Atlantic Forest
General Methadology for Instructors and TAs

Exercise 9: Edge Effects on Selected Aspects of Forest Microclimate
Module 9: Light and Temperature

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  1. Background Lecture:
    • On microclimatic factors and edge effects (Barbour, et al. Terrestrial Plant Ecology; Kimmins, Forest Ecology)
  2. Activities in the experiment:
    • Establish transect and sampling points
    • Collection of abiotic data - radiation intensity and temperature
    • Data analysis (correlation)
  3. Hypotheses to test
    • There is a temperature gradient from the forest edge inward, but should stabilize with distance. The question is what distance.
  4. Independent variables in the experiment
    • Distance from forest edge
    • Height of forest canopy
  5. Dependent variables that they could use in their experimental design.
    • Radiation intensity
    • Temperature
    • Relative humidity?
  6. Student evaluation
    • Based on presentation of results (written and oral)
  7. 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