Field Study to Determine the Population Density of Insects and Birds in York University's Grasslands

Description: A field study was conducted in order to determine the population density of animals; more specifically of insects and birds in the Grasslands of York University. Four different techniques were implemented during this study, which were as follows; the use of a quadrat, sweep net, pan traps, and transacts. The way in which this field study was conducted was by going out into these Grasslands with the proper equipment and counting the number of individuals/species with regards to the tools used. It is hypothesized that there is a positive correlation between the amount of vegetation and or colour and the number of insects observed. As well as, there is a positive correlation between the distance to the water and the number of bird species observed. Meta- Data:The variables that were used in this field study were the qualitative observations of the colour of the pans and the location (closeness to vegetation/water). The way in which this field study was conducted was through the use of the use of a quadrat, sweep net, pan traps, and transacts. The way in which the quadrat technique was implemented, was by throwing it multiple times in different locations and counting the number of insects/species observed each time. The way in which the sweep net technique was implemented, was that it was rotated back and forth along different plant species and the number of individuals/species were observed. The way in which the pan trap technique was implemented, was by placing plastic bowls of different colours in different locations around the grasslands and pouring soapy water into each bowl (for it to be too slippery for the insects to escape). Following this the number and types of individuals were observed. Finally the way in which the transacts technique was implemented, was that it was placed on the ground and used as a marker of indication as to where the different bird sightings could be observed. Furthermore, it is hypothesized that there is a positive correlation between vegetation and or colour and number of insects spotted, this is because you are more likely to see insects in areas of higher vegetation because that is what they feed on and where they live. As well, you are more likely to observe insects in bowls of brighter colours because a lot of insects are drawn to bright colours; some insects pollinate on brightly coloured plants. in addition, there is also a positive correlation between the distance to the water and the number of bird species observed, due to the fact that birds tend to feed near water, so they would most likely be seen near those areas. <br>