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Biology 3070L
Dr. Thomas WIlson
University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
February 2015
Abstract
An ecosystem is thought to be healthy when high species richness and
evenness create equilibrium among the community of populations living
there. By creating many unique niches that interact, a healthy ecosystem
ensures the constant flow of energy and nutrients between living and
nonliving components within the ecosystem. Ecosystems worldwide are
threatened due to habitat degradation and fragmentation, pollution, and a
decline in biological diversity. These negative impacts are all the result of
increasing human urbanization and development. One particular region
where over-exploitation has led to the decline of ecosystem health is the
Southeastern United States. To investigate the health of a temperate eastern
deciduous forest ecosystem, we will determine species richness of overstory
hardwoods for two different habitat patches lying along a topographic
gradient within the larger landscape. In addition, we will investigate
diversity of macroinvertebrate species found within the patches. The first
sample plot, best described as ridgetop, is located at the peak of Stringers
Ridge, directly above and parallel to a main biking path. The valley floor
sample plot is located on a steep incline found just below the biking trail. The
elevation gradient that exists between the two habitat patches should
influence the relative species richness and diversity. Our hypothesis states
that species richness of overstory hardwoods in the ridgetop habitat is likely
lower than that of the valley floor habitat due to the erosion of mineral
nutrients, organic matter, and seeds that are washed from the ridge top to
the valley floor. Also, we hypothesize that the species diversity of
macroinvertebrates collected on the ridgetop will be lower than those found
on the valley floor. Using random sampling techniques and appropriate data
analyses, we concluded that the ridge top habitat exhibited higher species
richness of overstory hardwoods than did the valley floor. Upon examination
of the data, we rejected our original hypothesis. Invertebrate diversity was
not very high in either habitat patch, with only 5 and 4 different species,
respectively. Future field studies regarding species richness and diversity
could benefit the assessment of Stringers Ridge overall health and vitality.
Introduction
mountainous region. This site lies within the limits of Chattanooga, a city
with a growth rate of 1.46%, higher than any other city in the state (Fleener
2012). Park area includes about 92 acres with 10 miles of footpath set aside
for mountain biking and hiking. In 2007, a proposal to turn Stringers Ridge
into a condominium plex prompted local residents to reject the idea and call
for the preservation of all 37 threatened acres. $2.4 million dollars later, in
addition to a generous donation from the private landowner, the Trust for
Public Land obtained ownership and 55 more acres were successfully added
to protect and conserve the inherent value and health of this urban forest.
As of 2000, it was determined that 3.1% of the land in the United states was
ensues throughout these areas, there is a dire need for preserved urban
trees and forests. Protection of forest habitat in cities has many positive
around New York city saved it $11.2 and $10.6 million dollars in
they clearly display the benefits associated with conserving such urban
forests.
According to Elton and Krebs, one of the most frequently stated objectives of
organisms. This measure is also the main criteria used to classify endangered
Ridge is far too large, and the terrain is too arduous, to asses every organism
to select a subset of sample units for survey. Selection of these units must be
done in such a way that the samples taken accurately represent all other
units not chosen within the study area, while remaining random and
unbiased.
The species rivet theory states that every species in an ecosystem provides
2012) study, 55% multifunctionality variance (i.e. nutrient pools and carbon
storage) were noted with relations to higher species richness, in a model fit
that also indicated that reduction in the richness created a lower variance.
significantly lower species richness (over 50%) than that of lower lying plots.
contain higher species richness and greater species diversity than a similar
seeds.
We believe that mineral deposits such as phosphorus, calcium, and
nitrogen are likely to wash down into the valley floor from the ridge top,
study (Monk. 1967) that southern hardwood trees tend to grow in deposits
our reasoning.
meters x 40 meters, each. The first sample plot, referred to as ridge top
habitat, laid above and parallel to one of the main biking trails on a
stratigraphic ridge. The second sample plot, referred to as valley floor
habitat, laid directly below the bike trail across from the ridge top. The
notable difference, however, was the variation in slope aspect between the
two sample plots. Although the ridge top increased in elevation from bottom
steep valley floor sample plot. It should also be duly noted that large amounts
of debris and human trash were found within this valley area, potentially
It provides particular insights into how the biotic community was developed
within our sample areas. Also, studies into spatial spatial distribution can
The study site was a 92 acre, isolated urban forest, in the center of the
stand in the mountainous Tennessee River Gorge. The site has numerous
trails (16.1 km) and varies in topographic gradients. The sampling plots were
located approximately 3.22 kilometers away from the Spear Head entrance,
on the most northern point of the Gig City trail. The latitude and longitude
of the site is 35.069N 85.3211W and the elevation of the site at center is
275 meters.
Figure 1:
Shows the map of the study site known Stringers Ridge Preservation Easement.
Figure 2.
Location of Plot 1, or the Ridgetop plot
Figure 3.
Location of Plot 2, or the Valley Floor plot
Sample Plot Creation
In ecological research, a study site the size of Stringers Ridge cannot be fully
area. Because we decided to make our plots 40 meters x 40 meters, the total
2
land area per plot was 1600 meters. Two plots of this size resulted in 3200
2
metersof total land area. Next we multiplied 3200 by .25 (25%) to get 800
2
meters, which is the total land area of the samples. Because each sample
2
point consists of a 10 metercircle, we divided 800 by 10 to determine the
total number of sample points needed in order to fully represent the total
study area.
After establishing the locations for each plot, we used tape measures and a
compass to make 90 degree right turns after walking 40 meters from the first
corner. Before moving to the next side of the plot, we laid semi-permanent
yarn along the line to help us as a visual aid. After 4 corners, we had
successfully laid each 40m x 40m quadrant. Next, we found the 20 meter
mark of each side, and connected the 20m segments with yarn, effectively
splitting the sample plot into four quadrants, each 20 meters by 20 meters.
