The East Front of the Northern Rocky Mountains in Montana shows the transition between prairie and forest. In this region, limber pine (Pinus flexilis) is an early successional tree. It facilitates the growth of later successional understory species, particularly Douglas-fir (Pseudotseuga menziesii) and wax currant (Ribes cereum), by providing shade and protection from wind. This photograph...
Bean beetles (Callosobruchus maculatus) are phytophagous insects that lay their eggs on the surface of several species of beans in the family Fabaceae. Larval development is completed within the bean. Therefore, we would expect strong selection when the beetle switches to a new host. Students are provided with live cultures of beetles containing adults that have been raised on mung beans (Vigna...
Students investigate the factors that control the rate at which CO2 is emitted from soil using simple soil chambers and soda lime in a field experiment. Students in small groups design and conduct their own experiments to investigate the effects of soil and microclimate factors on CO2 emission. The projects are typically conducted over two consecutive lab periods. During the first session students...
Photo of a hatchling loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) entering the surf on a beach in South Carolina. After hatching, juvenile sea turtles are guided to the ocean by celestial light reflecting off the ocean. Artificial light disrupts this process and serves to reduce reproductive success in loggerheads.
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