Quadrat Results - Spittal Pond
Pond #1
The first pond that we chose to do was the one nearest to the Western entrance and is the largest. Since we were not prepared to take samples of the organisms in the water, we investigated plant diversity which we took 4 quadrat samples. We hypothesized that there would be less diversity closer to the pond due to the high pH in brackish water and salinity in the mud. The mud makes it difficult to sustain a population because the water contains lots of salts as well.
Quadrat #1
This quadrat was 8 metres from the starting point (nearest to the pond). As you can see, there is not much plant diversity, and we spotted sea parsley in the same place. 20% of the sample were species and the rest mud.
Species total: 1
Species total: 1
Quadrat #2
The second sample was taken at 10 metres from the starting point. We see that the brittle black mangrove roots are very popular and is more abundant. Just 2 metres makes a difference as there are less open spots. The crab grass can withstand these growth conditions (dryer soil and lower pH).
Species total: 2
Species total: 2
Quadrat #3
The third sample is much further from the starting point, at 33 metres. We can see a huge difference, as the quadrat reveal 4 species really stand out. Compared to the first two, only black mangrove roots and sea parsley were spotted, however we now see clovers, crab grass, and a species of purple flowers. The quadrat is much fuller in this sample.
Species total: 4
Species total: 4
Quadrat #4
The final transect was taken at 35 metres. We see majority of the purple flower and lots of crab grass.
We have proven our hypothesis; plant diversity is greater further from the pond. This is due to differing salinity, pH levels, predation from insects that are closer to the pond, the presence of mud which lacks moisture and contains more gases is not present in samples further from the pond.
Species total: 2
We have proven our hypothesis; plant diversity is greater further from the pond. This is due to differing salinity, pH levels, predation from insects that are closer to the pond, the presence of mud which lacks moisture and contains more gases is not present in samples further from the pond.
Species total: 2
Pond #2
The second pond that we investigated was a smaller one where we took 3 samples. We hypothesized the same thing as the first group of sampling.
Quadrat #1
The first quadrat was taken at 10 metres from the pond. Majority of the species observed was weedle grass and a few yellow flowers known as naturtium.
Species total: 2
Species total: 2
Quadrat #2
The second quadrat was at 17 metres from the starting point. There was a gradual increase in the exposure of new species. 90% is naturium with 10% having the baby breath white flower. Obviously the grass is a large component of the sample.
Species total: 2
Species total: 2
Quadrat #3
The last sample consisted of more species with a lower abundance from 32 metres. 85% are purple flowers (the endemic bermudiana) with 5% cloves and 10% other unidentified shrubs.
In total, we went from only grass and 1 species of grass 10 metres from the pond to a high diversity of the Bermudiana and some yellow flowers. As we move further away, there is a lower abundance of the shrub in sample 2.
Species total: 3
In total, we went from only grass and 1 species of grass 10 metres from the pond to a high diversity of the Bermudiana and some yellow flowers. As we move further away, there is a lower abundance of the shrub in sample 2.
Species total: 3
Conclusion
Throughout the process, we used a random spot to collect data. The purpose of this was to obtain diversity within the pond, and by not being selective we identified various species. In pond #1, the dominant plant species was crab grass and for pond #2 the dominant plant species was yellow flowers as it was seen in 2/3 quadrats measured. Since we only measured plant diversity, there were no dominant animal species noticed. It would be more difficult to measure the diversity of their various movements and taxis. Plants are stationary thus easier to count. There were no anomalies in the data, and plant diversity was spread out throughout both ponds.
In pond #1, if the dominant plant species, crab grass, was suddenly removed then the ecosystem would suffer simply because they provide protection from predators because they are tall, and they are able to extract resources that other plants may not be able to so therefore they can still survive. In pond #2, if the yellow flowers were removed, there would be no significant change because as population moving further from the pond shows a steady increase and level off to the point where no new species are introduced past the 35m mark.
In pond #1, if the dominant plant species, crab grass, was suddenly removed then the ecosystem would suffer simply because they provide protection from predators because they are tall, and they are able to extract resources that other plants may not be able to so therefore they can still survive. In pond #2, if the yellow flowers were removed, there would be no significant change because as population moving further from the pond shows a steady increase and level off to the point where no new species are introduced past the 35m mark.