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| -rw-r--r-- | data/bulletnotes.tex | 4 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | document/biblio.tex | 8 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | document/conclusion.tex | 10 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | document/research.tex | 6 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | poster/abstract.tex | 4 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | poster/background.tex | 6 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | poster/conclusion.tex | 10 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | poster/document.tex | 2 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | poster/notes.tex | 2 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | poster/results.tex | 2 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | poster/voronoi.tex | 6 |
11 files changed, 30 insertions, 30 deletions
diff --git a/data/bulletnotes.tex b/data/bulletnotes.tex index 6985a34..76befb7 100644 --- a/data/bulletnotes.tex +++ b/data/bulletnotes.tex @@ -6,7 +6,7 @@ \item Removing the antlions from the enclosure after each trial became tedious, as it was difficult to find antlions that were under the sand or evaded capture \item The setup and introductory periods both went well with each trial, as we came into not major issues when setting the trials or when introducing the antlions \item Depth and width of the pits were smaller in trials with smaller enclosures, which could be due to increased interaction between antlions within smaller enclosures -\item Measurement of the antlions’ pits became difficult, especially as the pits decreased in size (namely in the $<$1cm range), because parallax and ‘bumping’ of the pits could introduce error -\item Antlions had roughly the same density across all sizes because they would become ‘dormant’ if sufficient area was not readily available. +\item Measurement of the antlions' pits became difficult, especially as the pits decreased in size (namely in the $<$1cm range), because parallax and `bumping' of the pits could introduce error +\item Antlions had roughly the same density across all sizes because they would become `dormant' if sufficient area was not readily available. \item Cannibalism and death occurred at a relatively constant rate across all trials, meaning it was more a function of time than a result of overcrowding. diff --git a/document/biblio.tex b/document/biblio.tex index 08d5c9d..5f672fb 100644 --- a/document/biblio.tex +++ b/document/biblio.tex @@ -9,11 +9,11 @@ Muvengwi, J., Davies, A. B., Parrini, F., \& Witkowski, E. T. F. (2018). Geology Bowen*, T., Cabello*, G., Gidden*, T., Schlueter, M., \& Cain, P. (2019). BIOTIC AND ABIOTIC FACTORS INFLUENCING ANTLION PIT PLACEMENT **. Georgia Journal of Science, 77(1). Retrieved from \link{https://digitalcommons.gaacademy.org/gjs/vol77/iss1/72} -Barkae, E. D., Golan, O., \& Ovadia, O. (2014). Dangerous neighbors: Interactive effects of factors influencing cannibalism in pit-building antlion larvae. Behavioral Ecology, 25(6), 1311–1319. \link{https://doi.org/10.1093/beheco/aru123} +Barkae, E. D., Golan, O., \& Ovadia, O. (2014). Dangerous neighbors: Interactive effects of factors influencing cannibalism in pit-building antlion larvae. Behavioral Ecology, 25(6), 1311--1319. \link{https://doi.org/10.1093/beheco/aru123} -Scharf, I., Hollender, Y., Subach, A., \& Ovadia, O. (2008). Effect of spatial pattern and microhabitat on pit construction and relocation in Myrmeleon hyalinus (Neuroptera: Myrmeleontidae) larvae. Ecological Entomology, 33(3), 337–345. \link{https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2311.2007.00967.x} +Scharf, I., Hollender, Y., Subach, A., \& Ovadia, O. (2008). Effect of spatial pattern and microhabitat on pit construction and relocation in Myrmeleon hyalinus (Neuroptera: Myrmeleontidae) larvae. Ecological Entomology, 33(3), 337--345. \link{https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2311.2007.00967.x} -Crowley, P. H., \& Linton, M. C. (1999). Antlion Foraging: Tracking Prey Across Space and Time. Ecology, 80(7), 2271–2282. \link{https://doi.org/10.1890/0012-9658(1999)080[2271:AFTPAS]2.0.CO;2} +Crowley, P. H., \& Linton, M. C. (1999). Antlion Foraging: Tracking Prey Across Space and Time. Ecology, 80(7), 2271--2282. \link{https://doi.org/10.1890/0012-9658(1999)080[2271:AFTPAS]2.0.CO;2} -A. S Erasmus, B. F. N. *. (2000). A modelling approach to antlion (Neuroptera: Myrmeleontidae) distribution patterns. African Entomology, 8(2), 157–168. +A. S Erasmus, B. F. N. *. (2000). A modelling approach to antlion (Neuroptera: Myrmeleontidae) distribution patterns. African Entomology, 8(2), 157--168. } diff --git a/document/conclusion.tex b/document/conclusion.tex