.

Keywords: aspen tree, populus tremuloides, water, leaves, color.

The environment’s effect on the cricket’s (orthopetra: gryillae) chirp. Provo Canyon: Provo, Utah, U.S.A.

Claire N. Murphy, 89 Penrose Hall, Provo, Utah 84604 [e-mail]

Keywords

Some keywords or phrases that were used to help find research for this experiment included: temperature and conversions, temperature effects, pitch, geography of Provo Canyon, the cricket’s song, and insect sounds.

Abstract

The cricket’s chirp (gryllidae) has been found to be influenced by its environment, one factor being the temperature. More research is required to determine what kind of effect hot and cold temperatures have on the crickets. The cricket’s response to temperature change will be measured by the difference in the pitch of its chirp. The number of chirps will also be counted to see if there is a correlation in this area with the temperature. Crickets from various areas, including Provo Canyon and Mt. Timpanagos, will be selected, identified and counted frequently and the temperature of the cricket’s environment will also be recorded. This experiment will show us what influence the temperature has on the cricket’s chirp. This experiment is based on the rumor that says the temperature in Fahrenheit can be determined by counting the number of cricket chirps within a minute. At least ten samples will be taken at each observation in order to find an average which will then be used to calculate the temperature.

Abstract

Trees are traditionally believed to shed their leaves in autumn primarily because the high costs involved in their maintenance would outweigh the benefits from photosynthesis during the winter period of low light availability and cold temperatures. The color of a leaves results from an interaction of different pigments produced by the plant. The information on why chemically leaves change colors is widely known, however other environmental factors are still being disputed among biologists around the world. Many things add up to why leaves change colors at the rate they do. For my experiment I decided to choose five different elevations to go to, starting on campus, and then going up through the Provo Canyon. At each elevation I took pictures of leaves from different trees to see how many of the leaves had already started changing colors. The phenomenon of leaves changing colors has been explored at great lengths. There are a few different reasons as to why it happens. These are however theories, and are not accepted as completely accurate. Among the theories the most popular are photoprotection, and coevolution. These theories help me better understand why the leaves changed colors faster at higher elevations.

The effects of urban runoff on the biodiversity of invertebrates in the Provo River

Alicia Nelson, 450 N 1060 E #220, Provo, Utah, 84606. Email: [e-mail]

ABSTRACT

The biodiversity of aquatic life can be greatly changed by the surroundings of the body of water. In this study, I discuss the effects of urban runoff on the biodiversity of invertebrates in the Provo River, in Utah. I pose that the biodiversity will decrease as urbanization increases. I do this by collecting bugs in different locations along the river and comparing their diversity. My results show that the biodiversity does not decrease with urbanization, but through explanation of my data and using past studies, I conclude that the types of invertebrates present does change based on the level of urbanization.

Keywords: biodiversity, invertebrates, urbanization, Provo River

Altitude’s effect on the population and diversity of insects in Provo, Utah

Heidi Neve, 144 West 2060 North Apt. 228, Provo, Utah 84604 Email: [e-mail]

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to determine if the biodiversity of insects (the abundance of certain species and diversity of species) was affected by differences in altitude in the Provo, Utah region. My hypothesis was that there would be less insect biodiversity at higher elevations. The conclusions drawn by the experiment was that there was only a slight difference in biodiversity between the selected regions of low and high elevations, but that higher elevations yielded fewer insects and more of the same type of insect. There was also a difference in the type of biodiversity found at the different regions; it seemed as if smaller insects, more ants and spiders, were caught at the higher elevations on Y Mountain. Larger insects and creatures made their way into the pitfall traps placed at lower elevations surrounding the Provo River trail. This discovery answered the question of differing levels of biodiversity, but also opened up another of what elevation truly affects for insect species.

Keywords: insect biodiversity, altitude, Provo, difference, species preference.

A comparison of tree-ring patterns in three different species of tree

Scot Nielsen, 1565 N University Ave, Provo, Utah 84604. Email: [e-mail]
Abstract:

Nine core samples were taken from three species of tree in Provo canyon. The exact species are not important to the study. The samples were then examined to determine whether any similar patterns were present in the rings from different species. No matching patterns were found among the three groups. Additionally, no matching patterns were noticeable within each group.

Keywords: tree-ring analysis; pattern variance; growth similarities.

Soothing Vocal Techniques on Grand Collomia (Solanales, Polemoniaceae) in Provo Canyon: Provo, Utah, U.S.A.

Gavin S. Nitta, 1122 Helaman Halls Building 9, Provo, Utah 84604 Email: [e-mail]

Abstract

The rate of growth can be effected by the amount of soothing vocal techniques that an individual uses around the plant. Experiments will be conducted in Provo Canyon with local plants to show that their growth behavior will change with the amount of soothing that one does. In other words, does the amount of talking to a plant effect the growth of a plant directly. Plants from two different areas will be watched as weekly soothing will occur. Plants will be approximately measured in height and width with a ruler on a weekly basis before each “soothing session” occurs. The differences will be recorded to see if soothing a plant with vocal techniques really does help plants grow.

