Work Day 1 Today we will: Discuss scientific writing Practice use testing hypotheses with statistics Work on writing proposals in groups
Quiz Questions Commonly Missed #1) Features of adaptation. Why are each of the following true? The trait is caused by natural selection The trait must be genetically determined The trait can enhance the ability of an individual to cope with its environment The process always takes more than one generation
Quiz Questions Commonly Missed #2) Convergent Evolution. Define the following: Coevolution Convergent Evolution
Quiz Questions Commonly Missed #2) Convergent Evolution. Define the following: Coevolution Convergent Evolution Speciation Maladaptation Macroevolution Both species exert selective pressures on the other causing evolution of trait(s) in each species in response to traits in the other species. Ex: Mutualism Predator-prey dynamics
Quiz Questions Commonly Missed #2) Convergent Evolution. Define the following: Coevolution Convergent Evolution Evolution of same/similar trait NOT due to relatedness, instead due to similar selective pressures (environments) Ex: aloe & agave plants other exs? Aloe Agave
Quiz Questions Commonly Missed #4) Hypothesis vs. Prediction Hypothesis: Potential answer to question/observed phenomenon. Prediction: Expected relationship between variables in hypothesis.
Quiz Questions Commonly Missed #4) Hypothesis vs. Prediction Hypothesis: Potential answer to question/observed phenomenon. Prediction: Expected relationship between variables in hypothesis. Q: Why do leaves of deciduous trees in the temperate zone change color in fall? H or P?: Day length affects the production of chlorophyll (green pigment) via photosynthesis. H or P?: As day length decreases, production of chlorophyll decreases, which results in a loss of green color.
Quiz Questions Commonly Missed #5) Count vs. Continuous Count data = whole numbers ex: # of events, animals, plants, etc. Continuous data = measures that vary along a continuum numbers with decimal points ex: height of tree, mass of animal
Objectives & Activities Today we will: Understand how to write a proposal through discussion & critique Check our understanding of statistics Make progress on writing group research project proposals Today we will: Understand how to write a proposal through discussion & critique Check our understanding of 3 statistical tests in an exercise with pre-collected data. You’ll practice using all 3 tests we’ve talked about thus far. Make progress toward completing the group research project proposal
Parts of a Journal Article
Parts of a journal article Abstract Introduction Materials and Methods Results Discussion Proposal
Introduction Establishing context State your purpose summarizing research State your purpose hypothesis, question, or problem Briefly explain your rationale and possible outcomes
Materials and Methods Explain how you carried out your study Organism studied Description of the site Experimental design How data were analyzed Do not include common supplies (i.e. test tubes, pipettes, nets, etc.)
Results Objectively present your key results WITHOUT interpretation Organized around your Tables and or Figures
Discussion Objective is to provide interpretation of your results and support your conclusions. Explain the significance of your results. You might discuss alternate hypotheses future studies how your results fit in the broader literature
Example Proposal Discussion Discuss in your group what worked/didn’t work (5 min) Groups report out 1st person: 1 thing that worked & why 2nd person: 1 thing to improve & why We’ll do 2 rounds so everyone will have a chance to speak
Constructing an Introduction Broad Specific
Article Analysis Feedback Paraphrase instead of quoting Use active voice more Avoid “I think”, “I believe” See pgs 194-196 for exact citation expectations In science, we support hypotheses; we do not prove hypotheses
Practicing Statistics (up to 30 min) Materials: Pgs. 121-125 Excel sheet of data - Work as a group. - Each person will complete pgs 123-125 to submit by end of class. - For guidance, use pgs. 172-186. Graphs must include: Title Axis labels, #s, units Conclusion must include: Statistical & Biological conclusion using test name & p-value (except for Regression, use R2) Is there evidence for a relationship or difference? Ex: Average tree height does not differ between trees in locations A and B because our calculated p-value of 0.156 from a t-test is greater than the critical value of p=0.05.
Write Proposals Use pages 143-150 Specific requirements on pages 144-145 If you like, try GoogleDocs or Etherpad
Announcements Proposals due at beginning of next class Read Lab 10: Functional Response pgs. 102-110