index c968532..87324af 100644 --- a/document/conclusion.tex +++ b/document/conclusion.tex @@ -1,9 +1,9 @@ Pit depth and width correlate strongly with trial area, as demonstrated by graph one, which relates the two. The pit positioning of antlions (as a group and as individuals) likely varies solely to maximize ant capture. -Therefore, this phenomenon is observed because antlions’ pits don’t need to be as big when the main constraint on ants falling into the pit is simply having a pit available for them to fall into. -This is also observable by the trials’ decreasing number of visible pits (versus total antlions introduced) with respect to size: they start to hide underground because rather than simply having smaller pits than stronger antlions, they have to rest underground, possibly to preserve group wellbeing. -Graph 2 indicates a similar trend---antlions’ territory as described by the nearest neighbor calculation is much lower in smaller containers. -This is the natural consequence of less area being available but demonstrates that the effects of hiding don’t completely level the density of antlion pits based on population per area. -Additionally, deaths remain minimal even in highly crowded conditions like the 8x7, which means that deaths are probably accidental at worst and antlions work to preserve the group’s chances of surviving. +Therefore, this phenomenon is observed because antlions' pits don't need to be as big when the main constraint on ants falling into the pit is simply having a pit available for them to fall into. +This is also observable by the trials' decreasing number of visible pits (versus total antlions introduced) with respect to size: they start to hide underground because rather than simply having smaller pits than stronger antlions, they have to rest underground, possibly to preserve group wellbeing. +Graph 2 indicates a similar trend---antlions' territory as described by the nearest neighbor calculation is much lower in smaller containers. +This is the natural consequence of less area being available but demonstrates that the effects of hiding don't completely level the density of antlion pits based on population per area. +Additionally, deaths remain minimal even in highly crowded conditions like the 8x7, which means that deaths are probably accidental at worst and antlions work to preserve the group's chances of surviving. The earlier hypothesis was proven to be correct, as the correlation between a smaller trial size and more extreme behaviors (such as cannibalism and reclusiveness) is supported by the data, as an increase in cannibalism was seen in lower treatment groups, hinting towards more aggressive behavior at lower trial groups, thereby proving the hypothesis. diff --git a/document/research.tex b/document/research.tex index 4958f32..3ee4b38 100644 --- a/document/research.tex +++ b/document/research.tex @@ -1,4 +1,4 @@ -To design the experiment and understand the organisms’ underlying behaviors which might affect it, extensive background research was required---specifically on their spatial distribution patterns. +To design the experiment and understand the organisms' underlying behaviors which might affect it, extensive background research was required---specifically on their spatial distribution patterns. First, a previous study analyzing the spatial patterning and structure of termite mounds in an African savanna was examined to better understand the procedure of the experiment. This study examined how different termite colonies in the African savanna positioned themselves in relation to one another, and uncovered that termite mounds each neighbor sic other termite mounds at a relatively constant distance, creating uniform hexagons of termite mounds through the savannah. Furthermore, this study uncovered that termite mounds must maintain a constant distance from each other to prevent conflict between termite colonies, which would limit the overall success of the species. @@ -13,8 +13,8 @@ This helped determine the dependent variable---size/density constraints---to exa Finally, these studies determined that antlions have a tendency to cannibalize each other in times of food shortage and significant competition. This provided another dependent variable to track over time and examine as size decreased, as cannibalized antlions were unsuccessfully metabolized and evident in pits. -Lastly, a series of studies about antlion dispersal pattern called the “Doughnut theory” were examined to better understand the current scientific knowledge surrounding antlion dispersal patterns. -These papers determined that antlions naturally position themselves in a “doughnut”, in which a ring of antlions circle a center point or food source to limit competition for ants, as each antlion has