2
The (x,y) coordinates for each of the 40 (10m) plot points were obtained
selected a number between 0 and 20. This was to prevent bias, which is
sample size. Non-random sampling is the largest source of user bias because
certain direction.
For each of the 40 plot points, a Kevlar string (1.8m) was attached to a
2
single point, stretched and rotated in a circular pattern to get 10m, and from
this, every hardwood tree and invertebrate species in that perimeter was
overstory aspect of the area; a trunk diameter size smaller than that of
standard thumb was the baseline for exclusion. Noting as well, smaller
understory shrub trees would not be included in the data sets, but could
correlate with differentiating levels of species abundance.
All hardwood trees greater than a thumbs width in diameter standing within
2
the 10mcircle were examined for a height estimate and DBH. Next, each
shallow holes and dissecting rotted logs in no particular fashion. Once again,
2
only specimens observed within the 10mcircle of the (x, y) coordinate were
in ziplock bags while flying insects were closely noted and documented.
Finally, all samples both collected and observed were later identified with a
dichotomous key. All data was recorded and incorporated into graph form
Data Analysis
To assess the relationship between the relative number of new species per
unit area, a species area curve was constructed. Plotted on an (x, y) graph,
the vertical axis represents the cumulative number of new species, while the
2
horizontal axis depicts sample area (10m). As for the mean number of
species per sample area, a performance curve was created to indicate the
significance of our findings for each individual plot point with respect to the
entire quadrant. Our results, for both curves, rise and then cascade at a fairly
area and the number of new species found. In general, as sample area
increases, the number of new species as well as mean number of species per
unit area will plateau or become less significant.
Table
1
. Indicates all aspects of study time. An objective based log was used
Day 1: Jan.20, 2015 Day 4: Feb. 10, 2015 Day 7: Mar. 3, 2015 Day 10: Mar. 24, 2015
Chose two sample plots, Met in lab for Mid-Term, did Finished up sampling RT (Q3 Continued RT IDs (Q2
one as a ridge top (RT) not work in field site. & Q4). Heavy VF sampling,
and the other as a valley Began sampling VF, minimal (Q2,Q3,Q4).
floor (VF). amounts (Q1). Recorded RT DBHs into
Measured out the ridge final data
top as 40 meters x 40 TOD: 2:00-4:00 P.M. TOD: 2:00-4:00 P.M.
meters. Weather: Humid, damp Weather: Approx. 60 F,
TOD: 2:00-4:00 P.M. ground, sunny, and chilly (45 partly cloudy w/ mild
Weather: Overcast. 45 F F) winds
Day 2: Jan. 27, 2015 Day 5: Feb. 17, 2015 Day 8: Mar. 10, 2015 Day 11: Mar. 31, 2015
Measured out the valley Finalized plot quadrants Spring Break, did not work in Finished up RT IDs, (Q3
floor as 40 x 40 meters. Generated the remainder of field site. & Q4)
random points for VF. Started IDs for VF (Q1)
Put out yarn to provide Sampled a few RT points. Collected Inverts for RT
rough exterior of plots. (All quadrants)
TOD: 2:00-4:15 P.M. TOD: 2:00-4:00 P.M. Took VF DBHs
Weather: Sunny/Low Weather: Cold, Partly Cloudy, TOD: 2:00-4:00 P.M.
winds 42 F and Humid, Approx. 28-28 F Weather: Hot (80 F),
Sunny
Day 3: Feb. 3, 2015 Day 6: Feb. 24, 2015 Day 9: Mar. 17, 2015 Day 12:
Generated X,Y coordinates Continued Sampling of RT Began RT identifications (Q1) Collected Inverts on VF
for Ridge-top plot. Quadrant 2 & 3. Continued sampling VF (Q1) (All quadrants)
Deci Decided to break each plot Obtained GPS coordinates for Took RT DBH values. Recorded VF DBHs into
into q RT and VF corners for Google final data
quadrants, and yarned them out Earth Images. TOD: 2:00-4:00 P.M. Cleaned up RT & VF
them out. Weather: Pleasant, partly (Flags, yarn, tree tags)
Sampled 2 points in RT TOD: 2:00-4:00 P.M. cloudy, and warmer (53 TOD: 2:00-4:00
TOD: 1:50-4:15 P.M. Weather: Cold (30 F), F) Weather: Approx 75 F,
Cool/Cloudy 37 F Overcast, Windy sunny, mild winds.
Results
Quercus velutina
analyzed. The Eastern Black Oak ( ) was
individuals in the data set. The species area curve for the
2
ridge top plot indicated that at 10mthere was 1 different
2 rd
species and at 330m (33plot point) our maximum
new species was occurring. The 95% confidence interval associated with this
-17
community was 0.562 (+/-) 2.11 x 10 .
The total amount of hardwood overstory tree species found on the valley floor
was 11, with an overall individual count of 21. The sample plot was oak
dominated, composing 39% of the total amount of individuals analyzed. The
Quercus prinus
Chestnut Oak ( ) was the most
For the ridge top, 5 separate species of invertebrates were captured, with an
overall count of 26 individuals. The most abundant of the species were the ants
Hymenoptera),
( consisting of 69% of the total number of individuals (18
specimens). The
simpson diversity index was indicated with a value of
D 0.4862.
=
s
Valley Floor Invertebrates:
The valley floor species richness was 4, with an overall individual count of 42.
amount of the individuals captured. The simpson diversity index was indicated
Species 4- Worm
27.29%
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