Species Abundance limited by Moisture in the grasslands and woodlot Locations

Conducted under the supervision of TA Bailey Hewitt with Ameena Mohammed, Hinal Patel, Keerthana Ledchumykanthan, Taylor Kerekes. Experiment observed between 2:30pm and 5:30pm on two dates: October 19, October 26. Data was collected in the Dansby Woodlot as well as the Dansby Grasslands. We were observing insect species abundance (flying, non-flying) within each region to assess whether abundance was higher relative to moisture and relative to type of ecosystem (grasslands, woodlot). The method of sampling we practiced was quadrat sampling, using 1m by 1m quadrat plots placed in each area replicated over 60 sets per area (30 on each observation day) for a total of 120 datasets. Quadrat sampling provided adequate examination of species abundance as it gives a proper assessment of abundance when replicated over many sets. We introduced randomness into our experiment by using a random number generator to dictate how many steps we would take before placing the quadrat again. The field location of the grasslands provide a variety of species in sections of plant life abundance, which many species use as cover for their habitats. The Woodland location was observed for its large canopy cover and richness of tree species, which can increase abundance of insect species. Weather Conditions: 1st Day of observance: Feels like 14 degrees celsius, partly Cloudy, 26km/h winds out of southeast, humidity 49% Second day of observance: feels like 9 degrees celsius, broken clouds, 14km/h winds out of the southeast, humidity 57%