equal access to the food source. +Lastly, a series of studies about antlion dispersal pattern called the ``Doughnut theory'' were examined to better understand the current scientific knowledge surrounding antlion dispersal patterns. +These papers determined that antlions naturally position themselves in a ``doughnut'', in which a ring of antlions circle a center point or food source to limit competition for ants, as each antlion has equal access to the food source. This study also concluded that when antlions are introduced one by one the same results occur, which confirmed that the procedure could introduce one antlion at a time without interfering with results and spatial patterns, helping further perfect and standardize the procedure, as well as provide a better understanding of antlions behavior patterns. These studies provided a better understanding of antlion settlement patterns and gave a guideline for what to expect as trials continued. Finally these studies provided scientific procedures that could be tested and confirmed throughout the experiment, allowing for a source to cross-check results and procedures with in order to perfect the procedure of the experiment. diff --git a/poster/abstract.tex b/poster/abstract.tex index 9477516..7ad6e27 100644 --- a/poster/abstract.tex +++ b/poster/abstract.tex @@ -3,6 +3,6 @@ Throughout the experiment pit depth, width, location, and cannibalism were measu This was done by placing antlions in an enclosure and recording their settlement patterns and behaviors, then by reducing the habitat size of the antlions over time to examine changes in position and interaction. Lastly, a python program was made to analytically compare the data and create graphical representations of the data, such as voronoi diagrams. It was hypothesised that cannibalism would increase and that pit depth and width would change proportionally to the environment. -The hypothesis that they exhibit more extreme behaviors under space constraints was confirmed because, proportional to the number introduced, especially in the 8x7 trial, as cannibalism and non-formation of pits increased significantly—likely as a compensatory mechanism to ensure that a stable ``surface group'' could still safely exist. -Additionally, territory (measurable by the Voronoi diagrams and by nearest neighbor) decreased towards the later trials, and the patterns did not merely display the same structure scaled down—rather, antlions accepted more dense conditions by increasing pit density. +The hypothesis that they exhibit more extreme behaviors under space constraints was confirmed because, proportional to the number introduced, especially in the 8x7 trial, as cannibalism and non-formation of pits increased significantly---likely as a compensatory mechanism to ensure that a stable ``surface group'' could still safely exist. +Additionally, territory (measurable by the Voronoi diagrams and by nearest neighbor) decreased towards the later trials, and the patterns did not merely display the same structure scaled down---rather, antlions accepted more dense conditions by increasing pit density. This likely corresponds to natural conditions (especially in hatcheries) where some proportion of the antlions remain on the surface (increasing with population density because it's understood to mean a prevalence of food), and as the surface antlions become adults (sometimes fed through cannibalism), new larvae emerge to take their place and sustain the species propagation. diff --git a/poster/background.tex b/poster/background.tex index c14e17e..aedb5ef 100644 --- a/poster/background.tex +++ b/poster/background.tex @@ -1,4 +1,4 @@ -To design the experiment and understand the organisms’ underlying behaviors which might affect it, extensive background research was required---specifically on their spatial distribution patterns. +To design the experiment and understand the organisms' underlying behaviors which might affect it, extensive background research was required---specifically on their spatial distribution patterns. First, a previous study analyzing the spatial patterning and structure of termite mounds in an African savanna was examined to better understand the procedure of the experiment. This study examined how different termite colonies in the African savanna positioned themselves in relation to one another, and uncovered that termite mounds each neighbor sic other termite mounds at a relatively constant distance, creating uniform hexagons of termite mounds through the savannah. Furthermore, this study uncovered that termite mounds must maintain a constant distance from each other to prevent conflict between termite colonies, limiting the species success. @@ -13,8 +13,8 @@ This helped determine dependent variables to examine