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<\/a><\/p>\nWhat exactly have I been researching?\u00a0 My research pertains to a plant known as Mentzelia monoensis<\/em>, an allopolyploid endemic to Mono Co., California. While I won\u2019t go into extensive detail (that\u2019s what the introduction is for!), many difficulties arise in identifying the species from its relatives (due primarily to overlapping morphological characteristics). As the species\u2019 true distribution is presently unknown, it is important to develop effective mechanisms to facilitate identification. Currently, we are planning on utilizing DNA barcoding, a method that utilizes short genetic markers to identify unknown specimen. \u00a0Below I have included the beginning of the introduction that I am writing for a paper that we would like to publish about this research.<\/p>\n My partial introduction, as posted, reflects part of this learning process. Often when I write, I want to use big words, words that procure (see, words like procure) the greatest effect. However, I discovered that flowery language can often confuse readers, especially in papers that already address difficult concepts. In writing scientific papers especially, message supersedes style. Clear communication is key. Likewise, there is no harm in having other professionals aid you in the writing process. Sometimes this can reveal weaknesses in your writing that you don\u2019t notice.<\/p>\n Additionally, expertise is not a precursor to conducting research. This might sound a bit obvious, however perspective has a funny way of affecting thinking. Prior to researching, I felt that I had to be a walking textbook\u2014I had to memorize and regurgitate all of the information I was given. But I soon discovered that memorization, though a useful skill, does not compensate for understanding. I could memorize all the steps in gel electrophoresis, but I didn\u2019t understand the process until I actually performed one myself. Moreover, you don\u2019t have to be an \u201cexpert\u201d in the field you\u2019re in researching in, especially initially. I will be the first to admit that I\u2019m a novice when comes it comes to plants (especially compared to Dr. Brokaw). But that\u2019s okay; I don\u2019t have to be an expert (and I am certainly not expected to be).<\/p>\n My advice: try it. You never truly know how much (or how little) you\u2019ll enjoy something until you experience it yourself. You might doubt your own abilities or feel intimidated by the new situations, but don\u2019t let your fears impede the opportunities God places in your life. Rather, embrace what is given to you and share your abilities with the world.<\/p>\n Introduction:<\/p>\n Mentzelia<\/em> section Trachphytum<\/em> is a monophyletic group comprised of roughly 20-30 annual species in western North America, particularly in California (Darlington 1934; Zavortink 1966; Hufford et al. 2003; Brokaw and Hufford\u00a0 2010a, b).\u00a0 Trachyphytum<\/em> is unique among sections of Mentzelia<\/em> for its high number (approximately 2\/3 of the named taxa) of polyploid species (Zavortink 1965).\u00a0 The section is generally composed of species that either tolerate extreme soil conditions or colonize disturbed sites.\u00a0 Mentzelia<\/em> monoensis,<\/em> is <\/em>a recently described hexaploid species that lives in course pumice soils and disturbed sites of Mono Co., California (Zavortink 1965; Brokaw and Hufford, 2011).\u00a0 This species is of particular interest because of its unique allopolyploid origin (Brokaw and Hufford, 2010b).\u00a0 Mentzelia monoensis <\/em>is the only allopolyploid within Trachphytum<\/em> formed through a hybridization involving the two predominant clades, \u201cAffines\u201d and \u201cTrachphyta\u201d (Brokaw and Hufford, 2010b).<\/p>\n Recently, some experts have considered elevating M. monoensis <\/em>to threatened status, and the California Native Plant Society currently ranks M. monoensis <\/em>as a 4 (Plants of Limited Distribution), which indicates the species could potentially be vulnerable to environmental change (http:\/\/www.rareplants.cnps.org\/detail\/3657.html).\u00a0 From collected data, the species appears to be narrowly distributed near Mono Lake and has only been observed in Mono Co., California (Brokaw and Hufford, 2011). The Mono Lake region itself has piqued the interest of conservationists as a result of unnatural diversion of water pathways to Southern California, resulting in extreme environmental change and, potentially, species endangerment (citation).\u00a0 However, our current knowledge of the distribution of M. monoensis<\/em> is only tentative. \u00a0This deficiency stems from both the short amount of time that M. monoensis <\/em>has existed as a described taxon and, more markedly, the difficulty in distinguishing the species from others in Trachphytum <\/em>(Brokaw and Hufford, 2011).<\/p>\n Morphologically, M. monoensis<\/em> closely resembles other species in Trachyphytum<\/em>, especially M. montana <\/em>and M. albicaulis<\/em>. Upon close inspection, one can usually identify M. monoensis<\/em> based on knowledge of seed coats, floral bracts, and leaf color (Brokaw and Hufford, 2011).\u00a0 However, identification can be time consuming and cumbersome, especially among those unfamiliar with Mentzelia.<\/em> Furthermore, these characters are not available in all developmental stages. Morphological similarities between M. monoensis<\/em> and its relatives can be attributed to two primary factors: allopolyploidy and time. First, most polyploid species in Trachyphytum<\/em> are allopolyploids, which in turn leads to overlapping morphological variation in the section (Brokaw and Hufford, 2010b). Second, M. monoensis <\/em>is a recently formed polyploid, meaning that it may not have had adequate time to develop unique morphological traits.\u00a0 Consequently, M. monoensis\u2014<\/em>because of its recent speciation\u2014<\/em>cannot be reliably distinguished from its progenitors, including M. montana <\/em>(Brokaw and Hufford, 2011).<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Over the past several weeks, I have gradually been immersed into a whole new world: research. Often, it was intimidating; I found myself in positions of uncertainty and insecurity. I messed up a lot, which was humbling. But more importantly, … Continue reading <\/a><\/p>\n