Plants Field Sampling Training - Observations of Heath Asters in Danby Grassland Using Transects

<b>Meta Data</b>:<br>Replicate: Discreet - 50 specimens of Heath Astor were measured and recorded in this data set. For the purposes of this lab, the replicate number is arbitrary and does not signify any type of ranking. Its presence is to signify that each row is a new subject.<br>Distance Along Transect (m): Continuous - The relative position of the specimen to the transect. A yard tape was measured out linearly for 30 meters, held taut, then placed as close to the ground as possible to establish a transect. Measurements were recorded in meters and to 1 decimal place. Measurements were taken using the meter scale of the yard tape. Only specimens that were deemed within 5 inches from the transect were observed and recorded. <br>Height (cm): Continuous - The height of the specimen measured using a measuring tape. The measuring tape was placed at the base of the plant and rolled out upwards towards the tallest appendage (which was left in a relaxed position). Measurements were recorded in centimeters and to 1 decimal place. Measurements were taken using the centimeter scale of the measuring tape. <br>Number of Leaves: Discreet - The number of observable leaves present on each replicate. Measurements were recorded visually and were counted manually. Groupings of leaves were counted individually, as were leaves that appeared to be joined together.<br>Number of Flowers: Discreet - The number of observable flowers present on each replicate. Measurements were recorded visually and were counted manually. Flowers that were observed in bud form were included in the total tally of flowers.<br>Level of Crowding: Ordinal - The relative number of plants surrounding the specimen of Heath Aster. This variable was determined qualitatively by visually assessing the proximity of other plants to the specimen within a 50 centimeter area and categorizing them on a scale. The scale is as follows: 0 = open, 1 = some plants nearby, 2 = quite a few plants, 3 = very crowded bunch of plants within 50 cm.<br><b>Methods</b>: Upon arriving at the Danby grassland area of the York University Keele campus, 30 meters of yard tape was measured out linearly to establish a transect. The yard tape was held relatively taut and then placed as low to the ground as possible so as not to disturb any foliage. After deploying the transect, a plant species was selected with sufficient abundance along the length of the transect. In this study, the (white) Heath Aster (otherwise known as <i>Symphyotrichum ericoides)</i> was selected due to its notable size and easily distinguishable flowers. From the start of the transect (the start being 0 meters) group members traveled along its length and recorded observations of Heath Aster specimens that were within a reasonable proximity to the transect. For the purposes of this data set, a reasonable proximity was determined to be approximately 5 inches. Heath Aster specimens were detected visually by their striking white flower heads with yellow centers. Each plant was measured for its: position relative to the length of the transect (in meters), height (in centimeters), number of leaves, number of flowers, and level of crowding relative to other visible plants. 50 replicates were collected for this data set. Distance along the transect was measured using the scale printed on the yard tape. Height was measured using the measuring tape. The number of leaves and flowers were counted manually. The level of crowding was determined based on the relative abundance of other plants to the specimen within a 50 centimeter area and categorizing them on a scale. The scale is as follows: 0 = open, 1 = some plants nearby, 2 = quite a few plants, 3 = very crowded bunch of plants within 50 cm. This data set was collected by Matthew Chiang and Abesan Balakumar while the other grassland data set was handled by the remaining group members. After both grassland data sets were complete, the lab members regrouped and collected both woodlot data sets as a unit.<br><b>Study site</b>: The experiment was conducted on Thursday, September 22nd, 2016 between 2:30 - 5:30 pm on the Danby grassland of York University. The weather was initially mostly sunny, with an approximate temperature of 28°C, with some heavy clouds and light rain further into the evening. <br><b>Equipment</b>: Yard Tape, Measuring Tape<br><b>Hypothesis</b>: Heath Aster plants that were observed to be taller, in less crowded areas relative to other plants, and with less visible leaves are more likely to have a high density of flowers. It is expected that taller specimens will have more flowers because they are able to out-compete shorter flowers for sunlight and pollinators. This provides the plant with the necessary sustenance it needs for flowers to bloom. It is expected that less crowded specimens will have more flowers because isolated Heath Astors will not have to compete against other plants for sun or soil. It is expected that specimens with less leaves will have more flowers because this trend is observable in plants with poor budding conditions (like water stress or high levels of saline). These poor conditions can cause a lack of nutrients in the plant and makes it difficult for flowers to develop. This results in leaves becoming more apparent and abundant on the plants appendages. <br><b>Predictions</b>:1) The taller the specimen, the more flowers it will have.2) The lower the level of crowding around the specimen, the more flowers it will have. 3) The lower the number of visible leaves, the greater the number of visible flowers. <b><br></b><b>Group Members</b>: Andrew Nguyen, Kobina Vijay, Keethana Bala, Abesan Balakumar