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Toward Science Writing

I want to ask how to turn nature journals like this into science writing.

DMU Timestamp: December 12, 2024 17:58

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Dec 22

Paul A's Question Paul A and/or Background Knowledge Teammate (Dec 22 2024 4:25PM) : What would I need to explore to begin to turn this nature journal page into writing that begins to approach scientific writing? more

Background Knowledge Teammate with Paul A's edits:

To transform your nature journal into scientific writing, you’ll need to focus on several key areas:

1. Observation Details

- Current Notes: The page includes observations of a wolf spider, a red flower, and a butterfly with notes on colors and personal feelings.
- Scientific Approach: Add specific details such as the exact location, time, weather conditions, and the behaviors of the observed species. Identify the species scientifically (e.g., genus and species names).

2. Objectivity

- Current Notes: Personal feelings like “felt a bit uneasy” are included.
- Scientific Approach: Remove subjective comments and focus on factual, unbiased descriptions.

3. Context and Background

- Current Notes: Observations are isolated without broader context.
- Scientific Approach: Research the ecological roles, habits, and significance of each observed item. This adds depth and context to your descriptions.

4. Structure and Format

- Current Notes: Informal notes and sketches.
- Scientific Approach: Structure your writing with clear sections: Introduction, Methods, Results, and Discussion. Use formal language and incorporate data or references if available.

Additional Resources

- Scientific Journals: Explore journals like “Journal of Arachnology” or “Journal of Insect Science” for examples of scientific writing.
- Online Resources: Websites such as the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) or JSTOR offer access to scientific papers that can serve as references.

If any links don’t work, you can find the source by searching with the information provided. Feel free to revisit your observations and see what additional details you can uncover or clarify.

Jan 9

Christina C's Question Christina C and/or Improv Teammate (Jan 09 2025 6:15PM) : I disagree that personal feelings aren't scientific. In fact personal feelings can be important indicators, right? more

Improv Teammate with Christina C's edits:

Absolutely, personal feelings can be valuable as they may highlight areas for further exploration or identify motivations behind observations. They bring a unique perspective to science and can guide future studies. While objective data is crucial in scientific writing, subjective experience often sparks curiosity and inspires new research questions.

Do you want more guidance on integrating your observations into scientific contexts?

Dec 22

Paul A's Question Paul A and/or Image Guide (Dec 22 2024 4:30PM) : Can you help me to identify the spider? more

Image Guide with Paul A's edits:

Before we begin, remember to answer all of my questions by clicking Reply each time. Next, click Reply with AI, to select the Image Guide again, and ask for more thoughts about the selected image.

Let’s take a closer look at the image. In the top left quadrant, there’s a detailed sketch labeled “Wolf Spider.” The spider has long, prominent legs and a body that’s shaded to emphasize its form. Do you notice any specific markings or features on the spider that stand out to you?

Let me know if you want to explore other parts of the image!

Dec 22

Paul A Paul A (Dec 22 2024 4:30PM) : It's mainly it's long legs that I see.

Dec 22

Paul A's Question Paul A and/or Background Knowledge Teammate (Dec 22 2024 4:31PM) : Can you help get information about the specific spider? more

Background Knowledge Teammate with Paul A's edits:

Wolf spiders are known for their long legs, which help them be agile hunters. Unlike many spiders, they don’t spin webs to catch prey. Instead, they rely on their speed and camouflage.

If you want to explore other details in the image or learn more about wolf spiders, let me know!

Dec 22

Paul A's Question Paul A and/or Background Knowledge Teammate (Dec 22 2024 4:32PM) : Yes I want to know more about this spider. more

Background Knowledge Teammate with Paul A's edits:

Wolf spiders are fascinating creatures. They’re known for their excellent hunting skills and agility, using their long legs to chase down prey rather than spinning webs. This makes them quite unique among spiders.

If you’re curious about other aspects of the image or want to know more about wolf spiders, feel free to ask!

Dec 22

Paul A Paul A (Dec 22 2024 4:33PM) : Let's look at the bright tomato red flower in the middle with floppy big leaves.

Dec 22

Paul A's Question Paul A and/or Background Knowledge Teammate (Dec 22 2024 4:35PM) : What can you tell me about the plant... scientifically. more

Background Knowledge Teammate with Paul A's edits:

The bright red flower with floppy big leaves resembles a plant like Salvia or possibly a type of Celosia. These plants are often known for their vibrant colors and distinctive flower shapes.

Key Features:
- Vibrant Red Color: This likely serves to attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
- Floppy Leaves: Indicative of a plant adapted to temperate climates, where broad leaves can capture more sunlight.

Scientific Background:
- Pollination: The bright red color is a signal to pollinators, which is crucial for the plant’s reproduction.
- Photosynthesis: The broad leaves help in maximizing photosynthesis, the process by which plants convert sunlight into energy.

If you’re interested in more details about this plant or other elements in the image, let me know!

Dec 22

Paul A's Question Paul A and/or Background Knowledge Teammate (Dec 22 2024 4:37PM) : Where can I learn more about "a plant like Salvia or possibly a type of Celosia"? more

Background Knowledge Teammate with Paul A's edits:

To learn more about plants like Salvia and Celosia, consider exploring the following resources:

Salvia
- American Horticultural Society: Provides comprehensive information on various Salvia species.
- Royal Horticultural Society: Offers tips on growing and caring for Salvia.

