Towards a Comprehensive Survey of C3 and C4 Photosynthetic Pathways in Cyperaceae

Members of the family Cyperaceae were surveyed by original observation and from the literature to assess the distribution of C3 and C4 photosynthetic pathways in the family. All 107 genera were included in the current sample, with 91 genera assessed as consistently C3 and 11 genera as C4. The genera Abildgaardia, Cyperus, Eleocharis, Fimbristylis, and Rhynchospora are variable for this trait. Of the total number (1474) of specific (1406) and infraspecific (68) taxa sampled, 938 taxa (63%) are C3, 527 taxa (36%) are C4, and nine species of Eleocharis are debatably intermediate or variable in pathway. Some data suggesting further infrageneric variation in photosynthetic pathways are discussed. The ‘‘one cell distant criterion’’ accurately predicts C4 pathway in sedges, except in Eleocharis. Distribution and variability of photosynthetic pathways in Eleocharis are discussed. Photosynthetic pathway was found to be a useful taxonomic marker in Cyperaceae, despite variability in this trait at various taxonomic levels and the apparently multiple origin of C4 photosynthesis within the family. A checklist of 3395 records of C3 and C4 sedges is presented

Anthropogenic Transformation at Angel Mounds: Construction, Chronology and Context for Mounds A and F

Investigations at Angel Mounds since 2005 have tackled a series of questions related to anthropogenic transformation, the built landscape and mound construction. During the 2013 NSF-sponsored research, investigations focused on Mound A’s lower platform and the reopening of Mound F. Results from these investigations revealed a series of use-surfaces on Mound A’s lower platform with evidence for burning episodes that were followed by reconstruction. Excavations on Mound F also revealed a burning episode associated with a structure on the “inner mound,” as well as a sub-mound structure and features demonstrating use of the space prior to mound construction

On the Cusp: A Study of Macro- & Microwear in Middle Woodland & Mississippian Skeletal Samples from the Lower Midwest

poster abstractStudies of dental macro- and microwear are emerging as complimentary lines of evidence to archaeological research, enabling scholars to track changes in the mode of subsistence over long and short periods. These tooth wear studies simultaneously allow for analyses within and between age and sex cohorts, providing surrogate measures of a population’s dietary diversity. The current study examines dental wear for two Pre-Columbian samples from the Midcontinental United States. The first (n = 10) is from the Middle Woodland period Mann (12Po2) site, which is located on the Ohio River in southwestern Indiana. Recent radiocarbon dating conducted as part of the current research indicates the site was utilized between AD 127 and 259. Paleoethnobotanical research demonstrates that Middle Woodland people engaged in hunting and gathering, as well as a form of low-level food production that relied on indigenous starchy and oily seeds. The second sample (n = 20) is from the Mississippian period Orendorf (11F107) site in the Central Illinois River Valley. Previous radiometric assays indicate that the site was occupied between AD 1175 and 1250 with the site’s inhabitants taking part in a broad-scale subsistence change to maize agriculture. While research is ongoing and data will be forthcoming for the Mann site, measures of microwear complexity (1.49 asfc) and anisotropy (0.0032 epLsar1.8) from Orendorf reveal a diet that was rough with a low level of orientation between features on the occlusal surfaces of molars. Contrary to previous studies, individuals from Orendorf are atypical among late prehistoric, Midcontinental agriculturalists with a rougher diet more characteristic of preceding foragers or horticulturalists. In a comparison to a worldwide database, dietary roughness for Orendorf is comparable to Early Bronze Age farmers from England; however, the anisotropy value for Orendorf clusters with the Mebrak buckwheat farmers of Nepal and Neolithic samples from Israel

Kiwi forego vison in the guidance of their nocturnal activities

We propose that the Kiwi visual system has undergone adaptive regression evolution driven by the trade-off between the relatively low rate of gain of visual information that is possible at low light levels, and the metabolic costs of extracting that information