Keywords: Inflorescence, mountain trumpets, capsule.

Autumn Leaf Color Changes Relation to Diminishing Leaf Water Content in Green Ash Trees (Fraxinus pennsylvanica) in Provo, Utah, U.S.A

Brian R. Nixon, 442 North 500 East Apt. # 9, Provo, Utah 84606 Email: [e-mail]

Abstract

This experiment focused on the discoloration of leaves during the autumn season. Experimentation sought to determine whether easily apparent seasonal changes in leaf color are directly related to a drop in the water content of individual leaves with such change in color occurring in a progressive fashion along from green to yellow to brown. In order to test the hypothesis leaves in various stages of autumn color were subjected to a drying process. After reviewing the data gathered it was determined that reducing the water content through the drying process did effectively alter the leaves color. The diminished water content however does not appear to be the only factor involved in nature because the resulting colors differ from those naturally seen.

Autumn Leaf Color Changes Relation to Diminishing Leaf Water Content in Green Ash Trees (Fraxinus pennsylvanica) in Provo, Utah, U.S.A

Brian R. Nixon, 442 North 500 East Apt. # 9, Provo, Utah 84606 Email: [e-mail]

Abstract

This experiment focused on the discoloration of leaves during the autumn season. Experimentation sought to determine whether easily apparent seasonal changes in leaf color are directly related to a drop in the water content of individual leaves with such change in color occurring in a progressive fashion along from green to yellow to brown. In order to test the hypothesis leaves in various stages of autumn color were subjected to a drying process. After reviewing the data gathered it was determined that reducing the water content through the drying process did effectively alter the leaves color. The diminished water content however does not appear to be the only factor involved in nature because the resulting colors differ from those naturally seen.

The Effect of the distance of water on trees with respect to leaf type, bark type, insect life and size.
Ben Olpin, 2123 Budge Hall, Provo, Utah 84604 Email: [e-mail]
Abstract

Plants grow very differently in different environments due to the large amount of diversity in abiotic factors that affect growth. The purpose of this experiment was to observe trees and surrounding plants in areas that different in terms of how much water was there constantly. I observed an area directly on the Provo River and another area in Rock Canyon to compare the differences between the trees where some have a river to take their water from and an area that does not have such an eternally accessible body of water to use. Many different features of the trees were observed and compared including their identity, their leaves, what kind of bark they have, what kinds of insects inhabit the different trees and their respective sizes. I found that at the time I performed the experiment it was too cold for the insects to be living there and they had moved away or died. I observed that the Fremont Cottonwood (Populous fremonti) and the American Linden, or Basswood (Tilia maricana), trees along the river were much taller and thicker than the mainly maple and oak trees in Rock Canyon and conclude that the much smaller distance to the river is the primary reason for this larger size (Brough 1993).

Key words: Cottonwood (Populous fremonti), American Linden, Basswood (Tilia maricana), Gambel Oak (Quercus gambeli), Provo River, Rock Canyon

Wound-wood, the Perfect Donut for Trees in Utah, U.S.A.

Kyle R. Olsen 1722 Lambert Lane, Provo, Utah, U.S.A. Email: [e-mail]

Abstract.

Trees, much like humans, after being cut try and seal off any exposed flesh.  The equivalent of a scab for a tree is wound-wood.  I wanted to understand pruning techniques that induce wound-wood formation, which leads to occlusion.  To collect data I went along the Provo River by the Motion Pictures Studio and looked at cuts that had been made on the trees by the BYU tree trimming crew or the City of Provo.  While viewing the cuts, I noted if the cut had been made inside the branch collar, wrote down the diameter of the cut (when possible), noted if there was any wound-wood formation, and looked at the discoloration of the wood.  I also observed what happens when a branch dies but is not pruned.  Because so many tree types were observed, when the cuts were made is unknown, and limb size varied; results were inconclusive.  The only sure trend observed was that a tear greatly hinders occlusion and can slow down wound-wood formation.  More controls need to be implemented to better understand methods that would increase wound-wood inducement while pruning and trimming.

