Scott's Botanical Links--May 2001

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Past links:

May 31, 2001 - Systematic botany and Mycology: Fungal Databases

These databases on fungi, nomenclature, specimens, fungus-host distributions, Saccardo index and literature were developed at the U.S. National Fungus Collections to provide information about primarily those fungi associated with plants or of other agricultural significance. These databases are maintained and expanded by members of the Systematic Botany and Mycology Laboratory (SBML), U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. (***1/2) -SR

May 30, 2001 - Curiosities of Biological Nomenclature

This one-page site features not only features curiosities, but also useful information about naming conventions for plants and other organisms (sometimes they differ). A continuing issue is the matter of name priority and prevalent usage, with interesting examples. In addition to this, there are sections entitled: Etymologies, Puns and Funny Sounds, Wordplay, Names of Genes, References and Acknowledgements. Site by Mark Isaak. (***) -SR

May 29, 2001 - Joseph Dalton Hooker

This site contains detailed information about Hooker, who was one of the most prominent botanists of the 19th century. This site features biographical notes, information about Hooker's collectors and correspondents in Australia and New Zealand, guide to some archival sources on Hooker, links to web resources, and information about Hooker's role in the history of botany and of natural history, in general. The scope of this site is impressive and should be welcomed by those wanting to learn about Hooker's important contributions. Site by Jim Endersby. (***1/2) -SR

May 25, 2001 - DINOFLAJ - Dinoflagellate Classification Database

DINOFLAJ contains (1) hierarchical classification of the dinoflagellates, (2) quick, table access to suprageneric taxa, (3) an alphabetical index of fossil, (4) genera and species and (5) bibliographical references. Access to much of the site depends on paying a fee, but the hot keys near the bottom of the page provide quite a bit of information for free. Site by Rob Fensome, Andrew MacRae, and Graham Williams, Geological Survey of Canada. (***) -SR

May 24, 2001 - Protist Image Data

The Protist Image Data site contains images and information on 20 selected genera of algae and protozoa, with resources on protistology, mycology, phycology, and protozoology. Genus entries have an introduction and data on cell appearance, ultrastructure, reproduction & life history, similar genera, classification, taxonomy & nomenclature, cultures, selected references, and Internet resources. Some data fields that seem like they should have images (e.g., ultrastructure and life history) are text only, detracting from the impact of the site. Site by the Molecular Evolution and Organelle Genomics program at the University of Montreal. (***) -SR

May 23, 2001 - Hawaii's Most Invasive Horticultural Plants

This site lists Hawaii's most invasive horticultural species and goes beyond this to consider why these plants have become a threat, how to recognize a potentially invasive species when it can still be controlled, and what the most prevalent characteristics of the invaders are. Currently, there are 105 entries (mostly species, but sometimes whole genera) with illustrations provided for each, including where the plant is a threat. In many cases, these are plants that are widely distributed (and desired) as ornamentals, but outside their normal distributions, they threaten native plants. (***1/2) -SR

May 22, 2001 - MycoKey

This site provides an interactive online key to the major groups of fungi to the level of genera with graphical checkboxes for selection of characters or quick selections for those with some detailed knowledge of mycology. Pages also provide a systematic overview, history of mycology, and MycoBase, recording Danish records of fungi occurrence. The site current covers 279 genera and 1,090 illustrated species. An excellent interactive site by Jens H. Petersen & Thomas Læssøe, Department of Systematic Botany, University of Aarhus (Denmark). (****) -SR

May 21, 2001 - National Weather Warnings

This site provides up-to-the-minute listings of all National Weather Service warnings for extreme weather in the US, broken into seven categories: tornado, flash flood, winter storm, hurricane, severe thunderstorm, flood and special marine advisories. There is also a special non-precipitation warning page (mainly wind advisories on an average day). Additionally, the national graphic weather page at URL: http://www.spc.noaa.gov/products/wwa/wwa.gif is worth looking at. Site by NWS of NOAA. (***1/2) -SR

