Flower Diversity Lab

The purpose of this experiment is to observe the diversity of wild flower in two different areas as well as examine the causes of the difference in diversity. Wild flowers grow in certain areas depending on the amount of nutrients, light and interactions with other species that exist in that area. It is predicted that the diversity and abundance of the wild flower would decrease near the tree line in comparison to the open area in the middle of the field due to increase competition for resources between the small flowers and the tall trees.
The results supported my hypothesis. The results show that there was an increase in both the Shannon index and the Simpson’s index when transitioning from the indices near the tree line to the middle of the old field. The increase in both indices indicates increase in diversity in the area. Figure 1 of the experiment showed that there was generally more abundance of plants in the middle of the

Because of the numerous amount of trees near the tree line, there is a greater probability that the trees will cast a shadow over the wild flowers and prevent the flower from absorbing potential sunlight which would delay or prevent growth. Wild flowers that occupy the open area in the middle of the old field, however, do have shadows cast upon them and can therefore absorb more sunlight compare to the shaded flowers. Other experimentations performed show support of the hypothesis that was formed in this lab. It has been shown that the competition for light has a strong influence on the growth of plants (Coomes & Allen, 2007). According to David Coomes and Robert Allen competition for nutrient and sunlight will inhibit the growth of smaller plants and flowers. From the results it is seen that there is generally lower diversity of plants near the trees due to the