Bao Duong Emily Rogers

University of Cincinnati Clermont College, Batavia, Ohio, USA.Professor Janet Carter

Ecology Bio. 303May 25th, 2012

AcknowledgmentsWe would like to give thanks to our Ecology

Professor at UC Clermont, Janet L. S. Carter, for teaching us all about ecology and letting us use her web pages. Thank you.

Table of ContentsSlide #s Title

1 Title Page

2 Acknowledgements

3 Table of Contents

4 List of Tables and Figures

5 Abstract

6, 7 Introduction

8, 9, 10, 11

Literature Review

12 - 22 Materials and Methods

23 -37 Results

38, 39, 40

Discussion

41 References

List of Tables and FiguresSlide Number Title of Table or Figure

14 Pictures of Amur & Japanese Honeysuckle

16 Pictures of Soil Analysis Set Up

18, 19 Pictures of Water Analysis Set Up

21, 22 Pictures of Water Analysis Set Up

24 Table of Honeysuckle Density

AbstractDuong, Bao. Rogers, Emily. 25 May 2012. Decrease

in Biodiversity due to Invasive Species.Lab data that was collected in the spring ecology

class at UC Clermont was used to analyze the decrease in biodiversity due to invasive species on campus. Flora sampling, environmental factors, soil analysis and water analysis was all done to compare campus factors and diversity. Relative density was done to compare the numbers of honeysuckle present on campus, which was found to decrease the biodiversity due to the invasive species.

I: IntroductionInvasive Species have played a role to the

native environments around the world. Invasive species have been shown to have the potential to cause harm to the native wildlife by competition of resources, which can decrease biodiversity.

The purpose of this experiment was to evaluate the invasive species: Japanese, and Amur Honeysuckle and their impact to biodiversity on campus at UC Clermont.

I: Introduction continuedResearch on the invasive species on campus should

be noticed and cared about, because it deals with the future diversity of wildlife on campus.

This research should be done to keep a running track of year to year basis and data for future references. The information gathered will lead to show the growth or dis-growth of the invasive species.

The effects of the invasive species to its ecosystem on campus is interesting and useful information that is gained by this research.

II: Literature ReviewIn the past, experiments have shown the

effects of invasive species to genetic diversity within a population of a species.

Major threats of invasive species includes: • predation,• decreasing biodiversity,• altering ecological conditions and• competition for resources (National Wildlife

Federation)

II: Literature ReviewCalsbeek (2010) examined the genetic impact

on Brown Anole Lizard (Anolis sagrei),due to predation of an invasive specie (rats).

Calsbeek has shown that an invasive species could decrease the genetic diversity of Brown Anole Lizards. (Evolution is defined as the change of

frequency of various alleles for some gene in a given population through time).

(Gasc et al. August 10, 2010)

II: Literature ReviewThe problem in the Calsbeek experiment was

not knowing the number of rats found in the area, which could be in a small or broad range.

This could lead unexpected results depending on the number of rats (small to large numbers).

Another problem for the Calsbeek experiment is not knowing the effects of the rats to other species native to the island, to compare biodiversity.

(Gasc et al. August 10, 2010)

II: Literature ReviewIn The Decrease in Biodiversity due to

Invasive Species experiment, the frequencies of organisms were calculated, to show the distribution of the two invasive honeysuckle species to other species in Clermont College.

The amount of abiotic input and components will also be measured to determine the effects of these components to the Clermont College Community.

III: Materials and MethodsAll experimental procedures were used from

Professor Janet Carter’s protocols.

Protocols listed below: in Ecology Lab Protocol BookFlora Sampling: Herb Plots (Page 53)Flora Sampling: Shrub Plots (Page 59)Soil Analysis (Page 33)Water Analysis (Page 83)Environmental Factors (Page 63)(All of Janet Carter’s protocols are assessable online)(Carter May 27, 2009)

1) Flora Sampling: Herb & Shrub PlotsPurpose: To determine quantitatively the different

kinds of herbs/shrubs present in an ecosystem.Area: Dogwood Grove (2 samples)Herb and Shrub Plots were examined in Dogwood

GroveThe boundary of each area were 1m2 for Herbs

The boundary of each area were 16m2 for ShrubsPlots were by groups counting the number of species of

herbs and shrubs.Relative density analysis was determined for each

plotDistribution analysis was performed by Chi2 test

Picture of Honeysuckle Specimens

Figure I-Amur Honeysuckle (Lonicera maackii)

Figure II-Japanese Honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica)

2) Soil AnalysisPurpose: To determine various components of soil

samplesSoil collected: Near the “Bubble” building. Chemical Analysis: Using a testing kit and procedure

from LaMotte, the soil was examined for the amount of Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium.

Subjective Analysis: The soil was analyzed for the percent of clay in each sample. Classifications of soil: “Clay” “Clay-loam”, and loam. Each classification was determined in how well the soil ribbon forming, and how fast it breaks.

Mechanical Analysis was used to get a general idea about the type of soil, using a water suspension, and a sieve with different diameters. Types of soil: very coarse, coarse, medium-grained, fine and very fine.

Soil Analysis Set Up Sieve Lab set up:

3) Water AnalysisPurpose: To determine water quality by measuring

the hardness, acidity, chloride content and dissolved oxygen content.

