
General Methadology for Instructors and TAs
Exercise 9: Edge Effects on Selected Aspects of Forest Microclimate
Module 9: Light and Temperature
- Background Lecture:
- On microclimatic factors and edge effects (Barbour, et al. Terrestrial Plant Ecology; Kimmins, Forest Ecology)
- Activities in the experiment:
- Establish transect and sampling points
- Collection of abiotic data - radiation intensity and temperature
- Data analysis (correlation)
- Hypotheses to test
- There is a temperature gradient from the forest edge inward, but should stabilize with distance. The question is what distance.
- Independent variables in the experiment
- Distance from forest edge
- Height of forest canopy
- Dependent variables that they could use in their experimental design.
- Radiation intensity
- Temperature
- Relative humidity?
- Student evaluation
- Based on presentation of results (written and oral)
- Preparation notes
- Data should be collected between 1100 and 1300 to minimize effects of sun angle.
- Lab is not practical if raining.
- Work in 2 groups.
- Other possibilities:
- Comparison between transects from forest edge inward and transects in an undisturbed portion of the forest
- Comparison of gap versus intact forest