Yorku.Woodlot.Sep20-2016.csv

<b>YORK UNIVERSITY WOODLOT META-DATA</b><b><br></b><b>Data Column Headers and Descriptions:</b><b><br></b><b>Tree Replicate: </b>This refers to the tree which was sampled. All trees were adults and European Buckthorns.<br><b>Diameter at breast height of adult tree</b>: This refers to the diameter at breast height (breast height correlating to 4 feet and 5 inches) of the adult tree. Diameter at breast height was measured in meters. Transect measuring tapes were used to determine the diameter at breast height. Continuous variable. An adult tree was defined as any tree greater than 12 meters in height (twice the height of one of the researchers).<br><b>Estimated extent of canopy coverage</b>: Estimated extent of canopy coverage of each adult tree is reported as a percentage. Continuous variable. <br><b>Distance to nearest same-species sapling</b>: The distance from the adult tree to the nearest same-species sapling was determined using a transect measuring tape. The distance is reported in meters. Continuous variable. A sapling was defined as any tree less than 12 meters in height.<br><b>Diameter at breast height of sapling: </b>This refers to the diameter at breast height of the sapling. Diameter at breast height was measured in meters. Transect measuring tapes were used to determine the diameter at breast height. Continuous variable.<br><b>Additional Information:</b><b><br></b><b>Hypothesis and Predictions: </b>It was hypothesized that the wider the adult tree trunk, the farther away the nearest same-species sapling. It was predicted that this pattern would be observed in comparable woodlots at York University. <br><b>Time Data Was Collected: </b>Tuesday, September 20, 2016. 3:50-4:05 PM EST.<br><b>Location of Data</b>: Woodlot at York University, near York Boulevard. Latitude and longitude: 43.7775, -79.507.<br><b>Weather Conditions</b>: 24 degrees Celsius, clear, sunny, dry conditions.<br><b>Survey Method</b>: 25 adult trees belonging to the European Buckthorn species were identified and numbered. Using a random number generator from www.random.org, 10 of those adult trees were selected for further observation. To identify the species of tree, a dichotomous tree guide present in the BIOL 2050 laboratory manual was used. Transect measuring tape was used to measure the diameter at breast height of adult trees. The canopy coverage of each adult tree was estimated by making a square with our fingers, holding it up to the tree's canopy, and assessing the amount of blocked sky. The measuring tape was also used to determine the distance from the adult trees to the nearest same-species saplings, and then to measure the diameter at breast height of those saplings.<br><br>