Aebi, Katharina J.* and Quinn, Ronald D., Biological Sciences, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona CA 91768
The use of flatbed scanner for leaf surface area analysis: A new application for education in basic biology laboratories
Comparison of leaf surface areas is a typical exercise in many introductory biology, botany and ecology laboratories. Typical methods for calculating surface areas either require expensive equipment or are highly inaccurate. In this project, a flatbed scanner is used to scan leaves. The images are then analyzed using a graphics utility such as Adobe Photoshop to determine the pixel count. The pixel count is either compared directly to pixel counts from other populations or may be converted to standard units. A preliminary trial of this method took place in an upper division course; students measured insect herbivory on the chaparral shrub Eriodictyon trichocalyx. The method proved to be effective. Further trials are being done in an introductory biology course for non-majors, with a primary focus on photosynthesis. Other trials are being investigated for the comparison of sun and shade leaves in basic ecology laboratories. This method should prove a simple, effective, and affordable approach for determining leaf surface areas in the educational laboratory.