SNC 2D1

Succession Study Analysis

Group Members: _____________________________________________________

Part A: Data Collection
In each ecosystem you will select a random study area, measure and mark a 10m by 10m quadrat.  Record all abiotic and biotic factors in the following data charts.

Abiotic Factors

	Equipment	Meadow	Climax Forest	
Soil temp.
				
Air temp.
				
Air humidity
				
Light intensity
				
Wind speed and direction				
Soil Moisture
				
Soil Type
				
Soil Organic Content				
Percolation rate

Biotic: Animal
For each site, record all animal species (or signs of) found, include animal classification (mammal-M, bird- B, reptile-R, amphibian- A, insects-I, other-O) beside each.
		Meadow	Climax Forest	

	

	

Biotic: Plant
For each site, record all plant species and population estimate found in your “quadrat”.
	              Meadow			        Climax Forest		
Plant Species	Population 	Plant Species	Population	

	
				
Population Calculations
For all of the plant species listed above, fill in the chart below:

Type of Ecosystem ie.meadow	Plant Species	size of quadrat 
ie. 1m x 1m	# of species in the quadrat	# of species per Hectare	

					

					

					

					

					

					

					

					

Part B: Analysis Questions
Answer the following questions in full sentences.
1.  What is succession?  What is the difference between primary and secondary              succesion?  Give an example of an environment where each would occur.

2.  Summarize the abiotic and biotic factors at each site (2 sites) and explain what              stage of succession it is currently in. (early, mid, late)

3. What is a quadrat and why is it used?  

4.  Which site contained the least biodiversity?  Which one contained the least?
      (explain and give examples)

5.  What types of biotic species are present but we are not able to observe them?  

6.  How does the soil organic content relate to the biodiversity of the sample area?

7.  What kinds of human activities would impact the biodiversity of each site?