Keywords: Wound-wood, wound-wood formation, pruning, trimming, occlusion

Duck Migration Botany Pond & Arboretum and Utah Lake, Provo, UT USA

Leslie Ostler. 34 E 700 N Apt 11, Provo, UT, 84606. Email: [e-mail]

Abstract

Duck Migration is triggered by a few factors, including: food supply, temperature, and wind conditions. For this Nature Experience, I studied the ducks at the Botany Pond and the ducks at Utah Lake. Beginning on the 5^th of October, I daily checked on the ducks at both locations. If I could not make it for any reason, I noted that in my notes. I was expecting that the ducks would start migrating with the first serious drop of weather, and I was positive that they would have been migrated by the first snowfall. This paper shows that temperature is not necessarily the key trigger and bird migration also changes based on location.

key words: ducks, migration, temperature, Utah Lake, Botany Pond & Arboretum

Influence of the Proximity of Water to the Health of the Angelica Wheeleri Plant on the Provo River in Provo, Utah, U.S.A.
Julia C. Pace, 765 East 750 North Apt. 6, Provo, Utah 84606 Email: [e-mail]
Abstract

The health of a plant is affected by the amount of water it is able to receive, but more research needs to be done to determine whether differences in proximity to water has an affect on the Angelica Wheeleri and the plant’s overall health. Experiments will be conducted on the bank of the Provo River in Provo Canyon using three different plants of the same species of Angelica Wheeleri at various stages of growth and health, each being at separate and unique distances to the edge of the river and water source. The characteristics of the plant associated with plant health will be recorded on a weekly basis over the course of a four-week period. The data that is collected will help determine the relationship between plant health and plant proximity to a water source.

Keywords: Plant growth, water, roots, photosynthesis.
Growth patterns of fresh water Blue Green algae (Nostocaceae) based on smooth or rough surfaces in the Provo River: Provo, Utah U.S.A.

Jonathan Packard, 95 Rogers Hall, Provo, UT 84604 Email: [e-mail]

Abstract

The growth rate of blue-green algae (cyanophyta) was monitored to see if algae would grow more abundantly on smooth or rough surfaces. Experiments were conducted in the Provo River using smooth and rough stones, as well as sticks with rough and smooth bark as testing variables. The stones were glued to square dowels to hold them in the mud of the river bottom. The sticks were tethered to dowels to keep them from floating to the surface as well as keeping them from washing away. The growth was monitored for six weeks and then measured and weighed. The rough rock accumulated more growth than the smooth rock. No algae growth was detected, just dirt accumulation and moss. Assumed algae growth was restricted due to the temperature changes in the river water. Accumulation growth was assumed to be affected by two aspects: 1 – surface area, and 2 – texture of surface. Greater surface area as well as rougher texture produced the most growth.

Keywords: Blue Green Algae; Nostocaceae; Cyanophyta; Chroococcales; Fresh water

Growth patterns of fresh water Blue Green algae (Nostocaceae) based on smooth or rough surfaces in the Provo River: Provo, Utah U.S.A.

Jonathan Packard, 95 Rogers Hall, Provo, UT 84604 Email: [e-mail]

Abstract

The growth rate of blue-green algae (cyanophyta) was monitored to see if algae would grow more abundantly on smooth or rough surfaces. Experiments were conducted in the Provo River using smooth and rough stones, as well as sticks with rough and smooth bark as testing variables. The stones were glued to square dowels to hold them in the mud of the river bottom. The sticks were tethered to dowels to keep them from floating to the surface as well as keeping them from washing away. The growth was monitored for six weeks and then measured and weighed. The rough rock accumulated more growth than the smooth rock. No algae growth was detected, just dirt accumulation and moss. Assumed algae growth was restricted due to the temperature changes in the river water. Accumulation growth was assumed to be affected by two aspects: 1 – surface area, and 2 – texture of surface. Greater surface area as well as rougher texture produced the most growth.

Keywords: Blue Green Algae; Nostocaceae; Cyanophyta; Chroococcales; Fresh water

"Ants? why did they have to be ants?"

Keywords: Carpenter Ant, Food Particles, Ant Hill, Average Temperature, Activity

Abstract

When asked to do a nature project, I had no idea where to start.  Up until the day before the proposal was due, I did not know what to do with my project.  When I was in my dorm room, I noticed some crumbs from a popcorn piece were on my floor; both had ants eating them.  I then looked outside and noticed it was a very gloomy day.  Then I had a thought, what do ants tend to eat more?  And does the weather affect how active the ants are? I have a sense of wonder about that particular insect.  So for my project, I wanted to test how actively your typical Carpenter black ant will go after a chosen food and see if the weather affects the activity of the ants.

The effect of elevation on aquatic insect’s choice of habitat in Hobble Creek: Springville, Utah, U.S.A.

Brian Robert Patrick, 1606 E. 300 S. Springville, Utah 84663,

Email: [e-mail]

Abstract

My study analyzes the different species of aquatic insects found in the Hobble Creek in Springville, Utah at different elevations. A wider fluctuation in water temperatures occur at higher altitudes and this change in water temperature indirectly effects the emergence of most aquatic insects. The emergence of aquatic insects first begins between 5,000 ft and 5,500 ft in altitude. (Nebeker) Which makes 5,500 ft in elevation an ideal location for collecting aquatic insect specimen. It is my hypothesis that certain species of aquatic insects are incapable of surviving in different locations of the same creek because of the variations in elevation. I collected insects at three different locations at three different elevations (4,500 ft, 5,500 ft and 6,500 ft) along the Hobble Creek in Springville, Utah. Upon collection and analysis of my aquatic insects I noticed that as I had collected a specimen from one location and I was able to collect that same species of insect at another location, such as the species Homoeoneuria Isonychiidae which I found at both at location #1 and location #3. This data ultimately disproves my theory that a particular species of aquatic insect inhabits only one elevation.

