Seeds from plants like dandelions, swan plants and cottonwood trees are light and have feathery bristles and can be carried long distances by the wind. This means that the seeds had been in a Ziplocbaggy for five weeks, which could have affected i.e. With this conserved energy the tree is able to produce seeds with other traits desirable for that location. Each student will be given one seed and asked todrop it from the top of the ladder, while the rest of the students observe initial fall distance. Boomerang, weighing the least of the three structures as well as having the smallest surface area, proved to be the least successful in flight, traveling a distance of only 10.5 cm. Our experiment will require approximately a week and a half to carry out and may be repeated to increase research accuracy. In this experiment, Quillpen had the furthest dispersal distance and therefore is the most advantageous design. Our team tried to control for as many third variables as possible. The seed will be suspended from a fixed point 2.4 meters above theground. We decided to do this to increase data for the Boomerang design and to represent both inferior designs. They will classify the wing shape based on the drawings that they have been furnished with. Measure the displacement of the dropped seed from the location directly below where the seed was dropped to where it landed. Also, we are given the most ideal samara seed design from the Regression Summary statistics. 10. In the article by Sipe and Linnerooth (1995), they say, "a significant role in population persistence, and that natural selection can work within a species to shape fruit morphologies that enhance dispersal potential." By studying this design, we are hoping to find which variables allow the seeds to travel farthest, making them more optimal for populating an area. Here is a data table of our results: Distance from ladder (cm) Initial fall distance Total time (s)Tree #2 Trial 1 Trial 2 Trial 1 Trial 2 Trial 1 Trial 2Seed 1 48 47 16 15 0.97 1.5Seed 2 105 44.5 11 13 2.6 1.5Seed 3 40.6 73 14 10 2.1 1.88, Tree #2 Weight Angle Length ShapeSeed 1 0.04 72/108 2.0 BoomerangSeed 2 0.04 60/115 2.2 BoomerangSeed 3 0.04 55/110 2.5 Boomerang. However, looking at the interaction plot, a general conclusion can be drawn that lesser weight on various parts of the helicopter results in a longer flight time. After entering our data, we ran the tests for equal variance (see Figure 1 in Appendix) and normality. 5. The two tests decrease data discrepancies (human error) by supporting one another. 320) verified by the p-value (.0079). This is something that could be investigated with the use of chemicals and other tests to find out the chemical make-up of the seeds. Step zero of the summary indicated that the length of the seed is the most determining feature of the four. MAPLE SEED DISPERSAL - THE FINAL This topic submitted by Katie, Wendi, Emily, and Leah (kmgglg@aol.com) at 6:07 pm on 12/8/00. *Due to the adverse weather conditions we were unable to perform the field studies using the tarps. For example, the samaras collected from the Ernst tree had both Long Straight as well as Boomerang designs. Previously, we felt that the heavy weight of the Quillpen would hinder long distance flight. 11. Seed Dispersal by Water. Another group focused on the tree architecture of sugar maples and how the branches are found to be at different angles in relation to their location on the tree. Dispersal by Animals: Edible fruits, specially those that are brightly coloured, are devoured by … The maple is a common tree found across the northern hemisphere known for their vibrant autumn colors. From this lab, we, as a group, feel that we have gained a great deal of knowledge regarding maple seeds and their dispersal. Previously, we felt that the heavy weight of the Quillpen would hinder long distance flight. 11. From reading the integrated experiments of Sipe and Linnerooth (1995), Greene and Johnson (1991) and (1992), Guries and Nordheim (1984), and Peroni (1994), we found supportive evidence for our experiment with the Acer saccharum.The topic is a pertinent one as the evolution of seed variation is still debated among scientists as Greene and Johnson (1992). While we see self-dispersal of seeds in some plants, others require external agents for the same. Seed dispersal is the movement, spread or transport of seeds away from the parent plant. This helped to keep data consistent. Whereas the Quillpen would be placed in the higher regions of the tree with the idea that the greater surface area would carry it further distances from the tree, overcoming the spread of the lower branches. For example, the samaras collected from the Ernst tree had both Long Straight as well as Boomerang designs. the weight or other characteristics of the seed. Reference Appendix A. Having a greater surface area than both the Boomerang and Long Straight, the Quillpen was able to receive more wind energy, therefore propelling it to greater distances. This is wind dispersal. Our theories lead us to more discussion regarding how our project relates to our peersí research as well as raises questions for further investigation.All of the projects in our class related to landscape ecology. The last feature left, the outside angle, would be the most determining had all the other features been removed.The basic gist of these results is that length is the key feature that maximizes dispersal distance. Dispersion of seeds is very crucial for propagation of plant species. Particularly for trees, seeds need to disperse away from the parent tree's canopy, where they have a chance of receiving enough light for growth after germination. In this experiment, Quillpen had the furthest dispersal distance and therefore is the most advantageous design. Pssst… Maples are also known for their interesting seed dispersal methods. Upon receiving our output, we first looked to see if there was a three-way interaction effect. Examples: maple, ash, tulip poplar Based upon the studies of our predecessors and our expected results, we predicted that there is no one samara structure that is advantageous over the others. Or do they make numerous seeds and only allot a smallamount of carbon per seed? If one were to change our experiment, they could include construction paper as well, as a heavier paper option. As a group of botanists, we are interested in studying the design of maple seeds and the way in which they fly. The first sheet is for the simulated dispersal, the second for the observations, and the third for the averages. Plants have limited mobility and rely upon a variety of dispersal vectors to transport their propagules, including both abiotic vectors such as the wind and living vectors like birds.Seeds can be dispersed away from the parent plant individually or collectively, as well as dispersed in both space and time. Or do they make numerous seeds and only allot a smallamount of carbon per seed? We only included the three-way interaction plot (see Figure 3 in Appendix) since that held preference over the other interaction effects and main effects. As confirmed in the plot by the nonparallel lines, there is a three-way interaction occurring in our data. We believe that they might be and therefore we have formulated these two theories:A.) In this method of seed dispersal, seeds float away from their parent plant. Snipe, Timothy W. and Amy R. Linnerooth. The objective of this experiment is to show that each seed design has characteristics to help it obtain optimal dispersal. The number of paperclips were chosen to represent differing body weights. Quillpen was found to have the greatest length (4.94 cm) of the three designs. All of the samara features are interdependent with one another. However, it traveled the shortest distance of all three. These Boomerang tests may also represent results that could have been achieved if we performed additional tests to the Long Straight design. Seed designs vary dependant upon their placement within the tree. The Boomerang would ensure dispersal directly below the treeís canopy while the Quillpen would spread the seeds at greater distances from the parent tree, maximizing all possibilities for reproduction.