Program/Event
Arts and Research Showcase 2024
Abstract
Telomeres are repeated sequences of DNA that act as caps at the end of chromosomes. Telomeres aid in cell division and shorten each time a cell divides. Stress reactions in the body may lead to accelerated telomere shortening; therefore, examining telomere length may give insight into current and past stress trends within an organism. In this research, we seek to investigate a possible correlation between human population density and stress reactions in birds. To do this, we obtained blood samples from American robins (Turdus migratorius) in areas of varying population density, and through DNA extractions and telomere assays, we have compared telomere length to observe trends linking population density and telomere length in birds RBC’s (red blood cells). We predict that as population density increases, telomere length will shorten. Birds are important species in many ecosystems, and discovering what their stressors are, and how they affect the development and lives of birds, are crucial for the conservation and protection of bird species populations.
Recommended Citation
Holland, Sarah G.
(2024)
"Human Population Density Effects on American Robins Telomeres.,"
The Cardinal Edge: Vol. 2:
Iss.
2, Article 37.
Available at:
https://ir.library.louisville.edu/tce/vol2/iss2/37
