User: | Open Learning Faculty Member:
Blog Post 1:
I have chosen two locations at different elevations within the city of Hamilton, Ontario. The first is a grassy area located near the campus of McMaster University, located 90m above sea level. This area is very flat with some trees and short grass throughout. It is located in a suburban area sandwiched between the university on one side and residential homes on the other. I first visited the site at approximately 10am on March 27th. The weather was overcast with light rain and it is currently transitioning between winter and spring with temperatures ranging from 0-10 degrees Celsius.
The second location that I have chosen is called Inch Park, located approximately 200m above sea level. This area is also very flat with trees, shrubs, and short grass throughout. It is a park located in a suburban area surrounded by a recreation complex, playground, and other amenities. I first visited the site at approximately 12pm on March 27th. The weather was overcast with light rain, but the temperature is slightly colder and the season was the same as discussed previously. The area is designated municipal park so there is lots of foot traffic.
- Does the elevation change and consequent temperature change affect the budding of trees and growth of elevation?
- Does the rain and temperature affect the presence of animals, more specifically birds?
- Does the difference in human presence between the areas affect the presence and behavior of animals?
-
Site #1, near McMaster University 
Site #2, Inch Park
some good questions!
This is a very interesting experiment – I am curious to see what your predictions may be! I was thinking it might be smart to consider the soil type you are studying as well as the slope of the area. Higher elevations tend to have more eroded soil if they have a slope. It would be very interesting to see the impacts of rain and temperature as I know temperature can quickly change with an increase in elevation. Overall, great ideas!!!!