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 Exploring the Altitudinal Effects on Arborvitae Seedlings in Yiling District Forest Park Reserve

Introduction

my field observations centered around the study of species diversity and composition of arborvitae seedlings in the Yiling District Forest Park Reserve. Specifically, I investigated the impact of altitudinal gradients on this magnificent plant.

The Organism of Interest

I focused my research on arborvitae seedlings. Arborvitae, commonly known as Thuja, belongs to the family Cupressaceae. These are evergreen trees well-known for their resilience, but how do they fare across different altitudes?

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Field Journal Observations

Site 1: Evergreen Broadleaf Forest (200-400 m)

– Diversity: High
– Abundance: High
– Character: Healthy, vigorous growth
– Additional Notes: Optimal soil moisture and sunlight

Site 2: Mixed Evergreen and Deciduous Broadleaf Forest (400-800 m)

– Diversity**: Moderate
– Abundance**: Moderate
– Character**: Moderate growth, signs of some stress
– Additional Notes**: Slightly less soil moisture, less sunlight due to canopy cover

Site 3: Hilltop Dwarf Forest and Hilltop Scrub (1100-1480 m)

– Diversity*: Low
– Abundance: Low
– Character: Stunted growth, some evidence of frost damage
– Additional Notes**: Very low soil moisture, direct sunlight, but colder temperatures

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Hypothesis and Formal Prediction

Hypothesis

Based on the field observations, I hypothesize that the decline in plant diversity and abundance of arborvitae seedlings is directly related to the decreasing availability of soil moisture as altitude increases.

Formal Prediction

If soil moisture is a crucial factor for the diversity and abundance of arborvitae seedlings, then sites at lower altitudes should have higher soil moisture content and, consequently, a more abundant and diverse population of arborvitae seedlings compared to higher altitudes.

Experimental Design

Potential Response Variable
– Diversity and abundance of arborvitae seedlings (Continuous)

Potential Explanatory Variable
– Soil moisture content (Continuous)