Celebrating Scholarship and Creativity Day (2018-)
Document Type
Poster
Publication Date
5-1-2025
Disciplines
Environmental Studies
Advisor
Jean Lavign and Kate Cary
Abstract
This project, completed for Dr. Kate Cary in the Biology department, investigates how bur oak (Quercus macrocarpa) leaf morphology varies geographically. Using digitized herbarium specimens and provided data which included latitude, longitude, collection moth and year, leaf dissection, petiole length, temperature, and precipitation, the project visualizes patterns in morphology with a focus on leaf dissection (cm). Maps were generated both at the state level (Minnesota) and national level, depicting bur oak locations and morphology trends across different seasons (January-May and June-December) over the past century. The importance of this data lies in its ability to reveal how environmental factors like temperature and precipitation influence morphological traits over time and space. McKee et al. (2021) demonstrated that leaf shape responses to temperature can be species-dependent, with significant implications for how we interpret past climates based on fossilized leaves. By analyzing how bur oak morphology correlates with location and climate variables, this project can be used to test hypotheses about environmental influences while opening the floor to broader discussions on species-specific responses to climate change. These insights are crucial for refining paleoclimate models and for understanding how current and future environmental shifts may impact native tree populations.
Recommended Citation
Morrissey, Karyn, "Exploring Variability Factors in Bur Oak Morphology" (2025). Celebrating Scholarship and Creativity Day (2018-). 281.
https://digitalcommons.csbsju.edu/ur_cscday/281
