User:Emilie M. Ryan-Castillo/Notebook/Biology 210 at AU

Purpose:

Observe characteristics of niches within a transect at American University. Understand the diversity and complexity of ecosystems and biotic and abiotic features within them.

Materials and Methods

A transect of land of 20 by 20 meters within American University grounds was given to each group of students. The transect observed was the marsh land or transect one. Transect will be observed over a series of weeks. Many different factors would be observed such as weather, amount of water, pollution, wildlife, and abiotic features. A collection of 50 mL of soil and ground vegetation was taken in order to make a Hay Infusion Culture.

Data and Observations

Transect one assigned to my group was the marsh lands. The marsh lands were located near the Massachusetts entrance to American University across from Kogod School of Business.

Our transect was very diverse and many different types of abiotic and biotic features. Some biotic features it contained were cattail bushes, grass, ferns, moss, and weeds. Some abiotic features transect one contain were soil, boulders, pollution, salt, and a water drain.

Conclusion:

After a few weeks of observation you an tell that although the marsh transect seemed like a simple man made landscape it contain niches. In just 20 by 20 meters there was a lot diversity within in it.