Class Notes for 19 February 2009
Reviewed posters from other class for 6 ecotypes.
Agreed that the most appealing poster had the following characteristics: clarity, details, organization, and simplicity. Both the content and the presentation were effective.
Review of the scientific process:
Observations
Question / Hypothesis
Design experiment
Conduct Experiment
Gather Data
Analyze Data
Results
Interpretation and Discussion and return to hypothesis.
How does the above sequence compare to the structure of a research paper?
Teams of 3 students each must come up with a hypothesis to test and generate a Grant Proposal.
Possible variables: Ecotype, temperature, photoperiod, orientation, water, soil, agar, seed density, size of container……
What can be measured: % germination, root length, shoot length, bolt length….. (Think about what can be done quickly, easily, and accurately)
Given these constraints, produced an interesting question you’d like to ask, convert that question to a statement (hypothesis), and design an experiment to test your hypothesis (answer your question.)
Discussion of the importance of n values (number of observations, sample size) and confidence in ability to generalize your conclusions base on a sample to the general population.
Consider n=1, n=10, n=100, and n= 1000.
Ways in which scientists communicate their work:
Peer reviewed publications in scientific journals (Science Direct is database)
Lab Reports
Scientific Posters (examples in hallway)
Conference Presentations (12 minute slide show + 3 minutes for questions)
Review of Distribution Powerpoint
Strong = ??? tolerant?
Need more details on White Irisette
Big picture question: What factors limit the ranges of plants? Of animals?
Some examples: soil, climate, weather, temperature, photopheriods, sunlight, seasonal variation, shade tolerance (example of grasses), competition, pests, and students should as to this list.
Create a list of the factors that limit the ranges of animals, perhaps using herps as examples.
Are dogs ecotypes? Why or why not?
Since not all flies and mosquitoes are the same species, think more carefully about if there is a single species of fly or mosquito that has a global distribution and what characteristics allow that species to occupy so many different habitats.
Review of Model Organism Powerpoint
Recall the mutation we saw on Plate A-1 during lab.
Why are mutants are so interesting? Why are mutants of Arabidopsis so easily studied? Why might the genetic basis of mutation in plants actually be relevant to humans?
Time did not permit us to look at the last part of this powerpoint dealing with flower anatomy.