BIOL 2050 WK 7 Distribution of Species

A sample of plant populations and communities were collected into a dataset from the grassland and woodlot area at York University Keele Campus on October 17 and Octorber 24, 2014. Plant populations and diversity was compared between samples taken from the edge of the woodlot and samples taken from the centre of the grassland. 40 metal quadrats were placed in vegetation on the ground at the edge of the woodlot 1m apart., Using a transect tape, a second set of 40 quadrats was placed 15 meters from the edge of the woodlot, into the grassland, also 1m apart. The data measured was total abundance of plants, total number of different plant species, total cover of all vegetation, and total cover of grasses, within a quadrat. Total cover of all vegetation and total cover of grasses was measured by a percentage. Predictions for this experimental design is based on life history patterns found in a species; the success of a particular plant will be limited to its habitat characteristics.