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The Effect of Cayenne Pepper on the Weight of Tadpoles. By Kartik Jevaji North Allegheny Intermediate High School Grade 10. Cayenne Pepper. A common spice Known to increase metabolism Active ingredient is Capsaicin Proved in a study by Kawada et al. Capsaicin.
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The Effect of Cayenne Pepper on the Weight of Tadpoles By Kartik Jevaji North Allegheny Intermediate High School Grade 10
Cayenne Pepper • A common spice • Known to increase metabolism • Active ingredient is Capsaicin • Proved in a study by Kawada et al
Capsaicin • Stimulates the C-fibers of the nervous system • Improves blood flow • Used for Health Conditions such as: • Poor circulation • Weak digestion • Heart disease • Chronic pain • Sore throats • Headaches
Tadpoles • American Bullfrog, Rana catesbeiana • Can be up to six inches • Native to the Central and Eastern United States and the southern portions of Ontario and Quebec • Has been introduced to many areas in the Western United States creating patchy populations
Hypothesis • The tadpoles exposed to cayenne pepper will weigh less than the tadpoles not exposed to cayenne pepper.
Purpose • To determine if cayenne pepper reduces the weight of tadpoles over a period of fourteen days
Materials Needed • Electronic Balance • Electronic Stirrer • Aerator with two outlets • Fish net • Twelve tadpoles • Thermometer • Spring Water • Flask • Funnel • Filter paper • Glass Bowls • Graduated Cylinder • Beakers (1L, 150mL, 250mL) • Cayenne Pepper • Tadpole food
Procedure • Obtain permission from veterinarian • Order tadpoles • Split the thirteen tadpoles into one group of seven and one group of six • Make cayenne pepper extract with spring water and put 10mL of extract every time the water is changed • Feed the control group 10 pellets for each tadpole. • Feed the variable group 10 pellets for each tadpole. • Weigh the tadpoles and record the data for fourteen days.
Procedure (Cont’d) • To measure weight of tadpoles • Fill one of the beakers (250mL or 150mL) to about 50mL • Place beaker on balance and rezero the balance • Place one tadpole into beaker • Weigh tadpole on the electronic balance • Record data • Place tadpole in a 1L beaker • Repeat for remaining tadpoles • Then place tadpoles back into bowl • Repeat steps for the other group
Averages of tadpole weight Weight in grams
Conclusion • My hypothesis was acceptable because the tadpoles that were exposed to cayenne pepper weighed less than the others.
Sources of Error • Pellets were counted, not weighed • Temperature Variation • Measured wrong – measuring done at different times of the day • Error in making extract
Future Research • Tag and weigh individually • Have individual tanks • More controlled environment – no temperature variation • Weigh pellets for equal food • More research for cause of death of the tadpoles • Put each tadpole in their own tank for no variability to decrease error