cometadata/datacite-titles-descriptions-related-identifiers huggingface dataset:
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.1591101
title: Insect Abundance and Light (Stong Pond Grassland and Saywell Woodlot)

description: The purpose of this experiment was to determine if the amount of light in a particular habitat affected the insect abundance. This experiment was conducted on October 19th, 2015 and October 26th, 2015 at York University at approximately 15:00 (EST) for both days. On October 19th, 2015 the skies were partly cloudy, the temperature was 13 degrees Celsius, and the wind speed was 8 mph. On October 26th, 2015 the skies were fair (showed less than 40% cloud cover), the temperature was 10 degrees Celsius, and the wind speed was 6 mph. The experiment took place in two locations: Stong Grassland and Saywell Woodlot. Sharon Dhami and Anosha Rahmany gathered data in the Stong Grassland. Data was collected in Saywell Woodlot by Sarah Alsammarraie and Yusuf Syed. Data was collected by using ten pan traps in the grassland and ten pan traps in the woodlot. A line transect tape was used to measure two metres in between each positioned pan trap. Ten pan traps were placed in alternating colours (no two pan traps of the same colour were adjacent to one another). Soapy water was poured into each pan trap and then they were set out for one hour in their habitat. After an hour had passed, the abundance, RTUs, and canopy coverage was recorded at each positioned bowl. The canopy coverage was obtained by positioning fingers to form a square, placing up to chest height, and looking through the square in order to estimate the percentage of tree visible in proportion to the amount of sky in the square. This method was used for both Day 1 and Day 2.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.1591098
title: Moisture vs Species Abundance

description: Data was collected twice over two weeks to determine if moisture levels in the woodlots and grassland effected species abundance. Group members included Taylor, Amena, Antoni and Keerthana. Data collection began on Monday October 19, 2015 between 2:50 pm - 5:00 pm the weather was 14 degrees Celsius, partly cloudy with winds of 26km/hour southeast and the humidity at 49%. Data collection continued on Monday October 26, 2015 between 2:50 pm - 5:00 pm the weather was 9 degrees Celsius, scattered clouds with winds of 14 km/hour southeast and humidity was 57%. Dambi Woods located on York Campus was the location of the data collection as there was both grassland (limited canopy) and woodlot (denser canopy). The grassland area had high grass with scattered tree cover and the woodlot area was a forest with more tree cover. Starting point was a specific tree located at the entrance of the grasslands and a tree located at the entrance of the woodlots. Using a random number generator, the number of steps between each quadrant was determined. 60 quadrants ( 1 m x 1 m) were laid out in the grassland area and 60 quadrants were laid out in the woodlot area. Each quadrant was observed for 5 minutes for insect (species) activity. Some insects that were spotted were red ants, flies, spiders, beetles, and grasshoppers. An overall species count was noted and then a breakdown of the species observed was noted.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.1591099
title: Urban Impact on Plant Density

description: This experiment was conducted by Frankie, Alex, Abera, Sufyan and Elaine at York University Keele campus.The data was collected on October 19/26, 2015 between 2:30 PM and 4:30PM.The temperature was around 13-16 degrees and it was partly sunny. For our experiment we were testing how human activity affected plant abundance.The plant species we used were the dandelion (Taraxacum Officinale). The variables used were pollutants and the amount of solid garbage. Quadrats were randomly placed 3-15 FT, 60-110 FT, 110-200FT from a major road. For each section 50 quadrats were placed for a total of 150 quadrats. Within each quadrat the number of dandelions and garbage was counted and recorded.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.1591100
title: Effects of Sunlight Coverage and Soil Moisture on Abundance of Plant Species

description: The dataset for the experiment was collected on October 19,2015 from 2:30 pm- 5:30pm at the York University’s Danby grassland. The weather remained constant at 14 degrees Celsius with winds and mostly clear skies. The grass and soil were slightly moist due to rainfall in the preceding days. The purpose of the experiment was to observe if there is any correlations between the number of plant species in a Danby grassland and the amount of sunlight available and the moisture of the soil that the plants are planted in. In order to conduct the experiment, quadrats were placed throughout the Danby grassland; it was assured that all varying areas of the grassland were covered. After each quadrat was placed the abundance of plants species, the sunlight coverage and the moisture level of the soil were measured. The abundance of plant species was simply obtained by counting the different species within each quadrat. The sunlight coverage was calculated using a scale ranging 0-4 where 0= 0% sun coverage, 1=25% sun coverage, 2=50% sun converge, 3= 75% sun converge and 4= 100% sun coverage. A value was assigned by observing how much of the quadrat’s area was covered by sunlight. Finally, the moisture level of the soil was also calculated using a scale. The scale ranged from 0-3 where 0= completely dry(sand-like), 1= slightly dry, 2= slightly moist and 3= moist. The soil that embedded the plants in each quadrat was felt by hand and then given a corresponding value.The experiment was conducted by 4 students, Savannah, Krystal, Mustafa and Sumera. The group of 4 divided into groups of 2 and each pair conducted 60 replicates.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.1591101.v1
title: Insect Abundance and Light (Stong Pond Grassland and Saywell Woodlot)

