Observation Ecology Project Into the Woods Observation Ecology Project

Area Notes (as of April 24th): Terrain- Dirt with some vegetation Vegetation- Small weeds Flowers Skunk Cabbage Moss on tree Physical features- (kind of) fallen tree, yet the tree is still in tact with the ground Interrelationships in area- moss growing on tree animals using tree/tree trunk Special observations- side experiment: geocache I placed inside cracked tree trunk

Journal Entries 4/10/14 Extreme winds take place on this cool, partially cloudy day. Small signs of vegetation exist scattered around the area. Mosses have been located on the main tree I am focusing on. It is hard to tell whether or not the mosses share a parasitism or a commensalism relationship, but I do not think the fallen tree is harmed in any way by the moss. I have hidden a small shell in a cracked tree, so I will be able to see if it is still there the next time I visit. 4/22/14 It has been 12 days since my last visit and major changes have occurred. Large amounts of vegetation have sprouted in areas where soil is damp or wet. Moss is still on the fallen tree, and it is hard to tell if the amount has increased. The small shell was not in the cracked tree when I looked, but it was discovered on the ground nearby. I have decided to stop that mini project. Small spiders and flowers were also found around the area. 4/24/14 Not much has occurred since my last visit. Flowers are starting to grow more around the area. Unidentified tracks have been spotted, but I was unable to take a picture. The weather has been stable with partly cloudy skies and lots of wind. Buds on the trees are starting to become more noticeable. 5/1/14 Today is a decent day to be out in the woods. Partially sunny skies with gusts if wind every now and then. The skunk cabbage has noticeably grown behind my tree. There are more weeds and grasses growing around, and I am happy to announce that there are small leaves on all of the living trees!  I just kicked some bark off a dead tree on the ground and found termite trails.

Animal Habitat Spiders on tree trunk Termites Web was located, but no pictures were taken Termites Found in the bark of a dead tree

Identification of Plants Skunk Cabbage behind tree Random Flowers

Plant Identification (continued) Mosses/Fungi

Change Over Time 4/10/14 4/22/14 4/24/14 5/1/14

Audio Recording

Geocache

Food Chain LEAF INSECT MOUSE OWL

Food Web LEAVES FERNS BARK GRASS PLANT-EATING INSECTS DEER SQUIRRELS MICE SNAKES BEARS BOBCATS OWLS

Food Pyramid Bobcats 1 Owls 10 Squirrels 100 Leaves 1000

What I Learned The relationships in an ecological system is what balances out the lives of species. In my area, I was able to reflect on the importance of the food web and how it is a necessity to maintain a healthy ecosystem. If one species is wiped out, all balance is thrown off. For example, if bobcats went extinct, or the percentage of them declined dramatically, then the owls would overpopulate. What does this mean for the rest of the food web? Well, the increased number of owls would have to eat, so squirrels would eventually die off. Lets say that owls only eat squirrels. Now that they are gone, the owls would no longer have a food source and would die from starvation. See what I mean? The ecological balance is crucial for all living things. This project was very eye-opening and helped me better understand portions of ecology. I would be more than happy to take part in another project such as this one in the future.