BOTANY AND ECOLOGICAL STUDIES PROJECT TOPICS AND MATERIALS

Movement characterizes our world in a fundamental and comprehensive manner, encompassing living and non-living entities that move in numerous ways. In particular, the movement of living organisms is incredibly frequent and diverse, taking a central part in many ecological and evolutionary processes that have shaped life on Earth. It is therefore not surprising that the scientific study of the movement of organisms is so rich, insightful and long-lasting [1–3]. In light of this favourable background, recent advances in quantifying and analyzing movements of organisms, their environments and internal (e.g. physiological and neurological) states [4–8], have led to a drastic upsurge of research on how, why, when and where animals, plants and microorganisms move. Over the last decade this surge has been interlinked with a quest to develop a general theory of organismal movements by means of new conceptual, methodological and empirical frameworks facilitating the desired integration [9–14]. This emerging transdisciplinary scientific paradigm was termed “movement ecology”, emphasizing the need to understand the movement of living organisms of all kinds in the context of their internal states, traits, constraints, and interactions among themselves and with the environment [9]. Progress in science is best achieved by a dynamic dialogue between new ideas and tools [15], often facilitated by transdisciplinary efforts putting together concepts, skills and tools developed in different dis

The use of stable isotope analysis is central to environmental studies, providing dating methods, tracers, rate information, and fingerprints for biological, ecological and chemical processes in almost every setting. To this end, stable isotopes of several elements have been applied in terrestrial, atmospheric, and aquatic studies, both in current and ancient environments rendering powerful tracers and rate monitors. It has become an essential tool for ecosystem research, clearly designating nutrient and molecule sources, providing quantitative information using mixing models and identifying physical and chemical processes on the turnover rates of processes both at organismal and ecosystem level. Recent advances in stable isotope analysis have contributed greatly to our understanding of niche partitioning in both plants and animals; compound-specific isotope analysis has proved an important route towards discerning trophic ecology and the fate of molecules in current and past environments. The applications of stable isotope analysis are multifold and their importance to environmental studies has become vital. Clearly, this tool will continue to be indispensable in several fields of research, including studies of environmental health (pollution and contamination), environmental management, climate change, (bio)geochemistry, archaeology, paleontology and ecology. Besides further utilization of existing methodologies, novel applications will continue to be established. These wil

Mycotoxins are derived from the combination of two greek words “mykes” which means fungus and “toxikon” which means poison (Haper douglas, 2008). Thus, mycotoxins are fungal poisons (Bennett, 1987). Mycotoxins are natural products produced by fungi that evoke a toxic response when introduced in low concentration to higher vertebrates and other animals by a natural route (Benette, 1987).

According to a study conducted by the World Health Organization (WHO) based on publications on pharmacopoeias and medicinal plants in 91 countries, the number of medicinal plants is nearly 21,000. Nearly 6-7 thousand species of medicinal plants out of about 17-18 thousand flowering plants are known to be in use in folla and officially recognized systems of medicine in India i.e. Ayurbeda, Sidha, Unani and Homeopathy.

Pineapple (Ananascomosus) belonging to the Bromeliaceae family is grown in different parts of Nigeria either for export or for the local market. Pineapples are sliced and eaten fresh in the homes, or processed into fruit juices for consumption or concentrates for future use. Pineapple as a fruit crop has a lot of economic, nutritional, medicinal, and industrial importance (Sarah et al., 1997).

The Citrus sinensis popularly known as sweet orange seed in Igbo of Nigeria is of the Rutaceae family. The seed is best sown in a greenhouse as soon as it is ripe after thoroughly rinsing it, sow stored seed in March in a greenhouse, germination usually takes place within 2-3 weeks at 130C. seedlings are liable to damp off so they must be watered with care and kept well ventilated. Citrus sinensis

Lawsonia Inermis: Popularly known as Hemma or mehindi in the oriental world, is an evergreen medium sized shrub belonging to the family hythraccere. This plant harbors a well documented folklore history for treating convulsion, jaundice and malignant ulcers. Phytochemical studies in henna plant have indicated the presence of several bioactive molecular like isophumpagin, hipeol, 30-norlupan -3-01-20-one betuhennan, betuhennamic acid and nstigmasterol in leaves and roots. Plant extract have been known to be depressing antimicrobial, antioxidant, wound healing, anti-inflammatory antipyretic, analgesis actions, (Keyvan, 2008).