User: | Open Learning Faculty Member:
My research proposal focuses on not only abundance of Larrea tridentata but also to developmental success based on height (dried mass would be preferable but difficult and illegal in the scope of this course). These factors are being tested based on soil moisture in a semi-arid environment, namely the Sonoran shrublands of Arizona, USA. It was my hypothesis that creosote would be more successful in size and number with more access to moisture provided by the man-made oasis in Papago Park, Arizona. I tested this hypothesis through counting and measurement of creosote plants in pre-determined areas of varying distances from the water source. The shrublands have on average 11 inches of rain per year which is defined by some sources as arid and others as very semi-arid. This will limit the impact that unseasonal weather can have on soil moisture as more rain than usual can affect soil moisture.
My research touches on resource availability as a factor of reproductive success as well as growth. It also could be used in further research on competition for resources like water which are beyond the scope of this study. 3 keywords that apply to my proposal are arid shrublands, soil moisture, and reproductive success.