May 18, 2001 - National Weather Service Home Page

The National Weather Service provides up-to-the-minute weather data for locations throughout the U.S., including images from radar centers thoughout the country, satellite images, aviation weather, marine predictions, general forecasts, climatic data and warnings. Given the comprehensive nature of the information provided, this site is remarkably well organized for finding local information rapidly. County by county forecasts are given within each NWS territory. A site to bookmark for current and future weather needs. Site by NWS, part of NOAA. (****) -SR

May 17, 2001 - University of Illinois at Springfield Prairie Project

Prairies are among the most fertile of biomes. This fertility and absence of trees, makes prairies the most endangered biome by agriculture. This site describes the history of prairie grasslands, management of a prairie restoration site and a biodiversity project. The actual prairie being managed consists of 746 acres, some still under cultivation. Examined topics include seed acquisition, treatments, germination rates, seedlings, monitoring and management, restoration issues and tallgrass prairie information. A rich and well designed site by UIS. (****) -SR

May 16, 2001 - Palmyra Atoll - Rainforest at Sea

An expedition to study a remote island's ecological setting is currently underway on this media rich site. With both high and low bandwidth options, much information is presented with a glitzy intro, and many pages of content. The site is a model for use of Macromedia Flash. The content though entertaining, may be superficial at times. The site may mature with time. There are three major topics covered: a living expedition, natural history of the island, history of the island. The island is owned by Nature Conservancy and their goals are also described at the site. Site by One World Journeys, a flagship production of FusionSpark Media, dedicated to virtual media presentations on conservation issues. (****) -SR

May 15, 2001 - PlantCare.Com

Although I am constantly explaining that botany (study of plant biology) is not the same as horticulture (study of cultivated plants) or gardening (growing plants), still this site is very nice for amateurs. About 1,300 species of house and greenhouse plants are given at the site. Detailed information on plant care includes lighting, soil, watering, fertilizer, pests, temperature, tips, and a color photo, browsable by plant habit, room conditions, or by plant name. (***1/2)

May 14, 2001 - Symantec Security Updates

This site contains anti-virus and security information on current threats. Definition updates, a Virus Encyclopedia, Information on Hoaxes and Jokes are available, as well as a site for submitting virus samples. Also available are a newsletter, monthly calendar of virus trigger dates, and a reference area describing virus detection technologies. This is an excellent source of information on Internet threats with considerable free information. Site by Symantec, the manufacturer of Norton anti-virus products. (****) -SR

May 11, 2001 - Rhubarb Compendium

This is a clever and complete site on rhubarb including its uses, botany, distribution, propagation, forcing, recipes, even toxicity in green leaves. A nice, visual site, this contains quite a bit of information on Rheum rhabarbarum and the other closely related species known as rhubarb. The botanical site is well done and has information available on site and quite a few links off site. The rest may be interesting for non-botanical reasons! Site by dan@rhubarbinfo.com. (***1/2) -SR

May 10, 2001 - Texas Wetland Information Network (WetNet)

The Texas General Land Office uses this site as a clearinghouse for a considerable volume of Texas wetland information. Pages on this site categorize the major ecological features and management issues involved in beaches, dunes and coastal regions, with special links on oil spill prevention & response, the Texas Beach Watch and Adopt-a-Beach. Wetnet has a lot of links from universities and government agencies with valuable information. Site by Texas General Land Office. (***1/2) -SR

May 9, 2001 - CBCN Botanists-in-Training!

