cwcasey's blog

 In order to test if the precocene inhibitor worked, four separate test vials were filled about 2.5 inches with a food substance. One test tube was our control in which  10 mL of distilled water was mixed with roughly 2 grams of dry media. Each of the three other test vials were made with roughly 2 grams of media and 10 ml of a varying concentration of precocene. The concentrations of precocene increased from .01M to .1M and finally 1.0M. We then put four adult flies into each test tube, two of them were male and two were female. The flies were placed into an incubator, where they were allowed to mate and lay eggs over a week-long period. After one week, we removed the adult flies and observed the healthy larvae within the media. Next, after another week, the vials were observed again. This time, we counted the number of larvae, pupae, and adults present in each of the four vials and recorded the data shown below. The data collected was used to formulate a proper conclusion and aided us in answering the question at hand.

 

In this experiment, we observe behaviors made by Equus ferus caballus, also known as the common horse. Although 5 horses total were present, we focus our attention directly on 3 foals (young horses). These horses are observed and recorded in the town of Amherst, MA. To begin the observation process, we load the two videos, (one of a 30:19 minute duration and one of a 18:34 minute duration) off the snapper drive and into the VLC watch application. It is important to note that the viewing process of these video takes several attempts to successfully observe and differentiate between the multiple behaviors. While watching the first video for the first time, for each new behavior observed, we will rewind and rewatch the action, (or lack there of ) in slow motion. This allows us to accurately describe the action that the foal is doing. While watching through the video the first time, we record a general description of the behavior, and the timestamp of when the behavior occurs. While watching through the video a second time, we look for any subtle behaviors that may have been missed and additionally record any details about the behaviors present. During the third viewing session, we screenshot an image that accurately portrays each behavior. Additionally, we should check the accuracy of the timestamps and clarify any unclear descriptions in relation to the behaviors. It is important for multiple people to check the behaviors recorded for accuracy purposes, so we had another group member review the recorded data. This viewing processes is repeated for the second video. All of the information compiled is then placed in a table in an organized fashion. The columns of this table include; the behavior name, the description of what occurs in the behavior, an image that portrays the behavior, the timestamp of when it occurs, and which video it occurs in. The next step is to categorize these behaviors into subgroups. The behaviors could fit into one of five categories. The categories include feeding, play, communication, locomotion and grooming. While viewing the video for a fifth time, we carefully observe each depicted behavior and decide based on context clues which category it may fit in. Feeding behaviors may involve intaking/consuming food to its mouth. Play behaviors may involve playful interactions between foals. Communication may involve interactions with any of the other horses present, or other species (such as insects). Locomotion involves the process of moving as a means of transportation. Grooming may involve the act of attempting to clean oneself. Within a table, we assigned each subgroup a color. We then went through the list and denoted said colors for each behavior. We then organized the tables into a color-coded fashion.           

Mimosa pudica plants are one of the many species which have the ability to react and move to stressors in their environments. This behavior is categorized as a nastic movement, meaning they exhibit non-directional movements in response to stimuli. Other examples of plants that exhibit nastic movements include Venus Fly-traps, Oxalis Wood Sorrels, and Jewelweed. Nastic movement encompasses all responses to various stimuli like light, touch, temperature, and competition. We are focusing on the seismonastic movements of Mimosa pudica and its ability to respond to touch. When a stimulus touched or brushes up against the central stem of the plant, the leaves fold together in order to protect itself from predation.

 

While persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are strictly controlled and monitored now thanks to the Stockholm Convention (2001), the prevalence of POPs in the environment is still a huge factor. Perflourooctanoic Acid (PFOA) is one of the most abundant POPs due to its half life of a couple eons. PFOA is a known carcinogen used in numerous household products like Tupperware, water proofed clothing, household cleaners, and even microwave popcorn bags, pizza boxes, and butcher’s paper. We as humans are exposed to PFOAs on a regular basis and don’t even realize it. Over 99% of American individuals have traces of PFOAs in their blood and therefore have a higher predisposition to forms of cancer like liver cancer and leukemia. PFOA can take decades to be excreted from the human body; most people have it in their systems their entire lives due to the prevalence in the environment. Yet, the majority of the public is not informed about the carcinogenic elements of PFOA which can prove to be detrimental to their bodies.

Due to the presence of this nasty retrovirus, it looks like there is a grim future for domestic dogs. However, since one breed can be saved by this vaccine, that breed should be the Australian Shepherd. After owning multiple Australian Shepherds over a span of 16 years, I can tell you that that these dogs are good natured, perfect for any lifestyle, loyal, and extremely intelligent. Each of my Aussies grew into mild mannered adults who loved my family just as much as we loved them. I played a role in training each of them as well and can say without a doubt that these dogs are brilliant. After just a few weeks, you can engrain in your Aussie puppy the basic commands and they will remember them for life. My experience with Australian Shepherds isn’t uncommon; many families in my neighborhood share the same feelings towards their Aussies as well. These families often lead very different lifestyles than my own. Some have small children, others are constantly on the move, and others are very sedentary. I’ve had the pleasure of meeting all their Australian Shepherds and each of them are just as friendly and happy as my very own dog.

