Edge Effects Draft #2

This article submitted by [e-mailto: Karpmb@po.muohio.edu ] on 9/30/97.

Abstract
This lab will examine and compare different factors which affect plant life on the edge and in the interior of a forest. The experiments which will be be run will try to explain any possible differentiation in plant abundence and species, by studying charactoristics such as pH and sunlight exposure.
Methods
Research Design and Methods:
1. The entire class will go to the first site, which will be the site on the outer edge of the woods.
2. The class will then split up and measure out two separate ten-foot by ten-foot sections on the edgeof the woods.
3. Using a field guide the class will determine the different species of plant life growing in the ten by ten sections.
4. A map will then be made of each section, labeling the height of the bushes, the diameter of the trees and the names of all the plants.
5. Then using a pH meter the two groups will measure different areas of their section and find the average pH.
6. Using a sunlight meter the class will then measure the amount of sunlight that reaches different part of their section.
7. Halfway through the class we will finish up on the edge and move on to two new sections on the interior of the woods. (The interior will be considered a part of the woods that does not receive sunlight from the edge of the woods.) When we get there the same information will be gathered by the students.

The reasons that these two areas are being examined and compared is to see the changes in the types of species that live in the woods (under the canopy) and the edge of the woods. At a later date it can be researched the value that the species give there surrounding can be found. This way the class can learn the effects of the forest's canopy and plants that live under it.

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