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 of 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 by 0.1 drops of drool per minute, 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 body 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). This data can be compared because Golden Retrievers and Black Labs are
similar body weights. 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 in larger animals, salivary glands are also larger in
animals with higher body weights (Glandular). Salivary glands produce saliva to assist
the body with digestive processes. 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
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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
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 studies were done it would be useful to test this theory in other
mammal species.
Works Cited

Remember that you need 14 authored sources. 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 it is an option to help
you organize your citations.
Drewl, S. P. Black Labs and Oral Hygiene. New York: Carnegie Publishing, 1999. Print.
Glandular, I., and P. Rocks. “Mammal Digestive Systems.” National Geographic. Dec.
2006: 33-56. Print.
Janiszewski, R. “Urine Trouble: A Study of Housebreaking Dogs” Pet Owner Digest.
Mar. 2001: 64-72. Print.
McGolrick, M. M. The Nervous System: An Owner’s Manual. San Francisco: McDougal,
Bagel, and Co. Inc., 1998. Print.
Pearson, D. “Don’t Block the Tube: A Study on the Esophageal System.” Health Weekly.
June 2004: 12-18. Web. 15 May 2009.
Yeargin, A.D. The Stomach. London: Carter Inc., 1997. Print.
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