Isolation of Novel Microbes from Natural EnvironmentsAbout 95-99% of the microbes cannot be isolated with conventional methods. In this study, we used culture-independent methods to isolate and identify microbes in natural environments. We collected soil samples from different locations at the Field Station. The r-DNA of the microbes were sequenced to study bacterial phylogeny and taxonomy. The potential natural compounds produced …
Experimental Evidence that Brighter Males Sire More Extra-pair Young in SwallowsAcross taxa, extra-pair mating is widespread among socially monogamous species, but few studies have identified male ornamental traits associated with extra-pair mating success, and even fewer studies have experimentally manipulated male traits to determine if they are related directly to paternity. As a consequence, there is little evidence to support the widespread hypothesis that females …
Bat Activity Surveillance Monitoring at Neda Mine HibernaculumWhite-Nose Syndrome (WNS) has spread across 26 states and 5 Canadian provinces. The fungus Psuedogymnoascus destructans (Pd) that causes the syndrome has been found in four other states (MN, MS, NE and OK). This deadly disease has and continues to cause massive bat mortality in eastern North America. Since the winter of 2006–2007, bat population …
Differential Contributions of Multiple Bumble Bee Species on Reproductive Success and Mating Patterns in Mimulus ringensOver the last decade there have been startling changes in the relative abundance and diversity of bumble bee populations, including significant decline of many species both in North America and Europe. Several species often coexist within a population and it is not known whether these species provide equivalent pollination services for native flowering plants.
An Urban Cooper’s Hawk Nesting Study in the Metropolitan Milwaukee AreaThe objectives of this study are to gather baseline data on the reproductive success of Cooper’s hawks (Accipiter cooperii) in the urban metropolitan Milwaukee area, to describe urban nesting habitat, and to compare these data with other Cooper’s hawk studies in Wisconsin. Long-term objectives are to determine Cooper’s hawk nest site fidelity, breeding population mortality …
Natural Selection by Insect Pollinators and Seed Predators on Floral Head Traits of Helianthus grosseserratus (Sawtooth Sunflower)Flowering plants must invest energy and resources to produce floral displays that are attractive to pollinators, but these same displays may also attract detrimental insects. How floral traits are shaped by the preferences of both pollinators and herbivores/ seed predators is not fully understood. Using Helianthus grosseserratus (sawtooth sunflower) as my study species, I investigated …
PhenoCam Monitoring of Seasonal Plant Development and Senescence At Downer Woods and the UWM Field StationAn exciting new development in phenological science is the use of fixed cameras to provide continuous near-surface remote sensing observations of seasonal development and senescence within small patches of vegetation.
Social and Ecological Causes of Variation in Mating Signals and Mate PreferencesWe are testing the hypothesis that social and ecological environments influence the expression of mating signals and mate preferences. Using members of the Enchenopa binotata treehopper species complex (Hemiptera: Membracidae), we are testing the interaction between social and host plant environments.
Warming Winters and the Regional Implications for the Subnivean ClimateMany plants and animals use the stable environment underneath the snowpack, called the subnivium, as a refuge from harsh winter weather. The depth, density, and duration of the snowpack determine the climatic conditions of the subnivium, which are typically much milder due to the insulation provided by the snow.
Urban Pollination Study of Green Roofs on the UWM CampusCan green roofs help pollinators thrive alongside urbanization? While our cities continue to grow and green space becomes sparse, it is imperative that we supply pollinators with a resource-rich natural habitat. By analyzing pollinator use, insect diversity, floral abundance, and floral diversity, we sought to discover if green roofs can provide crucial habitat for pollinating …
Comparison of Population Growth Rates with Anhydrobiotic Survival Rates Across Multiple Temporal and Spatial Scales in a Habrotrocha rosa MetapopulationAnhydrobiosis, the phenomenon in which organisms undergo complete desiccation then rehydration, has been thoroughly studied in tardigrades and to a lesser extent in some rotifer species. We examined the bdelloid rotifer Habrotrocha rosa which thrives within the rainwater filled pitchershaped leaves of Sarracenia purpurea. This carnivorous plant ranges widely throughout North America and, in some …
Wood Duck Nest Box and Small Owl Nest/Roosting Box ProjectBeginning in 2012 and through 2015, following traditionally proven protocols for nest box construction, placement, maintenance, and monitoring, the Friends of the Cedarburg Bog (FOCB) installed 14 duck nest boxes in and around the Bog complex. Eleven of the duck nest boxes were installed over land on trees near woodland ponds, lakes, or streams. In …
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