Widener University Journal of
Undergraduate
Ecological Research


    The research inquiry journal for the course
         Biology 301, Introduction to Ecology.


         Volume 7, Number 1, Summer 1999

         Dr. Bruce W. Grant, Editor
         Department of Biology,
         Widener University , Chester, PA, 19013.
         office Kirk. 200, 610-499-4017.
         grant@pop1.science.widener.edu


Please Read This Comment.

           The abstracts at this site were written by junior or senior undergraduates and are the culmination of semester long ecological research inquiries that are a core component of my ecology course at Widener University. These students are biology, environmental science, or science education majors and minors for whom my course is required.

           These abstracts (and the manuscripts to which they refer) have been peer reviewed by other students in the class according to specific guidelines I have generated for format, clarity, and the student reviewers' assessment of the scientific merit of their peer's manuscript.

           It is important for interested visitors of this site to understand that the results of the research inquiries reported in this journal are the results of course projects designed, conducted, and reviewed by undergraduate students in an ecology course.

           You are welcome to download some or all of the material I have posted at this site for your use in your ecology course. This does not include commercial uses for profit. If you do use any lengthy exerpts (more than 2 lines) of the material above, I request that you formally acknowledge this site and/or sites I have acknowledged as the source(s). I also request that you reciprocate and send me a copy of your ecology materials so that I may see what you have put together.

    Please send comments to me: grant@pop1.science.widener.edu.

    Copyright: Bruce W. Grant, 1999.



Volume 7, Number 1, Biology 301, Summer 1999.

  • 1. An Ecological Study on the Effects of Vernal Pond Cycles on Aquatic Biodiversity and Water Quality Compared to a Permanent Pond in Bucks County, PA. Tyesha Fuller, Tonia Mastrocola, and Melanie K. Wilcox.

  • 2. Comparative Analysis of Soil Quality in Brandywine State Creek Park vs. the New Jersey Pine Barrens. Kelli Baravordeh, Kelli Hursh, and Matthew Lenhardt.

  • 3. Plant Diversity and Soil Composition Along a Wet to Dry Gradient in the New Jersey Pine Barrens. Shelly Leonard and Mary Nather.


  • An Ecological Study on the Effects of Vernal Pond Cycles on Aquatic Biodiversity and Water Quality Compared to a Permanent Pond in Bucks County, PA. Tyesha Fuller, Tonia Mastrocola, and Melanie K. Wilcox.

    ABSTRACT:
           A vernal pond is a temporary pool that undergoes annual cycles of wet to dry. People have typically viewed stagnant, vernal ponds as unpleasing areas to see, live by, or visit. However, these wetlands enhance the diversity of invertebrates and amphibians by providing protection against predation. The diversity of invertebrates and amphibians was compared between a vernal pond and a permanent pond in Bucks County, PA. To strengthen our study, water quality was also compared. We hypothesized that species diversity and water quality would be less in the vernal pond due to periods of complete water loss. Organisms in the vernal pond must avoid desiccation annually and increasingly poor water quality. Data on amphibians and invertebrates was done by taking sweeps from the bottom of each pond. Water quality was tested using various Lamotte test kits, an Aquatru test kit, and a YSI-1000 oxygen analyzer. After data collected on amphibian and invertebrate diversity as well as water quality, the hypotheses were not supported. The data collected showed that amphibian and invertebrate diversity was greater in the vernal pond. After interpretation of the nutrient levels, we found that overall water quality for both ponds provided a healthy environment for the aquatic organisms. Statistical analysis is needed to further analyze the data on water quality. However, the collected data does support other research studies, supporting the need for temporary wetlands as a means of preserving biodiversity. Further research is needed on the effects of land development on vernal ponds and similar wetlands.




    Comparative Analysis of Soil Quality in Brandywine State Creek Park vs. the New Jersey Pine Barrens. Kelli Baravordeh, Kelli Hursh, and Matthew Lenhardt.

    ABSTRACT:
           Soil is defined as the naturally deposited plethora of material which encases the earth's surface and whose chemical, physical, and biological composition are able to support plant growth. Hence, soil analysis and testing are major management tools that aid in conserving and preserving this natural resource. The hypothesis generated for this study predicts that the soil quality will be better in Brandywine than in the Pine Barrens, merely based on dominant plant understory that the research team observed. Mineral levels, percolation rates, and pH levels were measured in soil samples taken from the riverbank, forest, and field areas of two different types of eastern forests. These locations were chosen to provide the best overview of each forest. Brandywine is a more practical habitat for soil because the pH levels are closer to neutral (pH 7) and the percolation rates are faster. However, the Pine Barrens contain nutrient levels that are better for the quality of the soil to flourish best. Therefore, the null hypothesis was accepted. Despite the rejection of the hypothesis, studying the soil quality in various forest types remains important ecologically because soil provides the foundation of organic and mineral matter that helps maintain green plant life above the earth's surface.




    Plant diversity and soil composition along a wet to dry gradient in the New Jersey Pine Barrens. Shelly Leonard and Mary Nather.

    ABSTRACT:
           (sorry not yet available...)




    Copyright: Bruce W. Grant, 1999.