Brown County Field Lab

Objective:
The purpose of going to Brown County was to practice observation skills by studying species in their environments. We tested and/or observed four things: forest succession after a fire, plant growth and light intensity, shore structure and animal life, and emergent properties.

Part I: The Fire Escarpment and Forest Succession

Question: What is the effect of deer overpopulation on succession in the fire escarpment?

Background: Forest succession, occurring in two parts, is the rebuilding after a destructive event, such as a fire. During Primary Succession, plants begin to grow, building the way for more complex organisms. Secondary Succession is when more species, including animals, begin to enter and live in the area. Forest succession allows the habitat to begin a new cycle of interactions and life. Eventually, a climax community will be reached, where the habitat is completely restored.

Null Hypothesis: The thorn length will be shorter in the surrounding a...