Keywords: Aquatic, Insects, Altitude, Springville, Utah, Hobble Creek, Habitat, Aeshna, Darner Dragonfly, Asellus Aquaticus Asellidae, Hexagenia, Common Burrower Mayfly, Homoeoneuria Isonychiidae, Narpus, Riffle Beetle, Oligochaeta Isonychiidae

Winter Condition’s Length and their Effect on Speed of Growth and Overall Strength of Tulip and Daffodil Plants in Provo, UT USA

Heather Payne, 1849 N Freedom #222, Provo, UT 84604 Email: [e-mail]

Abstract

This experiment attempted to look into the effects that differing winter lengths can have upon plant bulbs of tulips (Liliaceae Tulipa) and daffodils (Amaryllidaceae Narcissus). Using generic brand bulbs, a freezer, a lamp and some tall glass jars I synthesized three different winter lengths (one, two or three weeks) and a spring in my apartment in an attempt to force these bulbs to sprout. My goal was to compare speed of growth, height and thickness of plant shoots coming from these bulbs but for whatever reason they did not sprout. This could be due to several factors, one of these being that the bulbs were unable to hibernate for a long enough period, or that too much water drown the bulbs before they could grow. However, water intake measurements of the two and three week bulbs could indicate that the bulbs were alive, and were preparing to sprout before they became too water logged.

Keywords: Bulbs, Tulipa, Narcissus, Winter, Spring

Water Potential in Gambel Oak (Quercus gambelii) Leaves as Dormancy Occurs in Provo Canyon: Provo,Utah,U.S.A.
Scott C. Peterson, 155 West 1060 North Apt.204, Provo, Utah 84604 Email: [e-mail]
Abstract

The genus Quercus (oak) is a tree or shrub which contains at least 600 species in the world today. Through the use of a pressure bomb I was able eliminate variables and find that as Quercus Gambelli goes through dormancy the leaves lose water potential. Leaves having been lost from the branch stabalized around 5.5 MPa while Gambel oak leaves still on the branch were much lower than that around 1-4 MPa. Thus proving that as Quercus Gambelli loses water potential as it goes through dormancy.

Keywords: quercus, quercus gambelli, water potential, pressure bomb,

Growth and maturation rates of Malus domestica throughout the autumn season.

Shane Peterson, Brigham Young University, 138 Snow Hall, Provo, UT, 84602

Email: [e-mail]

Abstract

I found a Golden Delicious apple tree (Malus domestica) near the pedestrian bridge that goes over the Provo River. I observed the growth and maturation rates of each apple throughout the autumn season. I recorded any changes in color and other physical changes on each apple in my field book, as well as photographing each one over the course of six weeks. I selected a control apple by marking it with a permanent marker and measured it each week with a tape ruler, to determine if it grows and by how much. I discovered that the fruit itself does grow, but slowly, to about 24.1 cm in circumference, 6.1 cm in height, and 6.9 cm in diameter. Since the control apple was in the shade from the bridge, it stayed green and experienced steady growth. The other apples were exposed to the sunlight, turning yellow the first few weeks, and then becoming burnt and shriveled. Many became infested with insects and had red spots all over them.

Keywords: Golden Reinette, Grimes Golden, blossoming, fruit maturation, fall equinox.

Variation of winged (Hymenoptera, Diptera, Coleoptera) and non-winged (Araneae, Myriapoda) insect populations in Provo, Utah depending on altitude deviation.

Christopher Lance Phelon, 562 North 200 East Apartment 10, Provo, Utah 84606. Email: [e-mail]

Abstract

Population changes and differences of winged vs. non-winged insects as related to changes in elevation on Y Mountain in Provo, Utah were studied in order to discover any trends in insect behavior as relating to fly fishing. The major orders of insects discovered were Hymenoptera, Diptera, Coleoptera, Araneae, and Myriapoda. A general trend was seen that with an increase in elevation there was a significant increase in winged insect population and a small decrease in non-winged insect population. The effects of rainfall and temperature were also reviewed to see the effects of these climate changes in relation to insect population over time. The experiment consisted of collecting and documenting the number of insects found at 3 sites at each of four different altitudes chosen, taking pictures to document the insects, and also documenting the temperature, time, and other climate factors at the time of collection.

Keywords: population differences, diptera, coleoptera, elevation, fly fishing