Re: [ECOLOG-L] Communication Science to Public Plant Roots
There are many experiments with pots divided into wet/dry and nutrient enriched/depleted zones, and most of them show greater root growth and density in wetter, high nutrient zones. The idea of consciousness is an animal-centric one; plants must be just as conscious in their own way, as ultimately a part of consciousness is recognition and adaptation to the environment, allowing species survival and reproduction. Genetically programmed to seek water -- don't all organisms seek water ? Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry® -Original Message- From: "Pekin, Burak K" Sender: "Ecological Society of America: grants, jobs, news" Date: Sat, 21 May 2011 11:30:09 To: Reply-To: "Pekin, Burak K" Subject: Re: [ECOLOG-L] Communication Science to Public Plant Roots This seems to me more like a philosphical issue, rather than a scientific one. there are obviously several mechanisms that allow plants to actively "seek" water. However, unlike the mechanisms that allow an animal to seek water, such as detecting moisture in the wind using smell, they do not require a conscious desicion, i.e., the animal may decide to follow or not follow the scent, the plant does not have a choice. So the question is whether "seeking" requires a conscious desicion to be made by the individual. It could also be argued to what extent the desicions made by animals, such as humans, are conscious versus subconious and whether a subconcious desicion satisfies the definition of "seeking". -Burak Subject: Re: [ECOLOG-L] Communication Science to Public Plant Roots Well, I can't say what the narrator was basing his/her statement upon, but it can be justified. Roots are, for the most part, programmed to grow downward (positive geotropism), and in many if not most soil environments, water is more abundant at lower levels. Thus, growing downward means growing toward water. (One situation where this doesn't hold true is right after a rain, when the upper level of soil may be wetter then a lower level.) Additionally, roots (like all protoplasm-based structures) need water to grow. Thus, roots that are tentatively entering a wet zone (assuming it's not too wet) will grow faster than roots entering a dry zone, thus setting up a positive feed-back loop regulating root growth, which obviously has a genetic component. Finally, you may consider differential mortality of root cells in wet verus dry soil regions as also being a genetic program that causes the root SYSTEM to grow toward water. I think this is enough to justify the statement. Of course, the statement is a bit misleading in that it may call up the image of a little root tip sniffing first in one direction, and then in another, and finally saying, "Ah, the water's over there; I'd better grow in that direction." But this sort of imagery often colors our understanding of mechanistic processes in biology, even for scientists (for me, at least). Martin M. Meiss 2011/5/19 Wayne Tyson > Ecolog: > > I just surfed across a "science" program on the "History" channel. The > narrator said "Plant roots are genetically programmed to seek water . . ." > > Will someone please inform me of the basis for this statement? > > WT
[ECOLOG-L] Research Assistant, Soil Biogeochemistry and Ecosystem Services at Biosphere 2, University of Arizona
We are seeking a Research Assistant to work as an Ecological Research Technician on projects relating to urban ecology, green infrastructure, climate change, and semi-arid landscape change (see: www.u.arizona.edu/~mzucker). Duties include: field sampling of soils and plants, processing samples for carbon and nutrient contents, conducting microcosm experiments to asses microbial function, working with low-level remote sensing, working with eco-physiological equipment, supervision of undergraduate researchers, data management and data qa/qc; statistical analyses of data; and participation in the interpretation and presentation of project results. Because Biosphere 2 is a public science center facility, additional duties will relate to public interaction and interpretation, including maintaining project websites, facilitating citizen science research, and interacting with the public at Biosphere 2. A Bachelor's degree in ecology, environmental sciences, soil science, biology, or related discipline is required, as is previous research experience related to soils, ecosystem ecology, biogeochemistry, ecohydrology, etc. Previous experience with routine chemical analysis of soils, soil enzyme analysis, processing of hyperspectral and infrared imaging, dataloggers field-gas analyzers preferred. Experience with GIS, statistical analysis, database management is desired. Excellent time management, organizational, and communication skills required. Note: Position will occasionally require performing physical labor during field work including under adverse (hot and dry) weather conditions. Occasional work after hours and on weekends may be required as projects determine. The position includes a university benefits package and a competitive salary commensurate with experience. This is a full time, one year position available immediately and will be renewable based on performance - desired start date is between June 15 and 21. For consideration, send a cover letter describing your research experience and interest, resume, and contact information for three professional references to Dr. Mitchell Pavao-Zuckerman, mzuc...@email.arizona.edu, Biosciences West, Rm 310, Tucson, Arizona, 85721. Applicants will have to apply through the University of Arizona's HR website: https://www.uacareertrack.com/applicants/jsp/shared/frameset/Frameset.jsp?time=1305992728112 Job Title: Research/Laboratory Aide (Extended Temporary), Department: 1306-Biosphere 2, Job Number: 47632.
