Correlation Between # of Plant Species and % of Vegetation and Grassland Coverage in an Open Field at York University

This study examines the relationship between the amount of
plant species present in a quadrat that also compares the percentage of
vegetation versus grasslands in an open field located by a body of water at
York University. 

Methods

In pairs, a quadrat was used to collect data in an open
field filled with various plant species. The quadrat was thrown and placed 25
times to collect data of the total # of species, the total % of vegetation
cover, the total % of grassland cover and total # individuals present within
the quadrat. For each trial, the distance was measured from the previous
quadrat location. The data was recorded onto an excel sheet and uploaded to
Figshare (table above).

Hypothesis

There will be a positive correlation between the amount individuals
present and % of vegetation covered within the quadrat.

Prediction

There will be a positive correlation between the amount of
individuals present and the % of vegetation covered within the quadrat as the %
of vegetation coverage increases, the higher the probability more individuals
will be present. If the vegetation coverage exceeds the grassland coverage,
more species will be viable to live in the quadrat thus producing more
individuals. Therefore, having a greater vegetation coverage than grassland
leads to the growth of individuals of the species present.

Metadata
- 25 quadrat measurements were taken place all at random and
different locations

- The distance was measured from each quadrat to ensure a diverse sample of
data collected. Data is quantitative.
- Total # of species present = 8 different species were
present in the open field located at York University. Data is quantitative.

- Total # of individuals present = the amount of living
flowers that were not damaged or wilted from natural causes. Data is
quantitative.

- Total % of Vegetation and Grassland Coverage = the area
calculated within the quadrat comparing vegetation and grassland. Data is
quantitative.