When we were given topics to choose from for our labs leaves caught our eyes. We all enjoy the fall season and were
curious to find out more. We decided on leaf fall mainly because the other category (leaf decay) was taken. Therefore, in
this lab, our goal is to explore the realm of timing and patterns of timing of leaf fall.
METHODS:
We plan on collecting data in the field everyday and will continue to do so until our maximum/minimum curve levels
off. Then, we will assign each member to a certain location and have devised a chart for each member to fill out in that
location to make it easier. Next, we will combine our data to focus on four different categories which include:
1. Location
In order to collect leaf data we will place a total of twenty sampling bins (approximately one foot in diameter) in five
different areas(four bins per area) which include:
--Deep forest
--Edge of forest
--By the pond
--By the creek
--Around single trees
We will then subdivide each of these areas by placing the sampling bins in various locations. For example, some will be
near the base of the tree while others will be placed further away. This will enable us to discover if the leaves will fall
faster from the outer edge or from the center of the tree.
2. Weather Conditions
We plan record the weather conditions daily because we believe that this may have an immense affect on the timing of
leaf fall that day. For example, heavy winds could cause excessive leaf fall. Therefore, if we did not take this into account
then our data would not be accurate. We recognize that the following weather conditions will have an effect on our data:
--Windy day
--Excessive sun (will dry the leaves out faster)
--Heavy storms
3. Species
Through our data we will record the different species and number of each in order to determine the peak times of leaf fall
in each species. In order to do this we will have to incorporate the help of a leaf manual.
4. Size
When examining our bins we will record the different sizes of each leaf. Our range for categorizing will be as follows:
--Small, less than 2 inches
--Medium, from 2-4 inches
--Large, greater than 4 inches
PREDICTIONS:
1. Location
--Leaves will fall faster towards the edge of the forest, as opposed to, in the deep forest. Because the trees around the
edge of the forest will have more exposure to weather conditions.
--For the same reason as above, the leaves on the outer edge of a tree will fall faster than the leaves near the center of the
tree.
--Leaves near the water will have a slower rate of fall compared to the leaves in the forest. This is because the water will
supply the leaves with more nutrients, therefore it will take the leaves longer to dry out.
--Individual trees will shed their leaves at a faster rate than that of the trees in the forest because the canopy of the forest
protects many of the leaves from the elements.
2. Weather Conditions
--The following weather conditions will increase the rate of leaf fall:
a. Windy
b. Extreme Sun
c. Heavy Storms
as opposed to calm, overcast days.
3. Species
--Once we determine the species of study, we will then be able to predict their peak leaf fall period.
4. Size
--We think that the leaves will fall in this succession: small, medium, and large. Mainly, because the smaller leaves will
drain their nutrients at a faster rate and consequently will fall faster and so on.
CONCLUSION:
In our discovery lab, we divided our topic of leaf fall into five major categories exploring five different locations. We also
took into consideration weather conditions, species, and size in relationship to our topic. Therefore, we believe that we
have exhausted every possible angle in the area of leaf fall and the patterns of leaf fall. In conclusion, we hope that this
lab will shed a new light on leaf fall in our eyes as well as our peers.
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