Mohn Mill- Area Sampling Method

1 Using haphazard sampling, I could choose sampling areas that were heavily populated with more species to increase the species sampled, which influenced the data and introduced bias. I wasn’t sampling by chance but by being selective about where my quadrats were placed. I also missed including species not found in larger densities across the landscape. This sampling method can skew the densities and dominance of each species within the area by introducing sampling bias.

2. The overall efficiency between the random and systematic sampling methods was similar when comparing the relative density, frequency and dominance of a species. However, when applying a systematic strategy, I noticed that sampling could give miss representative data when species are not necessarily uniformly distributed across the landscape. Using the systematic method to sample is the fastest and involves fewer steps. Still, it also misses areas in the landscape that may have a different attribute that influences how a species is found within that area. For example, suppose the systematic sampling excluded an area with a small creek. In that case, there may be a species with specific niche requirements closely related to running water which is not found elsewhere on the landscape. This species would be missed and could influence the diversity measure slightly.

3. The most common species from the random sampling method was the Red maple (39.1 importance value), and the rarest species found was the White ash (0 importance value)

Red maple- 3.22% error

White oak- 28.6% error

Chestnut oak- 19.54% error

American basswood- 100% error

Yellow birch- 162.5% error

White ash- 100% error

The estimates for the most common species are more reliable based on the percent errors. However, the actual importance of the rarest species is low in the population dynamics of the area, making the rare species less relevant in the area’s diversity.

4. The species with the highest density value is the Red maple. According to the species’ natural history, it is relatively adaptable to many different soil and light conditions. It is a fast-growing tree that establishes quickly in disturbed areas. The species tends to be found in clumps in previously disturbed areas. Based on the species’ density, dominance, and frequency valves of the community sampling, the Red maple is well-distributed and has a more mature stand across the landscape. The histogram for the Red maple indicates the species has established itself in the community and is likely responding to a past disturbance in the area, such as logging.