Rivers of the Anthropocene Phase 1: A Comparative Study of the Tyne and Ohio River Valleys

poster abstractThe Rivers of the Anthropocene project is an international effort. Our part is an attempt to determine flood frequency and land use by American Indian tribes of the Mississippian Culture along the Ohio River. Methodologically, we will measure the physical and geochemical properties of lacustrine sediments recovered from Hovey Lake, a flood plane lake located on the Ohio River in southwestern Indiana. Sediment cores taken from Hovey Lake are being measured for bulk density and loss-on-ignition tests to determine organic composition by weight. Magnetic susceptibility is also being measured to determine variations in the delivery of terrestrial material (e.g. from flooding/land erosion) to the lake. Land use will be evaluated by measuring variations in the elemental abundance and isotopic composition of nitrogen and organic carbon, which has been used in the past to identify prehistoric land use. Here we present the initial results of our ongoing work, including sedimentological and chronological data. Ultimately, these data will help bring together historical records, geochemical records, and other contributions from scientists around the world in our attempt to better understand mankind’s impact on our environment

Reinstatement and revision of the genus Chaetospora (Cyperaceae: Schoeneae)

Three species are recognised in a new circumscription of the genus Chaetospora R.Br. Chaetospora is lectotypified on C. curvifolia R.Br. A new combination, Chaetospora subbulbosa (Benth.) K.L.Wilson & R.L.Barrett is made for Schoenus subbulbosus Benth. Lectotypes are also selected for Chaetospora aurata Nees, Chaetospora curvifolia R.Br., Chaetospora turbinata R.Br., Elynanthus capitatus Nees, Schoenus subbulbosus Benth., Schoenus subg. Pseudomesomelaena Kük. and Schoenus sect. Sphaerocephali Benth. Two species are endemic to south-western Australia, while the third is endemic to south-eastern Australia. Full descriptions, illustrations and a key to species are provided. All species have anatomy indicative of C3 photosynthetic-type

Netrostylis, a new genus of Australasian Cyperaceae removed from Tetraria

A new genus, Netrostylis R.L.Barrett, J.J.Bruhl & K.L.Wilson is described for Australasian species previously known as Tetraria capillaris (F.Muell.) J.M.Black (Cyperacea tribe Schoeneae). The genus is restricted to southern and eastern Australia, and the North Island of New Zealand. Two new combinations are made: Netrostylis capillaris (F.Muell.) R.L.Barrett, J.J.Bruhl & K.L.Wilson and Netrostylis halmaturina (J.M.Black) R.L.Barrett, J.J.Bruhl & K.L.Wilson. Netrostylis is a member of the Lepidosperma Labill. Clade

Use of automated response systems in the small sized class

An interactive demonstration of various teaching methods using Remote Response Systems (Automated Response Systems, Personal Response Systems, Clickers ) as they were applied to the small sized class (\u3c 20 students). Most of the research with clickers has been in large classes. The methods used (peer instruction, group discussion, and simple polling with contingency teaching) will be demonstrated and results of the initial study with a class of 14 students will be presented. Internet access for all participants (local computers, laptops, or phones) will be necessary for this activity

Phylogeny of Abildgaardieae (Cyperaceae) Inferred from ITS and trnL–F Data

Within the tribe Abildgaardieae, the relationships between Fimbristylis and its relatives have not been certain, and the limits of Fimbristylis have been unclear, with Bulbostylis and Abildgaardia variously combined with it and each other. The relationships and limits of tribes Abildgaardieae and Arthrostylideae and their genera were evaluated across 49 representative species using parsimony and maximum likelihood analyses of ITS (nuclear ribosomal) and trnL–F (plastid) DNA sequence data separately and combined. The evolutionary reconstructions derived from sequences of cpDNA and nrDNA disagree about the position of tribe Arthrostylideae relative to Abildgaardieae; Arthrostylis and Actinoschoenus are either nested within Abildgaardieae (trnL–F data) or very closely related to this tribe (ITS data). The reconstructions also disagree about the monophyly of genus Abildgaardia (excluding A. vaginata). Crosslandia and A. vaginata form a clade that is nested within Fimbristylis. Bulbostylis is monophyletic and clearly separated from Fimbristylis. Further sampling of taxa and characters is needed to resolve and/or strengthen support for some of these ‘‘deep’’ and fine-scale relationships

Tree Growth and Cattle Weight Gain in a Ponderosa Pine System

Integrated timber and livestock systems (silvopastoral) are common in several regions of the United States. Grazing of three timber stands in eastern Nebraska showed no signs of tree damage due to rubbing or soil compaction. Steer gains were lower under the silvopastoral system compared to a typical pasture system (1.05 lb/day versus 1.70 lb/day). Growth of timber in silvopastoral stands was reduced (35.0 cubic feet per year versus 37.8 cubic feet per year); however, total productivity of the silvopastoral system (timber plus livestock) was greater ($20.98/acre) than with traditional timber systems