Forest Ecology: Making Hypotheses

Forest Ecology: Making Hypotheses

Question: Why do Hemlock trees grow at the top of the ridge, and a variety of deciduous trees on the bottom?

Data Analysis:

Use the data collected in the field, as well as your researched information, and attached data sheet to answer the following questions about this forest scenario.

1.  What was the dominant tree species growing in community # 1 (on top of ridge)? How do you know this tree is dominant?

2.  Describe the landscape where these trees are growing.

3.  Describe the soil and root structure for this community (# 1).

4.  Describe the size of the Hemlocks in this community compared to the size of the trees found in community # 2 (on the bottom of the ridge.)

5.  What was the dominant tree species growing in community # 2? How does the dominance pattern for this community differ from that of community # 1?

6.  Describe the soil and root structure for community # 2.

7.  Describe the landscape where these trees (community 2) are growing.

Forming Conclusions:

Use the answers from your questions above, as well as your data, to form the following conclusions.

1.  Why did we find only large hemlock trees dominating at the top of the ridge?

2.  Why did we not find many deciduous trees in community # 1?

3.  Why did we find a variety of deciduous trees growing at the bottom of the ridge?

4.  Did the landscape / location of the trees in community #2 have any affect on their smaller size and population density (being so close together)? Explain.

5.  There was one or two very small Hemlock trees growing in community # 2, yet just ten meters away on the ridge, they were plentiful and huge. Given that Hemlocks can grow well in all soil types, what could account for such a drastic difference in the size of the Hemlocks?