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University of Michigan Biological Station

The University of Michigan Biological Station (UMBS) was founded in 1909.

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An investigation on the plasticity of Sarracenia purpurea's prey capture traits

Plant Population
Terrestrial
Vegetation
Project Abstract: 
It is known that bogs are nutrient deficient which have pushed plants living to evolve techniques for obtaining these nutrients, such as prey capture. Pitcher plants, such as Sarracenia purpurea found in bogs in northern US and parts of southern Canada, have adapted a different leave morphology allowing for prey capture to help obtain nutrients such as nitrogen. Wet nitrogen deposition predicted by the A1FI scenario for northern US was simulated in Mud Lake bog, Pellston, Michigan.
Investigator(s): 
David Karowe
Status of Research Project: 
Complete (archive)
Years Active: 
2019
Methods: 
Pairs were chosen & labeled. Treatments (diH2o+HCl=control. and diH2o+ammonium chloride=treatment) were made & applied weekly. Collected data weekly on pH. Took pictures of pitchers (50) and analyzed for % red on hood using photoshop (3x over research time). measured hood, keel, length week 1, and again with opening measurment included on last week. took sugar samples, and leaf discs. Sugar sample concentration for all pitchers were analyzed. Hairs were counted on leaf discs. leaf discs were then analyzed for N15.
Funding agency: 
NSF