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| SHS - HabitatNet |
| Quadrant
Field Problems |
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| I. Pollination & Fruit/Seed
Dispersal |
- Examine both flowers and seeds/fruits found in the
quadrant (you may want to use binoculars to examine
flowers and seeds/fruits in the canopy) and from your
observations try to answer the following questions. If
possible, dissect the flowers and seeds/fruits to assist
your observations and possible deductions. Note color,
scent, and "presentation" of flowers and
fruit/seeds.
- Is the flower wind or animal pollinated? Why?
- If animal pollinated, what type of animal and
what adaptation does the flower employ to attract
a successful pollinator? What structures enable
the animal to transport pollen?
- How is the fruit/seed dispersed? Why?
- If dispersed by an animal, what animal and why?
- Construct a chart to organize your observations of the
above.
- Using your chart, what generalizations may you make
regarding the adaptations of plants to utilize as
pollinators/seed and fruit dispersal agents?
Within your quadrant (20 meter by 20 meter), randomly chose a
1 meter by 1 meter quadrant and examine the leaf little.
Determine the average depth with respect to relative age (note
decomposition of leaf material). Examine the lead litter for
fungi and organisms (if possible, use a Berlese Funnel to remove
and identify organisms.
- By identifying organisms to "recognizable taxonomic
units" (RTU), determine the Simpson's Index of
Diversity for that quadrant. Sketch RTU's for possible
later identification.
- Answer the following:
- Is the leaf letter a static or dynamic ecological
community? Why?
- how might the leaf litter profile (depth affect
the species diversity and abundance of organisms?
- What are some observable adaptations found in
lead litter organisms?
- State a hypothesis for the following and state a
rationale:
- How would location (near a tree, stream,
or open forest floor) affect the species
diversity of leaf litter organisms?
HabitatNet
HabitatNet@sprise.com
Souhegan High School