Sampling Tree Populations via Transects - Woodlot, Dataset 3
The following data set was collected in the Danby Woodlot area at York University on September 22nd, 2015 from 3:30 to 4:30 PM. The temperature of the area during the time of data collection was 21˚C with sunny and clear overall conditions.
My group members, Amanda, Phenil, Tonia, and I were assigned four different sets of data to obtain by our instructor. Each group member was then assigned one set of data to obtain individually; I was assigned dataset three. The group was then split into pairs of two so that each person had a partner to help them obtain their required data for their data set; I was assigned Tonia. Tonia and I then headed to Danby Woodlot area to begin our data collection.
A transect measuring tape was unwound and extended from the edge of the Woodlot area to the center of the Woodlot area. The transect was then placed on the floor and used as a straight line to follow during data collection. Starting from the edge of the Woodlot area, the straight line was walked towards the center of the Woodlot area. While walking the straight line, Tonia and I had encountered an adult tree in our path. An adult tree is one that is twice the height of myself, approximately greater than 134 inches. The distance between the encountered tree and the next tree found along the path was measured at breast height in inches and the two trees were classified as a pair. The diameter of each of the two trees was then calculated at breast height in inches. All measurements were done with a second transect so that our path was not disturbed and results remained consistent. Each of the two trees was then given an overall health rating. Each tree was given a rating of either 0, a dead tree, 1, a living tree with some leaves, or 2, a living tree with full canopy of leaves. This process was repeated with 9 other pairs of trees found further along the straight line. All raw data was first recorded by hand in a notebook and then transferred to a Microsoft Excel document.
In the field, this lab allowed BIOL2050 students to increase their knowledge on different sampling techniques as well as better their ability to obtain data. Outside of the field, this lab allowed students to better describe their metadata and increase their ability to share their findings with the greater scientific world.
