User:Emily J. Ionescu/Notebook/Biology 210 at AU

01/26/2015 - Observing And Sampling of AU Transect #1

Purpose: By carefully analyzing a 20 by 20 meter transect of land on American University's campus, different niche characteristics of an ecosystems were studied. Balance within a niche, interactions of biotic and abiotic components and general characteristics of topography were areas of interest in this study.

Materials & Methods: Using the designated transect (Transect #1) defined by four, marked popsicle sticks, careful analysis of topographical features and location was performed. A 50mL conical tube was used to extract a representative sample of soil and vegetation from every part of the transect. After, 11.1g of the soil and vegetation sample were added to a plastic jar filled with 500mL of deerpark water. Next, 0.1gm of dried milk was also added, and the jar was mixed for approximately 10 seconds. The jar top having been removed, the open container was thereafter left out for the duration of a week.

Data & Observations: Transect #1 is a very grassy area, filled with various types of vegetation. It is located across the AU President's house and a few feet South of the "American University" sign. Behind the transect, there is a cemented pathway that leads to Massachusetts Avenue NW. From the Western end of the transect going East (Figure 1), the topography is somewhat hilly and increases in elevation. Furthermore, most of the vegetation is concentrated on the Eastern side of the transect (Figure 1).

[[<"https://docs.google.com/a/student.american.edu/file/d/0B8Io0GUP3HWWSUJyNmc2VlpMXzg/preview" width="640" height="480"></iframe>]]

Figure 1: Labeled aerial-view of Transect #1.

Moreover, the diverse abiotic and biotic components of the area were observed and recorded. The following are five of the abiotic components found on the surface: trash, sewer cap, rocks, snow and AU flower sign. The following are the five biotic components of this ecosystem: grass, moss, Red Cardinal flower, Cat Tail flower and straw plant.

Conclusion: The careful observations conducted on Transect #1 have shown that the area is highly diverse in vegetation and in its abiotic components. The location is not expected to change drastically over the next few weeks due to non-changing whether forecasts and overall stable environmental factors.

E.I.

01/19/2014 I am extremely excited about Spring semester in Biology 210! E.I.