Identifying factors that shape the spatial distribution of genetic variation within and among natural populations is crucial to understanding many population> and landscape>level processes. In this study, I characterize the strength and extent of spatial genetic structure in Oenothera harringtonii (Onagraceae), an insect>pollinated, gravity>dispersed herb endemic to the grasslands of...
Habitat fragmentation can alter the conditions of natural plant populations, introducing novel selective pressures. The ability of a population to respond to environmental change can be inferred by assessing the population’s genetic diversity and the heritability of traits thought to be under selection.
Two experiments were conducted to assess the germination, growth, and survival of Cirsium pitcheri Torr. ex Eaton T & G in the Chicagoland region. The first experiment involved growing seeds from various native populations to determine tolerance for the current Chicagoland climate. The second experiment tested three of the populations...
Pollination is a reproductive necessity in the majority of the world’s flowering plants. Pollen limitation threatens plant reproduction, particularly in self-incompatible species. Although assessing pollen limitation usually requires pollen supplementation experiments, alternative methods support the findings of traditional pollen supplementation experiments.
Pollination is a reproductive necessity in the majority of the world’s flowering plants. Pollen limitation threatens plant reproduction, particularly in self-incompatible species. Although assessing pollen limitation usually requires pollen supplementation experiments, alternative methods support the findings of traditional pollen supplementation experiments.
Past efforts to reintroduce the native legume species Desmodium glutinosum and Lespedeza violacea into restored woodlands have not produced self-sustaining populations. Proposed factors preventing reintroduction include herbivory, persistent environmental effects of invasive shrubs, poor performance of commercial Rhizobium inoculants, and competitive displacement associated with elevated nitrogen availability. To address these...
Attitude control in quadrotor Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) systems is traditionally managed by optimal control loops tuned to minimize errors in performance. While robust, these loops perform sub-optimally in dynamic and unpredictable environments which inspire new interest in sophisticated solution and approaches such as reinforcement learning (RL) approaches which should...
Advances in machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) are enabling computers and robotics to take on an increasing number of work-related tasks that previously were the sole domain of humans. This trend raises questions: Which jobs will be most susceptible to replacement by automation? How many workers risk being replaced?...
Trees in urban areas offer ecosystem services like carbon sequestration, storm water attenuation, reduction of energy used in buildings and wildlife habitat. Cities invest substantial funds and resources to maintain a healthy urban forest, and much research has been done to improve its resiliency and sustainability. Studies have been done...