Celosia
- Missouri Botanical Garden: Features detailed descriptions and care instructions for Celosia.
- Gardening Know How: Offers practical advice on planting and maintaining Celosia.

These resources will give you a deeper understanding of the characteristics and care for these vibrant plants. If any links are unavailable, you can search the sites directly for the information. Feel free to revisit the image and share more observations or questions!

Dec 22

Paul A Paul A (Dec 22 2024 5:48PM) : I looked up the two plants you guessed at and it looks like Celosia [Edited] more

https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=a571

Celosia argentea var. cristata (Plumosa Group)
Common Name: feather celosia
Type: Annual
Family: Amaranthaceae
Zone: 10 to 11
Height: 0.50 to 3.00 feet
Spread: 0.50 to 2.00 feet
Bloom Time: June to frost
Bloom Description: Orange, red, purple, yellow and cream
Sun: Full sun
Water: Medium
Maintenance: Low
Suggested Use: Annual
Flower: Showy
Tolerate: Drought, Dry Soil
Garden locations
Culture

Easily grown in humusy, moderately fertile, consistently moist, well-drained soils in full sun. Tolerates light shade and dry soils. Thrives in hot and humid St. Louis summers. Seed may be sown directly in the garden after last spring frost date. For earlier bloom, start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost date. Set out seedlings or purchased plants after last frost date. Taller cultivars should be planted in locations sheltered from strong winds. Deadhead spent flowers to prolong bloom.

Noteworthy Characteristics

Celosia argentea cultivars are typically divided into three general groups: (1) Cristata Group, (2) Plumosa Group, and (3) Spicata Group.

Plumosa Group plants, commonly called feather celosia, plumed celosia or feathered amaranth, feature narrow-pyramidal, plume-like flower heads (4-10” long) composed of tiny, densely-packed, vividly-colored flowers. Flower colors include bright shades of orange, red, purple, yellow and cream. Flowers bloom throughout summer into fall (sometimes to frost) on erect stems clad with spear-shaped green to red-purple leaves. The flower heads sometimes project an artificial, almost plastic-like appearance that, to some gardeners, may border on the gaudy. Plumosa Group cultivars range in size from dwarf to tall (8-36”). Selections include Kimono Series (to 8”) and Century Series (to 2’) plus individual cultivars of merit such as ‘Apricot Brandy’ (pale orange flowers to 20” with green-purple leaves), ‘Forest Fire’ (scarlet flowers to 24” with maroon leaves), and ‘New Look‘ (red flowers to 14” with purple-bronze leaves). Can be found listed under various names including C. argentea var. cristata (Plumosa Group), C. argentea var. plumosa, and C. plumosa

Genus name comes from the Greek word keleos meaning burning for the colorful flowers.

The specific epithet argentea means “silvery”, in reference to the shiny, white bracts and tepals of the species. The group name Plumosa means “feathery” in reference to the shape of the inflorescence.

Problems

Susceptible to root rot, particularly in poorly-drained soils. Fungal leaf spot diseases may also occur.

Taller cultivars require staking.

Uses
Mass or group in beds, borders or cutting gardens. Edging. Good fresh cut or dried flower. Containers.

Jan 28

Debbie A's Question Debbie A and/or Background Knowledge Teammate (Jan 28 2025 6:41PM) : These plants are not a "tomato red." Does Celosia come in other shades of red? more

Background Knowledge Teammate with Debbie A's edits:

Important Sentences and Explanation

1. “Plumosa Group plants, commonly called feather celosia, plumed celosia or feathered amaranth, feature narrow-pyramidal, plume-like flower heads (4-10” long) composed of tiny, densely-packed, vividly-colored flowers.”
– This describes the distinctive appearance of Plumosa Group Celosia, which helps identify the plant and understand its aesthetic appeal.

2. “Flower colors include bright shades of orange, red, purple, yellow, and cream.”
– Highlights the variety of colors available, indicating that Celosia can match various garden themes or preferences.

3. “Easily grown in humusy, moderately fertile, consistently moist, well-drained soils in full sun.”
– Provides essential growing conditions, useful for gardeners looking to cultivate Celosia successfully.

4. “Susceptible to root rot, particularly in poorly-drained soils.”
– Important for understanding potential challenges in growing Celosia and ensuring proper soil conditions to prevent disease.

Background Information

- Celosia Varieties: The Plumosa Group is one of several types of Celosia, known for its feathery, brightly colored blooms. This makes it popular in ornamental gardening.
- Growing Conditions: Celosia thrives in warm, sunny environments with well-drained soil, making it suitable for many temperate regions.
- Uses: Celosia is versatile, used in borders, beds, and as cut flowers due to its long-lasting blooms.

Suggested Resources for Further Reading

- [Missouri Botanical Garden](https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org)
- [Royal Horticultural Society](https://www.rhs.org.uk)
- [Gardening Know How](https://www.gardeningknowhow.com)

Feel free to revisit the image and explore more details, or ask additional questions about Celosia or other elements!

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