Ground vegetation and tree species diversity comparison between upland and semi-wetland sites

1 College Street
Maxwell Building for Sciences
within Cupid Falls
Young Harris College
Young Harris, GA 30582
Emiley Melendez & Paul Arnold
Phone: (423) 933-5238 Department of Biology
ecjenkins@yhc.edu
Young Harris College, Young Harris, GA

Abstract Corners of each plot were numbered 1-4, and one was chosen by random for each plot also using Discussion
randomnumbers.org. The corner chosen was the starting point for that plot and from there the first pair
Plant diversity is important to retain and protect, as plants play a significant role in on the randomized list that stays within the 40m x 40m plot was used to place the first quadrant or center Explanations for Results
both ecosystem function and human use purposes. Plant diversity within Georgia flag. From that spot, the randomized list was followed to move onto the next sample. r/K selection theory
specifically, is vast due to the varying ecosystem types found within the state. This If the degree and pace number led outside of the plot, it was thrown out and the next set of numbers Competition and dominant species
study focuses on an upland and a semi-wetland habitat within northern Georgia were followed. Cold weather
located in Cupid Falls Park within Towns Co., GA. Using quadrant and circle sample Similar Study Comparisons
methods, ground vegetation and tree species were identified and counted during a 10 m Wetland biodiversity studies tend to show that wetland habitats have greater
from September 2020 through February 2021. Tree diameters were also measured. diversity due to an abundance of certain resources, like water and nutrients, which
Diversity indices including species richness and evenness, Shannon Diversity Index, and increases the net primary productivity of multiple plant species. Our data supports
percent composition were calculated for both the upland and semi-wetland sites for this conclusion. However, our study seems to indicate that certain ground-level
ground vegetation and tree species. Tree species’ richness and evenness both were vegetation seem to respond more favorably to these additional resources than others.
higher within the semi-wetland site while ground vegetation showed increased richness (Flinn et al., 2008; Bedford et al., 1999)
but decreased evenness in the semi-wetland site. Simpson’s Index of Diversity and the 5m Another study investigated how habitat type may be of major interest for
Shannon Diversity Index both showed a higher diversity of tree species within the semi- understanding changes in species richness. Results found that habitats showed
wetland site versus the upland site, and a higher diversity of ground vegetation species contrasting biodiversity dynamics and should be included in future biodiversity
within the upland site versus the semi-wetland site. Wetland biodiversity studies tend studies (Hautekèete et al., 2015).
to show that wetland habitats have greater diversity due to an abundance of certain Deduction
resources, like water and nutrients, which increases the net primary productivity of “Degradation and loss of natural habitat is the major driver of the current global
multiple plant species. Our data supports this conclusion. However, our study seems to biodiversity crisis,” (Mokany et al., 2020)
indicate that certain ground-level vegetation seem to respond more favorably to these Figure 2. Circle sampling method for tree In order to protect biodiversity, all habitats need to be protected as each has unique
Figure 1. Square quadrant for ground
additional resources than others. species sampling. plants/organisms.
vegetation species sampling.
Establish protected areas, including legislation and programs to limit threats (limit
Introduction land clearing and forest degradation/sustainable building)
Results Habitat restoration
Biodiversity is on the decline. Plant diversity, types of species present, and the Educate yourself and others
Ground Vegetation- Richness was higher for the Tree Species- Richness and evenness were both
abundance of species heavily influence ecosystem functioning (Tilman, 1997). Plant
semi-wetland site, while evenness was higher for higher within the semi-wetland site and lower within
biodiversity is important because we use plants for food, clothing, shelter, medicines,
the upland site. the upland site. Limitations Future Research
and more (Bidlack, Jansky, & Stern, 2014). Plants also protect watersheds, mitigates
The upland site (2.51) had a higher Shannon The semi-wetland site (2.37) had a higher Shannon
erosion, and moderates climate (Biodiversity of Plants, 2020). Timing causing an additional wetland Replication study
diversity index than the semi-wetland site (1.66) for diversity index than the upland site (1.37) for tree
Wetlands Uplands site to be cut out Additional wetland site
ground vegetation species. species.
Undrained hydric soil Lands that are not defined as wetlands are Cold & changing temperatures killing off Summer study
Saturated with water, or covered by classified as upland habitats. 40 0.8
16 0.9
vegetation Soil Samples
shallow water at some time during the Do not consist of hydric soil 35 0.7

Acknowledgements
0.85
15

growing season of each year Are not covered with water 30 0.6
14
0.8

Supports mainly hydrophytes Do not largely support hydrophyte species 25 0.5 0.75
Young Harris College Biology Department

Species Evenness
Species Richness

Species Evenness
Species Richness
13

Georgia’s ecological diversity is complex and wide-ranging 20 0.4 0.7

Dr. Paul Arnold for his contributions both in and out of the field, and advice
12
Within Georgia, many ecosystems and habitats exist where unique plants and animals 15 0.3 0.65
Dr. Jonathon Davis for data analysis assistance
have adapted (Pennisi & Cummings, 2009). 10 0.2
11
0.6
Dr. Jonathon Davis’s Fall ’20 Vertebrate Zoology students for placement of study site
5 0.1 10
0.55
flags
Objective 0
Upland
0
Semi-Wetland
9
Upland
0.5
Semi-Wetland

This study determined if plant and tree diversity and composition varied between the
Site

Richness Evenness
Site

Richness Evenness
References
two sites: upland and semi-wetland within Cupid Falls Park located in Young Harris, Figure 3. Ground vegetation species richness and Figure 4. Tree species richness and evenness Bedford, B. L., Walbridge, M. R., & Aldous, A. (1999). PATTERNS in nutrient availability and plant diversity of temperate
Georgia. evenness for upland and semi-wetland sites within for upland and semi-wetland sites within north AMERICAN WETLANDS. Ecology, 80(7), 2151-2169. doi:10.1890/0012-9658(1999)080[2151:pinaap]2.0.co;2
Bidlack, J. E., Jansky, S. H., & Stern, K. R. (2014). Stern's Introductory plant biology. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill.
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Methods
Ground Vegetation-16 1m x 1m quadrant sampling plots per site
A randomized list was created using randomnumbers.org consisting of a directional
degree (0-359) and a number (10-20) for the number of paces to determine quadrant
location. Once a quadrant was in place, all ground vegetation within the square was
identified and counted.
Trees- 5 10m diameter circle sampling plots per site
A second randomized list was created consisting of a directional degree (0-359) and a
number (20-40) for the number of paces. When the center flag of the 10m diameter
circle was placed, the string was extended, and all trees that the string crossed while
forming a full circle were identified, counted, and measured 0.914m high on the trunk
for circumference. If a tree had multiple trunks, the circumferences of each were
added together for a total. Once a tree was counted, a flag was placed at its base.
Considerations. The American Naturalist, 106(947), 14-31. Retrieved April 5, 2021, from
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1.66
1.6
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0.6
Isbell, F., Calcagno, V., Hector, A., Connolly, J., Harpole, W. S., Reich, P. B., ... & Weigelt, A. (2011). High plant diversity is
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Upland Semi-Wetland
Upland Semi-Wetland needed to maintain ecosystem services. Nature, 477(7363), 199-202.
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