May 10, 2013

Amanda Stemig ‘ 13Hamline UniversityBiology Senior Seminar Abstract:

Female Guppy (Peocilia reticulata) Mate Choice in Turbid Water

Females choose mates in many taxa and guppies (Poecilia reticulata) are one of these taxa. Male guppies are chosen by certain attributes that portray healthy mates or good genes. The attributes that female guppies typically choose are elaborate courtship displays, tail fin size and color or pigments. Carotenoid pigments which are yellow, red and orange, are preferred by many taxa due to their ability to show an individual’s health. Their health is shown by being able to use the carotenoid pigments for display rather than for other uses in their body. Previous studies have shown that female guppies prefer orange pigmentation which correlates with several other studies that have shown preference for carotenoid pigmentation. Female guppies rely on visual signals for sexual selection so water clarity is very important for their ability to choose the best mate possible. Water turbidity usually caused by pollution, causes visual signals to decrease the effectiveness of these visual signals needed for mate choice selection. Less is known about how turbid water affects guppy mate choice. Our study looked at the effect of water turbidity on female guppy mate choice between a male with more orange and a male with less orange pigmentation. We tested female guppy mate choice in clear and turbid water treatments to determine mate choice. Unfortunately, there was not a clear mate choice in clear water so we could not determine if there was a decreased mate choice in turbid water.

Krystal Tait '13Hamline University

Biology Senior Seminar

Abstract:

The impacts of Gluten and Casein Free diets on children diagnosed with Autism

Gluten and Casein are forms of natural occurring proteins in foods such as anything processed, wheat, barley and milk. The uprising of sensitivities and allergies to such proteins has been considered to be a possible intervention for Autistic patients due to their known conditions of inflammation in the digestive system. Research continues their explorations on gluten and casein free diet and their correlation to Autistic patients as a management program to help alleviate physiological symptoms. Many studies have shown that gluten and casein free diets offer a positive prescription for many autistic patients in all autistic sub populations. The experiment’s methods rely on gluten and casein free diet feedback given through an online survey taken by Autistic children’s parents. The survey consists of 90 questions with focus on GI symptoms and social conditions among two groups of children that are implemented on a gluten and casein free diet and those who are not. Results and findings from the survey show a significant correlation to the improvements of symptoms among the children who were most consistently on the gluten and casein free diet. Although the limitations of conducting an experiment solely on survey based feedback gives much weight to the limitations and inadequacies of this study we still can conclude that diet could play a huge role among prognosis of treatment in Autistic patients.