Hardness: The hardness of water was determined by doing titrations by measuring the carbonate content.

Acidity of the water was determined by a pH meter with buffer solutions.

Chloride content was measuring after doing a titration of silver nitrate.

Dissolve oxygen content was determined by making an manganese and alkali solution, than was acidified with sulfuric acid.

Water Analysis Set Up: Titration Water Sample

Water Analysis Set Up: Water Sampling

in South Maple Creek

pH Meter

4) Environmental FactorsPurpose: To examine and compare differences in light

intensity temperature, humidity, and wind velocity in an area.

Areas: Dogwood Grove, Grassy area by maples, Ponds, Southwest Aux. Lot, Former Wetlands, and Bubble bare soil.

Light Intensity was measured with a light meter in the same area and under 3 scales: low, medium and high.

Air Temperature was read by a psychrometer in Celsius. At the dry and wet bulb sides.

Relative Humidity was determined by the sliding scales of the psychrometer.

Soil Temperature was determined by a soil thermometer in the ground in centigrade.

Wind Velocity was measured by a wind meter stick.

Environmental Factors Set Up Psychrometer Light Meter

Environmental Factors Set Up Soil

Thermometer Wind Meter

IV: ResultsFrom:

1) Flora and Fauna SamplingFound relative density of the honeysuckle

Table of Honeysuckle DensityTable I

Species Density per 16 m2 Relative Density

Amur

Honeysuckle

1.56 20.7%

Japanese

Honeysuckle

.875 11.6%

IV: ResultsFrom:

2) Soil Analysis:Subjective Analysis

Clay loam soil The ribbon is formed but broke easily, the soil is 27-

40% clay.

IV: ResultsFrom:

2) Soil Analysis:Chemical Analysis (LaMotte Soil Test Kit)

pH = 5 Nitrogen = Low Phosphorus = Low Potassium = Heavy

IV: ResultsFrom:

2) Soil Analysis:Mechanical Analysis (from sieve)

2mm = 0.23 grams 1mm = 0.52 grams 500um = 1.07 grams 250 um = 1.14 grams 125 um = 1.08 grams 63 um = 0.48 grams Bottom = 0.63 grams

IV: ResultsFrom:

3) Water Analysis (in Dogwood Grove)pH = 5.8Hardness = 11.0 ppm CaCO3Chloride = 0.014 g Cl- / L H2OO2 content = 5.87 mg O2 / L H2O

IV: ResultsFrom:

4) Environmental Factors (From Dogwood Grove)

Light Intensity (foot-candles) High = 205 Medium = 60 Low = 20

IV: ResultsFrom:

4) Environmental Factors (From Dogwood Grove)

Light Intensity (milliphot) High = 220.58 Medium = 64.56 Low = 21.52

IV: ResultsFrom:

4) Environmental Factors (From Dogwood Grove)

Air Temperature ( °C) Dry Bulb = 23 Wet Bulb = 20

IV: ResultsFrom:

4) Environmental Factors (From Dogwood Grove)

Relative Humidity (%) 75

IV: ResultsFrom:

4) Environmental Factors (From Dogwood Grove)

Soil Temperature ( °C) 18

IV: ResultsFrom:

4) Environmental Factors (From Dogwood Grove)

Wind Velocity (mph) & (cm/sec) Head Height =0 =0 Ground Height = 0 =0

IV: ResultsThe data collected shows that both

honeysuckle species composes about 32.3% of the community together with Amur Honeysuckle with 20.7% relative density and Japanese Honeysuckle (11.6%).

The Chi2 test calculated that Chi2 was 13.495. (distribution analysis)

The Chi2 from table: 3.841

IV: ResultsThe results from all of the labs combined,

shows us that the plants/air/soil/water/ and temperature affected by the local plants and the invasive honeysuckle present.

The environment seems to have the conditions that are ideal for the invaders in this area.

IV: ResultsContinued data gathered in this area, on

these factors will lead to further results and conclusions for action.

V: Discussion Overall the data has shown that there are

numerous honeysuckle plants in the Clermont wildlife.

The Japanese and Amur Honey suckle roughly composes around 32.3 percent each plot, which could play a role against native species. They were also seen wrapped around the trunks of the tress, to compete for resources. The soil, water and the amount of light was just perfect for them Making it the perfect environment.

The statistical analysis and distribution analysis also suggests that the Japanese Honeysuckle distribution is clumped, but the results might be a little inaccurate since only two plots were done.

This could be later researched for more accurate results, if needed.

V: Discussion Possible sources of error include the fact that

only two plots were censused. To be more accurate, it is suggested that more plots should counted in order to produce more accurate measurements.

V: Discussion A future experiment could be comprised of

comparing the honeysuckle amounts on campus to other locations on campus; or to other areas around Ohio.

VI: ReferencesCarter, Janet. Clermont College, "Ecology." Last modified May 27, 2009. Accessed May 24, 2012. http://biology.clc.uc.edu/courses/bio303/index.htm.

Gasc, Amandine, M.C. Duryea, Robert M. Cox, Andrew Kern, and Ryan Calsbeek. PLoS Hubs: Biodiversity, "Invasive Predators Deplete Genetic Diversity of Island Lizards." Last modified August 10, 2010. Accessed May 24, 2012. http://www.plosone.org/article/info:doi/10.1371/journal.pone.0012061.