Blog post 7: Theoretical Perspectives
My research explores the relationship between the abundance of Athyrium filix-femina (lady fern) and soil moisture at Pierard Creek in North Vancouver. In my study, I assume that there is higher soil moisture at closer locations to the creek compared to further away, and I am interested in how this environmental gradient impacts the growth of A. filix-femina.
Environmental conditions, such as water availability, are critical in determining plant abundance through influencing the growth conditions. Therefore, the ideas that underpin my research are the impact of abiotic factors on the ecology of an ecosystem.
Water is a vital resource for ferns, influencing processes such as growth and nutrient uptake. Areas closer to the creek are expected to have higher soil moisture, which are expected to create more favorable conditions for A. filix-femina, since previous studies determined that ferns tend to grow best in high moisture environments.
Keywords: Athyrium filix-femina abundance, Abiotic factors, Soil moisture.
Sounds like a good start to a background for your intro in your paper