Bradford L. Day
Project Topic / Abstract:
"Understanding Botanical Structure Through Illustration: An Interdisciplinary Approach"
Biological illustration integrates scientific observation
and artistic ability. Illustrations are used in both
textbooks and the primary literature as an important medium
of research communication. A well-drawn illustration can
reveal the smallest intricacies about a specimen. This study
involved the use of three types of illustrations to document
several botanical specimens. Illustrations were created
using pen and ink, utilizing a form of shading known as
stippling. The first type of drawing focused on the
development of Brassica rapa. Illustrations documented
changes in gross morphology over the thirty-five day life
cycle of this rapid-cycling plant. Secondly, details of B. rapa flower morphology were portrayed following the
observation of fresh flowers with dissecting light
microscopy. The third illustration type depicted the
three-dimensional structure of several gymnosperm pollen
grains. Based on observations with scanning electron
microscopy, drawings of pollen from five extant and four
extinct species were rendered; these included, Gnetum
nodiflorum, Gnetum gnemon, Ephedra aspera, Ephedra
californica, Welwitschia mirabilis, Monosulcites sp.,
Eucommiidites sp., Leguminanthus siliquosus, and Erdtmanispermum balticum. These illustrations provide
detailed information about overall shape, aperture type, and
surface ornamentation. The different forms of illustration
present a variety of challenges, but are invaluable learning
tools; the ability to couple a picture with a concept
enhances the opportunity for full comprehension.
Publications:
1997 Five "spot" illustrations of pollen grains in BioScience 47: 809-816
Presentations:
1996 Truman Undergraduate Research
Symposium (Kirksville, MO)
1997 National Conference on Undergraduate
Research (Austin, TX)
1997 Truman Undergraduate Research
Symposium (Kirksville, MO)
|