over the course of the stud Finally, these studies determined that antlions have a tendency to cannibalize each other in times of food shortage and significant competition. This provided another dependent variable to track over time and examine as size decreased, as cannibalized antlions were unsuccessfully metabolized and evident in pits. - Lastly, a series of studies about antlion dispersal pattern called the “Doughnut theory” were examined to better understand the current scientific knowledge surrounding antlion dispersal patterns. -These papers determined that antlions naturally position themselves in a “doughnut”, in which a ring of antlions circle a center point or food source to limit competition for ants, as each antlion has equal access to the food source. + Lastly, a series of studies about antlion dispersal pattern called the ``Doughnut theory'' were examined to better understand the current scientific knowledge surrounding antlion dispersal patterns. +These papers determined that antlions naturally position themselves in a ``doughnut,'' in which a ring of antlions circle a center point or food source to limit competition for ants, as each antlion has equal access to the food source. This study also concluded that when antlions are introduced one by one the same results occur, which confirmed that the procedure could introduce one antlion at a time without interfering with results and spatial patterns, helping further perfect and standardize the procedure, as well as provide a better understanding of antlions behavior patterns. These studies provided a better understanding of antlion settlement patterns and gave a guideline for what to expect as trials continued. Finally these studies provided scientific procedures that could be tested and confirmed throughout the experiment, allowing for a source to cross-check results and procedures with in order to perfect the procedure of the experiment. diff --git a/poster/conclusion.tex b/poster/conclusion.tex index 04abb98..b39208c 100644 --- a/poster/conclusion.tex +++ b/poster/conclusion.tex @@ -1,8 +1,8 @@ Pit depth and width correlate strongly with trial area, as demonstrated by graph one, which relates the two. The pit positioning of antlions (as a group and as individuals) likely varies solely to maximize ant capture. -Therefore, this phenomenon is observed because antlions’ (myrmeleon immaculatus) pits don’t need to be as big when the main constraint on ants falling into the pit is simply having a pit available for them to fall into. -This is also observable by the trials’ decreasing number of visible pits (versus total antlions introduced) with respect to size: they start to hide underground because rather than simply having smaller pits than stronger antlions, they have to rest underground, possibly to preserve group wellbeing. -Graph 2 indicates a similar trend---antlions’ territory as described by the nearest neighbor calculation is much lower in smaller containers. -This is the natural consequence of less area being available but demonstrates that the effects of hiding don’t completely level the density of antlion pits based on population per area. -Additionally, deaths remain minimal even in highly crowded conditions like the 8x7, which means that deaths are probably accidental at worst and antlions work to preserve the group’s chances of surviving. +Therefore, this phenomenon is observed because antlions' (myrmeleon immaculatus) pits don't need to be as big when the main constraint on ants falling into the pit is simply having a pit available for them to fall into. +This is also observable by the trials' decreasing number of visible pits (versus total antlions introduced) with respect to size: they start to hide underground because rather than simply having smaller pits than stronger antlions, they have to rest underground, possibly to preserve group wellbeing. +Graph 2 indicates a similar trend---antlions' territory as described by the nearest neighbor calculation is much lower in smaller containers. +This is the natural consequence of less area being available but demonstrates that the effects of hiding don't completely level the density of antlion pits based on population per area. +Additionally, deaths remain minimal even in highly crowded conditions like the 8x7, which means that deaths are probably accidental at worst and antlions work to preserve the group's chances of surviving. The earlier hypothesis was proven to be correct, as the correlation between a smaller trial size and more extreme behaviors (such as cannibalism and reclusiveness) is supported by the data, as an increase in cannibalism was seen in lower treatment groups, hinting towards more aggressive behavior at lower trial groups, thereby proving the hypothesis. diff --git