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Example Conclusion

(Please note that all data and science information is fictional.)

A study measuring saliva production in Canis lupis, the domesticated dog, was
conducted to examine the relationship between weight and saliva production in five
different breeds of dog. The breeds included are Great Dane, St. Bernard, Chihuahua, Toy
Poodle, and Golden Retriever. It was predicted that dog breeds with larger body size
would produce more saliva, measured in drops of drool per minute, because larger dogs
will have larger mouths and salivary glands. It was found that the largest dog breed, the
St. Bernard, weighing in at 122 pounds produced the most saliva, within an average range
5.6 to 8.6 drops of drool per minute. The data shows a significant difference in the largest
breed producing the most saliva. In descending order by body weight, it was determined
that the Great Dane and Golden Retriever were grouped together as the next highest
saliva producers with averages between 2 and 4.1 drops of drool per minute. The
averages ranges overlapped for these two breeds so one cannot differentiate between the
two. Both the Great Dane and the Golden Retriever weigh less that the St. Bernard, at
108 and 78 pounds respectively. Both breeds also produce less saliva, as is shown in
Graph 1. The pattern continues through the remaining smaller breeds of dog, although the
average ranges of saliva production also overlap for the Chihuahua and Toy Poodle. The
data supports the hypothesis that the larger the dog breed the greater amount of saliva that
is produced. Ideally, each breed would have an average saliva production range that was
statistically significant, but the researcher feels that the data supports the relationship
between size and saliva production at least partially.
In 2001, a study conducted by Sarah Drewl found that dogs tend to drool in
excessive amounts when presented with a treat in full-view. The dog breed used was a
larger dog, a Black Lab, and the average amount of saliva produced in drops per minute
was found to be 2.5-3.1, which is similar to the Golden Retriever data in this experiment
(Drewl). Additionally, a classmate found that larger dogs excrete more urine, which
supports the idea that larger dogs have more saliva (Janiszewski). A primary reason for
increased drool and urine production in larger dogs can be explained by the salivary
gland placement in animals. Salivary glands are found in the lower portions of the jaw.
Just as teeth are larger with in larger animals, salivary glands are also larger in larger
animals (Glandular). Salivary glands produce saliva to assist the body with digestive
system. When a dog views treats, the brain tells the digestive system to begin secreting
enzymes that will assist the body with mechanical digestion (Yeargin). In particular, the
frontal lobe of the brain sends a signal through the nervous system to begin this process.
The eyes start the signal and it carries though to the salivary glands (McGolrick). The
salivary glands produce a mucous-like substance called saliva that coats the esophagus
and helps food travel to the stomach (Pearson). One can conclude that a larger dog not
only has larger salivary glands, but also a larger esophagus, and therefore requires more
saliva to help food slide down the esophagus.
The large average ranges shown by the error bars in graph 1 are most likely due to
human error and poor planning. When the procedure was written, there was no plan for
what the dog should do as the saliva was measured. Through the ten trials there was
variation in the dog’s position. These positions caused some saliva to fall onto the floor or
to smear on the arm or face of the researcher. Apart from this process being unpleasant

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for the person measuring, there was a great deal of uncalculated saliva left on clothing or
the floor. Also, the dogs were of varying ages. In the future it is important that the
procedure state whether dogs should be sitting or standing. Also, it is important that the
saliva collection be as quick as possible so that the drops of drool do not fall to the floor.
Ten trials is a small sample size, so if possible it would be ideal to test at least fifty of
each dog breed. If further study were done it would be useful to test this theory in other
mammal species.

Works Cited

• Remember that you need ten. I’m making this up so I’m adding this only to show
the concept of parenthetical citation. Note the color matching of the source to the
citation. You don’t have to color code, but I thought it would help you.

Drewl, S. P. Black Labs and Oral Hygiene. New York: Carnegie Publishing. 1999.

Glandular, I., and Rocks, P. “Mammal Digestive Systems.” National Geographic. Dec.
2006: 33-56.

Janiszewski, R. “Urine Trouble: A Study of Housebreaking Dogs” Pet Owner Digest.


Mar. 2001: 64-72.

McGolrick, M. M. The Nervous System: An Owner’s Manual. San Francisco: McDougal,


Bagel, and Co. Inc. 1998.

Pearson, D. “Don’t Block the Tube: A study on the esophageal system.” Health Weekly.
June 2004: 12-18.

Yeargin, A.D. The Stomach. London: Carter Inc. 1997.

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