The Canadian Botanical Conservation Network - For Kids! is a aimed at providing a basic amount of information about plants at a child's level. On the site is a dictionary, a discussion of biodiversity, plants at risk in your province, plant anatomy (featuring seeds, flowers, vegetative reproduction and "coneheads"), alien invasion, "Be a Scientist", provicial happenings, "What Can I Do? and a quiz page. Factual data is accurate and illustrated, and there are seven experiments that are simple but informative. Site by CBCN. (***1/2) -SR

May 8, 2001 - Wetland Plants and Plant Communities of Minnesota and Wisconsin

This report, designed mainly for Minnesota and Wisconsin, includes a key to wetland communities with a comprehensive plant list (linking to illustrated descriptions of each species), bibiography and glossary. Chapters are available on plant communities in open water, marshes, inlet meadows, bogs, shrub swamps, woodland swamps, floodplain forests and seasonally flooded basins. This is a nice introduction for describing and classifying northern wetland communities. Site by USGS Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center. (***1/2) -SR

May 7, 2001 - Telegarden

Telegarden is a robotic site allows users worldwide to view, plant, water and interact with a circular garden in Linz, Austria over the Internet. Although the site opened in July 1995 and planned closing dates have been scheduled, the garden still remains available. A robotic arm is moved in the garden, guided by a 20 X 20 grid map. This popular site is still available to "members" who receive their passwords by e-mail moments after registering. Although designed mainly as a novelty, plants could be tended remotely under sterile, hazardous or space conditions. -SR

May 4, 2001 - Pteridophyte DNA C-Values Database

This research survey of pteridophyte DNA amounts provides data for genomics studies, molecular biology, sequence construction and systematics. The taxa include representatives of Lycopodiophyta, Equisetophyta, Pteridophyta (including Pteridophytina, Marattiophytina, Ophioglossophytina, and Psilotophytina). DNA concentrations are given as "C-values" (1C is equivalent to the haploid nucleus just after meiosis) in picograms and projected number of megabasepairs. So far, DNA C-values for 48 pteridophyte species are in the database. An e-mail address is needed to access the data; otherwise it is free. Angiosperm values are available at another site. Site by the Royal Botanical Garden at Kew. (****) -SR

May 3, 2001 - Angiosperm DNA C-Values Database

This research survey of plant DNA quantities meets a growing need for genomics studies, molecular biology, sequence construction and systematics. DNA concentrations are given as "C-values" (1C is equivalent to the haploid nucleus just after meiosis). Values are given as picograms and projected megabasepairs in 4C equivalents, which correspond to the pre-mitotic chromosomes of somatic (sporophytic) cells. So far, DNA C-values for 3493 angiosperm species are in the database. Although an e-mail address is needed to access the data, otherwise it is free. Pteridophyte values are available at another site. Site by the Royal Botanical Garden at Kew. (****) -SR

May 2, 2001 - DNA Learning Center

The DNA Learning Center at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory features an extensive site on DNA and modern molecular biology. Look for summer workshops for teachers: DNA Boot Camp and Bioinformatics, and middle & high school students: Fun With DNA, World of Enzymes, Green Genes, Genetic Horizons, DNA Science, and Genomic Biology & PCR. Sites located in this domain include "Your Genes, Your Health", "Genetic Origins", "Eugenics Image Archive" as well as "DNA from the Beginning". Site by Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory. (****) -SR

May 1, 2001 - DNA from the Beginning

This superb educational site provides sophisticated coverage of Classical Genetics (concepts 1-14), Molecular Genetics (concepts 15-28) and Genetic Organization and Control (concepts 29-41). Last reviewed in SBL on June 3, 1999, the site has dropped its cartoon interface and advanced from grade school to the undergraduate level. Each concept contains an explanation, animation, image gallery, audio/video material, biography of an important contributor, problem questions and links. This approach to DNA concepts makes this an excellent complement to cell and molecular genetics coursework. This site requires Macromedia Flash Player and Real Player, incorporating these into a dynamic educational site. Site by Cold Spring Harbor Lab in conjunction with the Josiah Macy, Jr. Foundation. (****) -SR

Past, past links (by date):

2006: January

2005: January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December

2003: January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December

2002: January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December

2001: January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December

2000: January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December

1999: January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December

1998: January*, February*, March*, April*, May*, June*, July, August, September, October, November, December   (*Leigh's links)

1997: January, February, March, April, May, June, September*, October*, November*, December*    (*Leigh's links)

1996: February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December

Or search by: Subject Index

http://www.ou.edu/cas/botany-micro/bot-linx/may01.shtml