Upon review of the video information, 62 actions and behaviors were analyzed and categorized into the tables shown above. Table 1 illustrates the behaviors we found to be associated with the state of feeding. Such behaviors include the actual feeding of the foal, drinking the mother’s milk, digging for food, and so on. In total, eleven feeding behaviors had been observed and categorized into Table 1. In video files three and five, it was observed that the foals were given free range to play and interact with each other thus introducing Table 2. Table 2 encompasses the 22 behaviors we denoted to be associated with play. All the specified behaviors occurred during the interaction between the foal and its partner(s) and so we deemed them to be playful. Table 3 establishes the behaviors associated with the foals grooming themselves. These primarily consist of the foal scratching, nipping, and licking its coat. This category contained the least amount of behaviors but was significant in that it displayed a very unique set of behaviors. Communicative behaviors are represented within Table 4. These behaviors range from mechanical and visual modalities of communication to even a few sporadic vocal cues. The foals were effective in getting the attention of their mothers and partners via these communicative behaviors and thus sending the signal they wished to get across. Lastly, Table 5 includes the behaviors associated with miscellaneous locomotion and movement. For example, behaviors like sprinting, non-playful trotting, and indiscriminate head bobbing are included in this table. These behaviors pertain no other use than moving from one location to the other and the ways in which the foal moves upon the initiation of said behaviors. To recap, each of the above tables aims to illustrate the a portion of the overall 62 behaviors within its set category. These categories were drawn from the analysis of the two video files provided and used as an organizational tool to effectively present the collected data.

 

At the end of the day, all domestic breeds of dogs are going to die except for one. This one special breed should be the Australian Shepherd not only because of its temperament, beauty, and workaholic mentality, but because it has such a rich tradition and culture that follows it. Native American tribes revered Australian Shepherds for their stunning beauty and pale blue eyes thus spurring legends and tales of the “Ghost Eye” dog. Australian Shepherds are held sacred by many people along with the Native American Tribes. Ever since their introduction in the 1840’s these dogs have been seen in film, rodeos, lore, and legend and thus have deep roots in the lives of many people. To lose such a marvelous breed of dog would directly impact the lives and cultures of people all around the globe. In conclusion, when it comes time to choose that one lucky breed that survives this pandemic, that breed should be none other than the Australian Shepherd.

If my experience and the experiences of my peers doesn’t convince you to save the Australian Shepherds, consider the fact that these beautiful dogs have been used as a herding breed since the early nineteenth century. Australian Shepherds use their medium build and agility to weave around the livestock to gain control of the situation and bring them home. Not only are these dogs a perfect family pet, they also prove to be beneficial when completing farm chores. Australian Shepherds have also been used as emotional support dogs, police and guard dogs, as well as seeing eye dogs, drug sniffing dogs, and search and rescue dogs. Since they have such a high index of intelligence, Australian Shepherds can be easily trained for any assortment of tasks and are well suited for a wide variety of jobs. With this information, it can be concluded that Australian Shepherds are a fantastic choice of breed because of their versatility at home and even in the work force if need be.

Due to the presence of this nasty retrovirus, it looks like there is a grim future for domestic dogs. However, since one breed can be saved by this vaccine, that breed should be the Australian Shepherd. After owning multiple Australian Shepherds over a span of 16 years, I can tell you that that these dogs are good natured, perfect for any lifestyle, loyal, and extremely intelligent. Each of my Aussies grew into mild mannered adults who loved my family just as much as we loved them. I played a role in training each of them as well and can say without a doubt that these dogs are brilliant. After just a few weeks, you can engrain in your Aussie puppy the basic commands and they will remember them for life. My experience with Australian Shepherds isn’t uncommon; many families in my neighborhood share the same feelings towards their Aussies as well. These families often lead very different lifestyles than my own. Some have small children, others are constantly on the move, and others are very sedentary. I’ve had the pleasure of meeting all their Australian Shepherds and each of them are just as friendly and happy as the my very own dog.

Within a developing embryo, three germs layers give rise to the various structures of the body. First of which is the endoderm. This is the inner layer of skin within the embryo that gives rise to the lining of most digestive and respiratory tracks. The endoderm is responsible for the glandular material associated with the digestive and respiratory tracks as well. The layer behind the endoderm is the mesoderm. Mesodermal derivations include the appendicular muscles, various connective tissues, and blood vessels. Lastly, the outer germ layer of the embryo is the ectoderm. This layer is responsible for the formation of the epidermis, the nervous system and the neural crest cells. Neural crest cells are a unique cell formed by the remanence of the neural fold after it closes over and establishes the neural tube. The neural crest cells travel through the body and establish the foundation for the visceral skeleton, pigment and photoreceptive cells, sensory and postganglionic neurons, and the dentine producing cells of teeth. Without these germ layers, the remaining structures of the body would be compromised and we would essentially be blobs of flesh and muscle.