a/poster/document.tex b/poster/document.tex index 4479268..2ad2f6d 100644 --- a/poster/document.tex +++ b/poster/document.tex @@ -12,7 +12,7 @@ \color{title} \fullline{% \hfil - \title Antlions’ Group Distribution and Behavior under Varying Spatial Constraints% + \title Antlions' Group Distribution and Behavior under Varying Spatial Constraints% \hfil }% \vskip.5in diff --git a/poster/notes.tex b/poster/notes.tex index 47b0c35..16ab39b 100644 --- a/poster/notes.tex +++ b/poster/notes.tex @@ -1,6 +1,6 @@ Through the experiment several things were noted that could have improved the efficiency of the procedure and became a challenge, for example keeping track of the antlions became challenging as the experiment progressed, especially in the later trials when some of the antlions began to hide passively beneath the sand. Furthermore, removing the antlions from the enclosure after each trial became tedious, as it was difficult to find antlions that were under the sand or evaded capture. However, the setup and introductory periods both went well with each trial, as no major issues arose when setting the trials or when introducing the antlions. -It was also noted that depth and width of the pits were smaller in trials with smaller enclosures and that antlions had roughly the same density across all sizes because they would become ‘dormant’ if sufficient area was not readily available, both of which could be due to increased interaction between antlions within smaller enclosures. +It was also noted that depth and width of the pits were smaller in trials with smaller enclosures and that antlions had roughly the same density across all sizes because they would become `dormant' if sufficient area was not readily available, both of which could be due to increased interaction between antlions within smaller enclosures. Measurement of the antlions' pits also became difficult, especially as the pits decreased in size (namely in the $<$1cm range), because parallax and `bumping' of the pits could introduce error. Lastly, cannibalism and death occurred at a relatively constant rate across all trials, indicating that cannibalism was more a function of time than a result of overcrowding. diff --git a/poster/results.tex b/poster/results.tex index 7d88cca..6395f0e 100644 --- a/poster/results.tex +++ b/poster/results.tex @@ -6,7 +6,7 @@ }}\hsize=\wd0\box0\caption{#3}} } -\line{\picture{../graph/depth_width.png}{Antlions’ pits' depths and widths correlate strongly with square root of trial area, meaning that antlions are aware of how to optimally obtain ants for the group.}{6in}\hfil +\line{\picture{../graph/depth_width.png}{Antlions' pits' depths and widths correlate strongly with square root of trial area, meaning that antlions are aware of how to optimally obtain ants for the group.}{6in}\hfil \picture{../photos/pcr.jpg}{DNA Ladder and PCR tests were used to detect Cytochrome-B gene appearance in a primed DNA mixture from crushed antlions.}{3in} } \hbox{ diff --git a/poster/voronoi.tex b/poster/voronoi.tex index 1dc8424..a45210b 100644 --- a/poster/voronoi.tex +++ b/poster/voronoi.tex @@ -15,14 +15,14 @@ \noindent{\bold Individual Trial Voronoi Diagrams} The ant\-lions were studied in several different (restricted) container sizes. - These Voronoi diagrams which label the territories of each ant\-lion (an ant\-lion “possesses” a part of the map within its segmented portion if its pit (the blue dot) is closest to that point). + These Voronoi diagrams which label the territories of each ant\-lion (an ant\-lion ``possesses'' a part of the map within its segmented portion if its pit (the blue dot) is closest to that point). By examination of the Voronoi diagrams in conjunction with measurement of the closest neighboring pit, it was determined that ant\-lions reclude and cannibalize sufficiently to ensure roughly constant habitation density (proving, at least evolutionary, awareness of group strategies like allowing a few ant\-lions to become adults very quickly). } } \vskip.2in \line{ %%Images - \vbox to 5in{\fourpic{../imgs/2019-12-19.png}{../imgs/2019-12-20.png}{../imgs/2019-12-3.png}{../imgs/2019-12-5.png}{2.5in}{2in}} + \vbox to 5in{\fourpic{../imgs/2019-12-19.png}{../imgs/2019-12-20.png}{../imgs/2019-12-3.png}{../imgs/2019-12-5.png}{2.5in}{2in}\vfil} \hfil \vbox to 5in{\hsize=5.5in% \noindent{\bold Trial and subtrial Voronoi Diagrams} @@ -30,5 +30,5 @@ This shows that, when given appropriate time to develop new nursery conditions, ant\-lions manage to successfully redistribute themselves. In the wild, this would correspond to a number becoming full adults and the remaining larvae rising to the surface. This indicates that they have advanced detective capability, likely without complex group-interactive cognition - } + \vfil} } |