Goldenrod (Solidago) Leaf Count in Relation to Sunlight Exposure & Vegetation Density

In order to determine whether or not the number of leaves found on a Goldenrodplant are directly related to the amount of sunlight that the plant receives, and thevegetation density, thirty quadrat samples were randomly taken in the grassland ofYork University. Samples of Goldenrod were then identified, and the total leaf count for each was takenand the average was determined. Next, the percentage of leaves that were exposed tosunlight per Goldenrod plant within the quadrat was estimated and averaged.Lastly, the percentage of the quadrat that was covered with vegetation wasestimated. The next area to place the quadrat was determined by, moving five meters awayin any direction from the last spot the that quadrat was placed, then moving fivemeters to the left, and one meter to the right.