YorkU.Grassland.Woodlot.Sept27-2016.csv

Description of Data Column Labels: Quadrat Number: A quadrat of 1 m by 1m was randomly placed on the ground in order to observe and count insects. This was done ten times in the grassland and ten times in the woodlot. Habitat: Ten quadrats were randomly placed on the ground of the grassland and the insects observed were noted. An additional ten quadrats were randomly placed on the ground of the woodlot, where insects present were then counted. Total Numbers of Insects: The number of insects observed in each quadrat were totalled and recorded. Recognizable Taxonomic Units (RTUs): The number of different recognizable species was noted in each quadrat by observing and counting the different number of species in each. Additional Information: The data obtained in this experiment for the total number of insects and the recognizable taxonomic units (RTUs) was continuous as our data was numerical. The division of data into grassland or woodlot is categorical. The field site was located on the York University-Keele Campus on a grassland and woodlot area near Keele Street and York Boulevard. The conditions were cloudy and 21 degrees Celsius. The grassland was approximately 200m by 250m wide with tall trees around its perimeter. The woodlot was approximately 350m by 500m wide. Methods: Quadrats with an area of one squared metre were randomly placed in both the grassland and the woodlot to perform this experiment. The quadrats were left for 30 seconds before counts were noted. Once the 30 seconds had elapsed, the total number of insects was counted and the number of different species (RTUs) was determined. The data was then recorded. These observations began at 3 p.m and took approximately one hour in total to complete. Hypothesis: Regions of the grassland will have a higher total number of insects count as well as a greater number of recognizable taxonomic units present. Prediction: If the regions of grassland have a higher total number of insects as well as a greater number of recognizable taxonomic units, then the viability and diversity of insects is better supported for in the grassland habitat compared to the woodlot.