Environmental Gradient– Slope position of the organism (Upper, Mid, Lower/Toe)
Hypothesis
The recent logging has intensified the environmental stressors (drought and intense sun exposure) causing the existing Cedar to thrive under their new conditions. I predict that, if BC experiences another heat wave, the onsite Cedar trees will weaken or die completely.
The Cedar on the lower slopes that have adjacent mature trees along their southern boundary will have the highest probability of maintaining their established presence.
It was this small patch of Cedar trees that caught my attention. The Cedar appeared to be healthier and more abundant, in this particular area, than the Douglas fir or western larch trees. This area has high exposure to the sun with shallow soils, which makes it prone to drought. This patch of Cedar appeared to have been outperforming the fir and larch prior to the harvesting of the adjacent stand that occurred in the fall of 2018.
One thought to “Post 3 – Ongoing Field Observations”
Hi mrode,
It looks like you have found an interesting subject area to study. Considering we are learning so much about disturbances it is relevant to see the outcome for these trees. The pieces and pattern of the study area clearly stated. I wonder if it would be beneficial to make your hypothesis a little clearer by defining your predictor variable i.e. what defines a heat wave, for example what temperature over how many days. Once the predictor variable is clearly defined, it will be easy to observe this in a field setting.
The response variable you will be observing is clear and will be easy to record in the field setting but I wonder if you could/should be a little more specific about what stress indicators you will be observing ex. brittle, browning or limp branches. If you outlined the criteria it may make the response variable easier to easier to record. The hypotheses is falsifiable if the trees thrive, so that piece works.
Potential confounding variables are if the logging extended into the study area, a forest fire or the invasion of aggressive insect. I don’t think any of these are very likely so I don’t believe you should be concerned about these potential disturbances. A potential confounding variable I would be concerned about is if we do not have a heat wave, the hypothesis will then be invalid.
Great work so far, I am interested to follow the outcome of your field study.
Hi mrode,
It looks like you have found an interesting subject area to study. Considering we are learning so much about disturbances it is relevant to see the outcome for these trees. The pieces and pattern of the study area clearly stated. I wonder if it would be beneficial to make your hypothesis a little clearer by defining your predictor variable i.e. what defines a heat wave, for example what temperature over how many days. Once the predictor variable is clearly defined, it will be easy to observe this in a field setting.
The response variable you will be observing is clear and will be easy to record in the field setting but I wonder if you could/should be a little more specific about what stress indicators you will be observing ex. brittle, browning or limp branches. If you outlined the criteria it may make the response variable easier to easier to record. The hypotheses is falsifiable if the trees thrive, so that piece works.
Potential confounding variables are if the logging extended into the study area, a forest fire or the invasion of aggressive insect. I don’t think any of these are very likely so I don’t believe you should be concerned about these potential disturbances. A potential confounding variable I would be concerned about is if we do not have a heat wave, the hypothesis will then be invalid.
Great work so far, I am interested to follow the outcome of your field study.