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 Goldenrod plant are directly related to the amount of sunlight that the plant receives, and the vegetation density, thirty quadrat samples were randomly taken in the grassland of York University. Samples of Goldenrod were then identified, and the total leaf count for each was taken and the average was determined. Next, the percentage of leaves that were exposed to sunlight per Goldenrod plant within the quadrat was estimated and averaged. Lastly, the percentage of the quadrat that was covered with vegetation was estimated. The next area to place the quadrat was determined by, moving five meters away in any direction from the last spot the that quadrat was placed, then moving five meters to the left, and one meter to the right.