User: | Open Learning Faculty Member:
Although my data collection may be more straightforward then other studies that involve in depth measurements and larger study areas, I still found I had some difficulty solidifying my study areas. Due to the fact the pond I am studying is irregularity shaped it was difficult to create study areas that were the exact same area and consistent with one another (i.e. similar amount of grassed area, pond water depth, etc). I used air photos and online mapping tools to create a rectangle surrounding the pond and then divided the rectangle evenly in four. The quadrants were divided by direction which was one pro as that is consistent, NW, NE, SE, SW and will be utilized as a variable. I found it difficult to conduct accurate population density of the species by counting for the heavily populated species since it was difficulty to differentiate between individuals and keep track, to counteract this I decided to create a range rather than an exact number. This may be subjective and difficult to confirm accuracy, so I repeated this population count once a week for 8 weeks. There was little to no variation between each visit, especially with mature vegetation like trees. However, I also believe this information is bias to the current season being fall compared to obviously Winter, Spring and Summer. I am confident supplementary research will assist me in supporting my data and I look forward to research pond management and diversity further.
