Lab 2:Biol2050 Woodlot Data Set 4

The experiment was conducted for the second biol2050 lab for dataset 4. The experiment was conducted in the woodlot at York University on Thursday Sept 24th, 2015 at approximately 430-5pm. The weather during this time was 21 degrees Celsius, with 0% chance of rain, and wind with the speed of 16km/h. Group Members: Simranjit Kang, Ava Kamali, Katrin Chapkis, Jennifer Mariathas The purpose of the lab was to understand the process of using transect measuring tape to calculate the diameter at breast height of adult, and sapling trees. As well, the purpose was to gain knowledge on how to determine canopy coverage. The sample size in this experiment was 10 pairs of Maple trees (1 adult maple tree, and 1 sapling maple tree that was closest to it), for a total of 20. The maple tree was identified using the leaf guide provided on page 14 of the lab manual. Also, there was a great abundance of maple trees in the woodlot, and so it was chosen as the subject. The observer randomly selected an adult maple tree, which had to be at least twice the observer's height (the observer was 5"4). The diameter at breast height was then determined by using the transect measuring tape, and calculating the width of the tree at the observer's chest height. The results were then recorded in inches. The canopy coverage of each adult tree was estimated by using the index and thumb of both hands, creating a rectangle which was then held up to the sky. The amount of space that the adult maple tree took up was recorded as a percentage to the best of the observers ability. If the tree took up half the space when viewed, it was given 50%, if it took up 3/4 it was given 75%, and so on. Each member of the group estimated the canopy coverage of each maple tree as well, and achieved the same results as the observer, this was done in order to decrease chance of error. After the closest sapling maple tree was found from the adult maple tree, the distance between them was measured with the transect measuring tape in feet. The tree was considered a sapling when it just reached the observer's height (5"4), or slightly taller. The diameter at breast height was then determined by using the transect measuring tape once again, and calculating the width of the tree at the observer's chest height. The results were recorded in inches. This process was performed a total of 10 times.