This blog is devoted to BIOL 6988, a graduate level seminar in the biological sciences at Youngstown State University. While targeted towards graduate students, BIOL 6988 actively incorporates undergraduate participants in their scholastic endeavors in the biological sciences. This blog is intended as a educational tool not just for YSU students and faculty, but for anyone who wishes to contribute to an active-learning environment.
Today's seminar will be presented by a graduate student from the Geology and Environmental Science program. Ms. Leah Kaldy will chat about her work with Dr. Diggins and others. I look forward to reading your comments.
First of all, great job! I thought the presentation was put together very well. The combination of diagrams and photos helped to bridge the gap between specific ecological/geological terms and the actual environments/conditions being discussed. I can't imagine the amount of physical work that it took to catalog all of those trees! I would be interested to know more about the age spectrum of the trees surveyed. For instance, what percentage of trees in the different environments were 100 years old? 150? 200+? Also, what was the species composition of different age ranges?
I also thought that the presentation was well done and I agree with Marshall's comment about the terminology. While I was a little unfamiliar with the content at the beginning of the lecture, I was following along comfortably by the end. Dr. Diggins' enthusiasm and the vast amount of research that was presented confirmed Leah was definitely humble about the amount of work that she did, and such dedication is indeed commendable! As far as age ranges, it was mentioned that not many of the trees were over a certain age marker throughout the whole exploration. I would be interested in learning what the environment was like prior to that age marker, as it was stated that the area is relatively untouched by humans. What caused the change that allowed for the growth at that time, or is it simply the length of the native trees species' life cycle?
Leah did a fantastic job presenting her research. Building off of what Marshall said I would like to know more about the different species of the trees. I found it interesting that these trees were able to grow during the mentioned flooding events and I'm curious as to what biological mechanisms allowed them to thrive in an environment that destroyed the surrounding vegetation.
That's a good question Zac. You find that the area which has been visited by flood or regularly affected,the trees do not grow well due to factors such as decreased ph,organic matter also.
I also agree with the point that the amount of work done and area covered out there is incredible. Not being too familiar with ecology, I was a little worried that this seminar would be hard for me to understand, but Leah did a wonderful job of thoroughly explaining many of the terms and background information. Jillian also brings up a good point about the lack of trees over ~200 years old. It would definitely be interesting to investigate whether there was some kind of event that caused this or if it just occurred naturally over time.
To echo everyone, there had to be a lot of work put into the research to come up with these findings. I did like how explaining stuff early helped with understanding the rest of the presentation. Going off what Kory said, naturally, although there weren't any forest fires, but its healthy for nature to destroy or remove older trees that can cover an entire area so that more trees can grow and compete for sunlight and space. Again, great job on your presentation!
First and foremost, great job Leah! Now, based on what Kory and Jillian have said, I think its pretty interesting to see the effects of removing the older trees (via fires or natural disaster) on forests and the growth of new, healthy foliage afterward.
I loved the presentation! I was worried, like others, that I wouldnt really understand much because I know nothing in the area she spoke of. But as she went along, she made it easy to understand and follow along with what she was saying! I always love learning new things. I agree with what Kory and Joe said about the trees being removed (mainly due to natural causes), but seeing the new growth underneath!
I agree with everyone else that this was a great presentation. Going off what Roseline said, after flooding events you have to look at the soil aeration, the pH levels, the organic matter, sedimentation and scouring. Several factors also influence the effect that floods have on trees which include their height, crown class, age and roots.
First of all, great job! I thought the presentation was put together very well. The combination of diagrams and photos helped to bridge the gap between specific ecological/geological terms and the actual environments/conditions being discussed. I can't imagine the amount of physical work that it took to catalog all of those trees! I would be interested to know more about the age spectrum of the trees surveyed. For instance, what percentage of trees in the different environments were 100 years old? 150? 200+? Also, what was the species composition of different age ranges?
ReplyDeleteI also thought that the presentation was well done and I agree with Marshall's comment about the terminology. While I was a little unfamiliar with the content at the beginning of the lecture, I was following along comfortably by the end. Dr. Diggins' enthusiasm and the vast amount of research that was presented confirmed Leah was definitely humble about the amount of work that she did, and such dedication is indeed commendable! As far as age ranges, it was mentioned that not many of the trees were over a certain age marker throughout the whole exploration. I would be interested in learning what the environment was like prior to that age marker, as it was stated that the area is relatively untouched by humans. What caused the change that allowed for the growth at that time, or is it simply the length of the native trees species' life cycle?
ReplyDeleteLeah did a fantastic job presenting her research. Building off of what Marshall said I would like to know more about the different species of the trees. I found it interesting that these trees were able to grow during the mentioned flooding events and I'm curious as to what biological mechanisms allowed them to thrive in an environment that destroyed the surrounding vegetation.
ReplyDeleteThat's a good question Zac. You find that the area which has been visited by flood or regularly affected,the trees do not grow well due to factors such as decreased ph,organic matter also.
ReplyDeleteI also agree with the point that the amount of work done and area covered out there is incredible. Not being too familiar with ecology, I was a little worried that this seminar would be hard for me to understand, but Leah did a wonderful job of thoroughly explaining many of the terms and background information. Jillian also brings up a good point about the lack of trees over ~200 years old. It would definitely be interesting to investigate whether there was some kind of event that caused this or if it just occurred naturally over time.
ReplyDeleteTo echo everyone, there had to be a lot of work put into the research to come up with these findings. I did like how explaining stuff early helped with understanding the rest of the presentation. Going off what Kory said, naturally, although there weren't any forest fires, but its healthy for nature to destroy or remove older trees that can cover an entire area so that more trees can grow and compete for sunlight and space. Again, great job on your presentation!
ReplyDeleteFirst and foremost, great job Leah! Now, based on what Kory and Jillian have said, I think its pretty interesting to see the effects of removing the older trees (via fires or natural disaster) on forests and the growth of new, healthy foliage afterward.
ReplyDeleteI loved the presentation! I was worried, like others, that I wouldnt really understand much because I know nothing in the area she spoke of. But as she went along, she made it easy to understand and follow along with what she was saying! I always love learning new things. I agree with what Kory and Joe said about the trees being removed (mainly due to natural causes), but seeing the new growth underneath!
ReplyDeleteI agree with everyone else that this was a great presentation. Going off what Roseline said, after flooding events you have to look at the soil aeration, the pH levels, the organic matter, sedimentation and scouring. Several factors also influence the effect that floods have on trees which include their height, crown class, age and roots.
ReplyDelete