Re: [ECOLOG-L] Communication Science to Public Plant Roots
This seems to me more like a philosphical issue, rather than a scientific one. there are obviously several mechanisms that allow plants to actively "seek" water. However, unlike the mechanisms that allow an animal to seek water, such as detecting moisture in the wind using smell, they do not require a conscious desicion, i.e., the animal may decide to follow or not follow the scent, the plant does not have a choice. So the question is whether "seeking" requires a conscious desicion to be made by the individual. It could also be argued to what extent the desicions made by animals, such as humans, are conscious versus subconious and whether a subconcious desicion satisfies the definition of "seeking". -Burak Subject: Re: [ECOLOG-L] Communication Science to Public Plant Roots Well, I can't say what the narrator was basing his/her statement upon, but it can be justified. Roots are, for the most part, programmed to grow downward (positive geotropism), and in many if not most soil environments, water is more abundant at lower levels. Thus, growing downward means growing toward water. (One situation where this doesn't hold true is right after a rain, when the upper level of soil may be wetter then a lower level.) Additionally, roots (like all protoplasm-based structures) need water to grow. Thus, roots that are tentatively entering a wet zone (assuming it's not too wet) will grow faster than roots entering a dry zone, thus setting up a positive feed-back loop regulating root growth, which obviously has a genetic component. Finally, you may consider differential mortality of root cells in wet verus dry soil regions as also being a genetic program that causes the root SYSTEM to grow toward water. I think this is enough to justify the statement. Of course, the statement is a bit misleading in that it may call up the image of a little root tip sniffing first in one direction, and then in another, and finally saying, "Ah, the water's over there; I'd better grow in that direction." But this sort of imagery often colors our understanding of mechanistic processes in biology, even for scientists (for me, at least). Martin M. Meiss 2011/5/19 Wayne Tyson > Ecolog: > > I just surfed across a "science" program on the "History" channel. The > narrator said "Plant roots are genetically programmed to seek water . . ." > > Will someone please inform me of the basis for this statement? > > WT
[ECOLOG-L] Job: field biologist
FIELD BIOLOGIST Hudsonia Ltd., a nonprofit scientific research institute, is seeking a field biologist to fill a full-time position for carrying out habitat mapping projects, and conducting other biological field work in southeastern New York. Candidate must be familiar with northeastern U.S. botany, and have excellent writing skills. Other field biology knowledge (e.g., birds, herps, mammals, invertebrates), and experience with GIS and with stereoscopic aerial photointerpretation are strongly preferred. Responsibilities include map analysis and air photo interpretation for predicting habitats, GIS mapping, field habitat assessments and biological surveys, data management and analysis, writing reports and scientific papers, giving public presentations and educational workshops, and working with municipal agencies. Candidate must have good interpersonal skills, and be able to communicate well with landowners, public officials, and the general public. Candidate must be able to work independently on their own projects, and to work closely with other staff in a small organization. Candidate must have personal vehicle for travel to field sites, and be able to conduct field work alone on foot year-round. Hudsonia is a non-advocacy, public interest organization, and an Equal Opportunity Employer. Send letter, resume, three scientific or technical writing samples, and names and contact information for at least three professional or academic references to: Gretchen Stevens, Hudsonia Ltd., PO Box 5000, Annandale, NY 12504, or e-mail to stev...@bard.edu. Closing date: 31 May 2011 or when position is filled. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
