MCMTheLeavesofaTreeMass.docVIP

MCM A The Leaves of a Tree Tsinghua University Vice Professor Wujianghao How much do the leaves on a tree weigh? How might one estimate the actual weight of the leaves (or for that matter any other parts of the tree)? How might one classify leaves? Build a mathematical model to describe and classify leaves. Consider and answer the following: ? Why do leaves have the various shapes that they have? ? Do the shapes “minimize” overlapping individual shadows that are cast, so as to maximize exposure? Does the distribution of leaves within the “volume” of the tree and its branches effect the shape? ? Speaking of profiles, is leaf shape (general characteristics) related to tree profile/branching structure? ? How would you estimate the leaf mass of a tree? Is there a correlation between the leaf mass and the size characteristics of the tree (height, mass, volume defined by the profile)? In addition to your one page summary sheet prepare a one page letter to an editor of a scientific journal outlining your key findings. Nowadays the heavy metal pollution is so common that people pay more and more attention to it. The aim of this paper is to calculate the maximum of methylmercury in human body during their lifetime and the maximum number of fish the average adult can safely eat per month. From City Officials research[1], we get information that the mean value of methylmercury in bass samples of the Neversink Reservoir is 1300 ug/kg and the average weight of bass people consume per month is 0.7 kg. According to the different consuming time in every month, we construct a discrete dynamical system model for the amount of methylmercury that will be bioaccumulated in the average adult body. In ideal conditions, we assume people consume bass at fixed term per month. Based on it, we construct fixed-ingestion model and we reach the conclusion that the maximum amount of methylmercury the average adult human will bioaccumulate in their lifetime is 3505 ug. As methylmercury ingested