| Abstract Detail
Teaching Section Goodwillie, Carol [1]. Ecology, evolution and undergraduate education: pulling it all together in a long-term field experiment. A long-term study that addresses classic questions in community ecology provides an opportunity for undergraduates to participate in field research carried out at a large spatial and temporal scale. Since 2003, undergraduate researchers at East Carolina University have investigated the effects of fertilizer and mowing on the plant community at a wetland site. In seven years of sampling the plant community, we have observed significant effects of the two treatments on species diversity and composition, abundance of obligate wetland species, and relative dominance of forbs, grasses and woody plants. We are currently expanding the study to investigate effects of the disturbance on genetic diversity of several dominant focal species and to test for adaptation to experimental treatments. Undergraduate biology courses associated with the site train students in field methods, data management and analysis and hypothesis testing. Broader Impacts:
Log in to add this item to your schedule
1 - EAST CAROLINA UNIVERSITY, Department Of Biology, Mail Stop 551, GREENVILLE, NC, 27858, USA
Keywords:
long-term experiment
Environmental Education
undergraduate research
plant diversity.
Presentation Type: Oral Paper:Papers for Sections
Session: 37
Location: Waterman Room/Chase Park Plaza
Date: Tuesday, July 12th, 2011
Time: 1:35 PM
Number: 37002
Abstract ID:122 |
