- Description of Research Area: Sloped area with tall grass, deciduous trees, and shrubbery. Located in close proximity to a creek. The area is 10 meters in length.
- There is no concrete evidence of the original cause of the disturbance, however it can be inferred by the cutoff of trees in the area that the disturbance is a result of forest clearing.
- There is soil present in the area.
- Direct Animal Observation
5. Indirect Animal Observation
a. The sound of frogs could be heard within the area. Also, a pile of animal scat was found. The feces were large and most likely belonged to a \
deer or a dog that visits the area.
b. Some nests can be seen high in trees but there are also nest-like structures on the floor of the research area. This means that the birds in the
area are most likely seed and berry eaters because they spend time on the ground where berries are found and in trees for seed.
c. There are some spiderwebs and abandoned ant hills, hinting at the existence of spider and ant species.
6. Plant Community Data: Length of Transect: 10 meters
a. The sound of frogs could be heard within the area. Also, a pile of animal scat was found. The feces were large and most likely belonged to a \
deer or a dog that visits the area.
b. Some nests can be seen high in trees but there are also nest-like structures on the floor of the research area. This means that the birds in the
area are most likely seed and berry eaters because they spend time on the ground where berries are found and in trees for seed.
c. There are some spiderwebs and abandoned ant hills, hinting at the existence of spider and ant species.
6. Plant Community Data: Length of Transect: 10 meters
Analysis Questions
- The plot is undergoing secondary succession because it is being affected by human interactions. The plot is located close to the school which means trees were cleared to make room for civilization. Clearing of trees is a cause of secondary succession. The sloped hill leading to a creek also supports the possibility of erosion and water runoff. Natural events like this are factors of secondary succession.
- The plot is most likely between the early and mid stage of succession. There aren't many different animal species on the plot and the trees that are growing are small in size and number. It is obvious that the plot is in an earlier stage of succession, but over a long period of time, the trees will grow and more animals will inhabit the area. The clearing of trees in the area has occurred within the last ten years which is why the stage of succession is still so early.
- A climax community is the final stage of succession that is characterized by plant and animal populations existing in balance with each other. A climax community remains virtually unchanged until it is affected by natural disaster or humans. Some ecologists do not believe in the existence of climax communities because environmental change and human interaction occurs so often that it would be unlikely for a community to reach a climax. If it were possible, ecologists believe it would take a much longer time without any disturbance.
- The final successional stage of the campus would most likely be in the mid range. If the school were removed then conifers, pines, mosses, and shrubbery would be found. The most common tree and plant would be deciduous, which is native to the area around the campus. Woodland creatures like deer, squirrels, rodents, and birds would make up the animal species in the area. Considering that humans have deterred the growth of the campus with urbanization and forest clearing, it would likely take hundreds or even thousands of years for the campus to reach the climax community.