Current Search: Proceedings of the IRSC Department of Biological Sciences, Volume 2 (2019) (x) » English (x)
-
-
Title
-
Correlation between size and home range of Agama agama africana.
-
Abstract/Description
-
Agama agama africana is a lizard originally found in sub-Saharan Africa. Typically, it is found in urban and suburban areas and certain wildlands of Africa. This lizard was first noted in 1983 in Florida by L. D. William and L. Portis. It is believed that the Florida populations of these lizards are a result of intentional release and from damage done to exotic reptile businesses during Hurricane Andrew. Other researchers have documented that this species of lizard has a territory range that...
Show moreAgama agama africana is a lizard originally found in sub-Saharan Africa. Typically, it is found in urban and suburban areas and certain wildlands of Africa. This lizard was first noted in 1983 in Florida by L. D. William and L. Portis. It is believed that the Florida populations of these lizards are a result of intentional release and from damage done to exotic reptile businesses during Hurricane Andrew. Other researchers have documented that this species of lizard has a territory range that it aggressively defends against when other males challenge the territory. The behavior of the lizard was the focus for this study. Data was collected in areas throughout Jensen Beach and Stuart, Florida where populations are prevalent. Five males of A. a. africana were caught, marked with nail polished, and measured. Once released, three of these males and one uncaught male were observed from a distance while their movement and activity were recorded. Measurements were then taken of the lizards’ movement and the total area was calculated using an online irregular polygon calculator. Due to the small sample size, the results were inconclusive for a relationship between lizard size and home range area.
Show less
-
Identifier
-
irsc_s_b_p0005
-
Format
-
Document (PDF)
-
-
Title
-
Culturing phytoplankton.
-
Abstract/Description
-
The Smithsonian Marine Ecosystems Exhibit’s mission is, “To inspire appreciation and understanding of the importance and complexity of marine ecosystems and the process of science through engaging exhibits, meaningful education, and the dissemination of Smithsonian Marine Station research.” Starting from the bottom of the food web, the exhibit recreates habitats for their resident organisms. Healthy phytoplankton cultures feed the oysters’ and their reefs’ filter feeding inhabitants like...
Show moreThe Smithsonian Marine Ecosystems Exhibit’s mission is, “To inspire appreciation and understanding of the importance and complexity of marine ecosystems and the process of science through engaging exhibits, meaningful education, and the dissemination of Smithsonian Marine Station research.” Starting from the bottom of the food web, the exhibit recreates habitats for their resident organisms. Healthy phytoplankton cultures feed the oysters’ and their reefs’ filter feeding inhabitants like feather duster worms, sponges, and tunicates. Phytoplankton also plays a key role in maintaining water quality by consuming nitrates and phosphorous. This project focused on and tested different light sources in order to maximize phytoplankton production. Successful maintenance of Isochrysis galbana made it possible to replicate and thoroughly test phytoplankton production in relation to the light spectrum. Nannochloropsis oculata and Chaetocerous gracilis were unsustainable and must be further assessed for harmful cellular organisms specific to these species, contamination, and other variables that may be attributing to cell culture crashing.
Show less
-
Identifier
-
irsc_s_b_p0006
-
Format
-
Document (PDF)
-
-
Title
-
Impact of Apolipoprotein E Epsilon 4 in Brain Injuries of Boxers.
-
Abstract/Description
-
Through research done on causes of late-onset Alzheimer’s disease (AD), a link has been made between the amyloid-beta protein and the APOE ε4 allele. Not only do they play a major role in leading to AD, they also result in an increased risk of brain injury. Looking at studies done on patients with traumatic brain injuries, with an emphasis on injuries received while boxing, the possibility exists that having the APOE ε4 allele can lead to being more at risk for having a traumatic brain injury...
Show moreThrough research done on causes of late-onset Alzheimer’s disease (AD), a link has been made between the amyloid-beta protein and the APOE ε4 allele. Not only do they play a major role in leading to AD, they also result in an increased risk of brain injury. Looking at studies done on patients with traumatic brain injuries, with an emphasis on injuries received while boxing, the possibility exists that having the APOE ε4 allele can lead to being more at risk for having a traumatic brain injury than non-carriers. Currently, there is no screening for the APOE ε4 allele in prospective athletes. The topic of potential screening should be further discussed as well as additional research done to be better equipped for educating the public on possible risks.
Show less
-
Identifier
-
irsc_s_b_p0004
-
Format
-
Document (PDF)