Kelly Sun
Pronouns: she/her
Research Mentor(s): Selena Smith
Research Mentor School/College/Department: Earth and Environmental Sciences / LSA
Program:
Authors: Kelly Sun, Kelly Martin, Selena Smith
Session: Session 1: 9:00 am – 9:50 am
Poster: 85
Abstract
Monocot flowering plants are some of the most economically important organisms on Earth as they include crucial crops such as rice and wheat and other important species like orchids and lilies. Despite the significance of monocots in human society, they are less understood compared to non-monocot flowering plants (“dicots”). This research study aims to provide more data on monocot leaf structures, allowing plant form and function to be better understood. Within this study, both qualitative and quantitative data are gathered on different monocot species and compiled together. To do so, leaves are pressed and cleared. Clearing the leaves is a process of removing tissue, which makes venation patterns more apparent. Then, the leaves are photographed. With these photographs, quantitative data such as vein length per area (VLA), leaf area, and vein thickness are measured. Qualitative data, such as venation patterns, cross-vein orientation, and aerolation, are also taken. I have examined and recorded several differing species of leaves, which have been added to an existing set of measurements for over four hundred species of leaves. The data is compared between groups to look for significant trends. In the future, this research can be used to facilitate the creation of a guide to monocot traits and allow us to better understand their position within plant evolution and ecology.
