User:Deanna Fleary/Notebook/Biology 210 at AU

12/15/15 Transect 2 at American University

Purpose: Observe the ecosystem within our transect. Observations are done so as to understand interactions and complexities present in different niches of an ecosystem. The characteristics of our transect will be composed of both biotic and abiotic features, which all when interacting together form an ecosystem.

Materials and Methods: For the lab, a 20 by 20 meter transect is needed which will be the focus of the observations. The general characteristics of the transect, including location and topography were described. An ariel view diagram was collected as well as a list of the biotic and abiotic features within the transect.

Data and Observations: Transect 2 is located on the Northside of the American University campus near Hughes Hall and McDowell Hall. The area is open with few trees and view obstructions, and the placement of many of the components were man chosen and did not appear there naturally.

Table 1: Abiotic and Biotic Features with Transect	'
Feature	Characterization	Location Number
Tree	Biotic	1
Moss	Biotic	2
Leaves	Biotic	3
Bush	Biotic	4
Soil	Biotic	5
Informational Plaque	Abiotic	6
Bench	Abiotic	7
Stones	Abiotic	8
Snow	Abiotic	9
Cigarette	Abiotic	10

Aerial Transect View:

Photo 1:

Photo 2:

Photo 3:

Conclusions and Future Directions: The transect contained both abiotic and biotic features which together make up the ecosystem. Further experimentation will be done to identify the organisms (plants, bacteria, protist…) in the transect so that the interaction and complexities present within an ecosystem can be understood.

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1/21/15

Public Health major, history minor.

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