A study on the correlation between tree proximity, tree diameter, and tree condition

<b>Meta data:</b><br><b>Distance from tree to the next recorded tree: </b>Continuous - Using the transect measuring tape that was laid in a straight line from the edge of the woodlot to center of the woodlot, every instance an adult tree was encountered within 2m of the transect, the distance from this tree to the next adult tree to be studied was recorded. Distance was measured by the same person each time and measured from the point on the transect that lined up with the center point of each trunk. An adult tree was<b> </b>defined as any tree that was at least 4m tall<b>.<br><br>Diameter of tree: </b>Continuous<b> - </b>the same person measured the diameter of each tree by holding up a measuring tape straight against the trunk at their breast height<b>.<br><br>Condition of tree: </b>Ordinal - The same person assessed the condition of each tree by observing the trunk and canopy and then assigning<b> </b>one of three numbers: 0 for a dead tree, 1 for a living tree, and 2 for a tree with a huge green canopy<b>.<br></b><br><b>Methods:</b> <br>In order to assess the relationship between tree proximity, diameter, and condition, measurement of these three variables was taken for 20 adult trees that were located within 2m of a 30m transect tape that was placed in a straight line from the edge of the woodlot to the center of the woodlot. The same person was responsible for measuring the same variable for all 20 trees. Using the laid transect tape, the distance between trees was measured from the point on the transect that lined up with the center of the first trunk, to the point on the transect that lined up with the center of the trunk of the next tree to be studied. The diameter of each tree was measured at breast height by holding up measuring tape straight across the trunk. The condition of each tree was evaluated by looking at the trunk and canopy of the tree and assigning a number to represent if it was dead(0), living(1), or had a huge, green canopy(2). <br><br><b>Study Site:</b><br>43°46'48.2"N 79°29'48.3"W.York University Campus, Danby Woods. Woodlot. <br>Weather: Very hot and sunny for the first 2 hours and then it became cloudy and it sprinkled, while still remaining warm, for the remaining hour of study. <br><br><b>Hypothesis:</b> <br>There is a correlation between the proximity of trees in a woodlot and their diameter and condition. This is because trees that grow in close proximity will share the same resources and will be affected by the same environmental conditions. In addition, trees will compete with each other for these shared resources (i.e. water, nutrients, etc.) when growing near each other. Lastly, different sized trees will be able to sustain the growth of different sized canopies. <br><br><b>Predictions:</b><br>1) Trees that grow in close proximity will be in similar condition.<br>2) Trees that are located closer together will have smaller diameters.<br>3) Trees with a larger diameter will be in better condition (fuller/larger canopies).<br>