The Effect of Genetically Modified Maize vs Organic Maize on Fodder Preferences in Procyon lotor.
School Name
Heathwood Hall Episcopal School
Grade Level
11th Grade
Presentation Topic
Zoology
Presentation Type
Non-Mentored
Written Paper Award
3rd Place
Abstract
The purpose of this experimentation is to examine the effects of organic maize vs genetically modified maize on the fodder preferences in Procyon lotor or Eastern raccoons. Raccoons were given a choice between organic and genetically modified maize to observe their preference. Anecdotal evidence suggests that mice, when given the option, prefer organic maize. The aim of this experiment was to examine this preference in Procyon lotor. Racoons are known to have to no preference in their feed choices however, this experiment suggests that raccoons do have a preference for organic maize. In this study the independent variable was the type of maize and the dependent variable was the preference expressed by the raccoons. The hypothesis for this experiment was that if raccoons are given the option between genetically modified or organic maize they will prefer the organic maize. There is also evidence to suggest that animals who consume organic maize thrive more so than animals who consume genetically modified maize. The hypothesis was supported by the higher percent mass decrease in the organic maize, and a significantly lower percent mass change in the genetically modified maize.
Recommended Citation
Feldman, Ben, "The Effect of Genetically Modified Maize vs Organic Maize on Fodder Preferences in Procyon lotor." (2018). South Carolina Junior Academy of Science. 139.
https://scholarexchange.furman.edu/scjas/2018/all/139
Location
Neville 122
Start Date
4-14-2018 9:00 AM
Presentation Format
Oral and Written
The Effect of Genetically Modified Maize vs Organic Maize on Fodder Preferences in Procyon lotor.
Neville 122
The purpose of this experimentation is to examine the effects of organic maize vs genetically modified maize on the fodder preferences in Procyon lotor or Eastern raccoons. Raccoons were given a choice between organic and genetically modified maize to observe their preference. Anecdotal evidence suggests that mice, when given the option, prefer organic maize. The aim of this experiment was to examine this preference in Procyon lotor. Racoons are known to have to no preference in their feed choices however, this experiment suggests that raccoons do have a preference for organic maize. In this study the independent variable was the type of maize and the dependent variable was the preference expressed by the raccoons. The hypothesis for this experiment was that if raccoons are given the option between genetically modified or organic maize they will prefer the organic maize. There is also evidence to suggest that animals who consume organic maize thrive more so than animals who consume genetically modified maize. The hypothesis was supported by the higher percent mass decrease in the organic maize, and a significantly lower percent mass change in the genetically modified maize.