description: The purpose of this experiment was to determine if the amount of light in a particular habitat affected the insect abundance. This experiment was conducted on October 19th, 2015 and October 26th, 2015 at York University at approximately 15:00 (EST) for both days. On October 19th, 2015 the skies were partly cloudy, the temperature was 13 degrees Celsius, and the wind speed was 8 mph. On October 26th, 2015 the skies were fair (showed less than 40% cloud cover), the temperature was 10 degrees Celsius, and the wind speed was 6 mph. The experiment took place in two locations: Stong Grassland and Saywell Woodlot. Sharon Dhami and Anosha Rahmany gathered data in the Stong Grassland. Data was collected in Saywell Woodlot by Sarah Alsammarraie and Yusuf Syed. Data was collected by using ten pan traps in the grassland and ten pan traps in the woodlot. A line transect tape was used to measure two metres in between each positioned pan trap. Ten pan traps were placed in alternating colours (no two pan traps of the same colour were adjacent to one another). Soapy water was poured into each pan trap and then they were set out for one hour in their habitat. After an hour had passed, the abundance, RTUs, and canopy coverage was recorded at each positioned bowl. The canopy coverage was obtained by positioning fingers to form a square, placing up to chest height, and looking through the square in order to estimate the percentage of tree visible in proportion to the amount of sky in the square. This method was used for both Day 1 and Day 2.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.1591099.v1
title: Urban Impact on Plant Density

description: This experiment was conducted by Frankie, Alex, Abera, Sufyan and Elaine at York University Keele campus.The data was collected on October 19/26, 2015 between 2:30 PM and 4:30PM.The temperature was around 13-16 degrees and it was partly sunny. For our experiment we were testing how human activity affected plant abundance.The plant species we used were the dandelion (Taraxacum Officinale). The variables used were pollutants and the amount of solid garbage. Quadrats were randomly placed 3-15 FT, 60-110 FT, 110-200FT from a major road. For each section 50 quadrats were placed for a total of 150 quadrats. Within each quadrat the number of dandelions and garbage was counted and recorded.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.1591095
title: Plant Abundance in Saywell Woodlot and Stong Pond Grassland in York University (Keele Campus)

description: Data was collected on two spate days 1 week apart. Woodlot trials 1, 2, and Grassland trials 1 was collected on October 19. 2015. The temperature was 16oC. Woodlot trial 3, and grassland trials 2, and 3 were collected on October 26. 2015. The temperature was 10oC. All data was collected either at the Saywell Woodlot, or the Stong Pond Grassland. 10 transects were chosen for each trial, each measuring 10 meters. Sites for transects were chosen by walking 5-10 steps away from the previous spot of the transect. Plants that were 6 feet in height or less, and 1 meter away from the 10 meter transect were included in the count. Dead plants were excluded from the count. The type of species and the individuals belonging to that species was recorded as “Species (# of individuals)”. The total number of individuals belonging to all species in that area observed, were recorded as “Plant Abundance”. The canopy cover of the area around the transect was measured by making a square with the hands and estimating the percentage of tree foliage covering the square. Finally, “Human Activity” was qualitatively observing the presence of human-made objects such as garbage, or the presence of trail defined by an area of only dirt and no plants. A “0” was assigned where no trail or garbage was present with the presence was plants around the transect. A “1” was assigned to where human activity was evident. All plants were counted by estimation.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.1591098.v1
title: Moisture vs Species Abundance

description: Data was collected twice over two weeks to determine if moisture levels in the woodlots and grassland effected species abundance. Group members included Taylor, Amena, Antoni and Keerthana. Data collection began on Monday October 19, 2015 between 2:50 pm - 5:00 pm the weather was 14 degrees Celsius, partly cloudy with winds of 26km/hour southeast and the humidity at 49%. Data collection continued on Monday October 26, 2015 between 2:50 pm - 5:00 pm the weather was 9 degrees Celsius, scattered clouds with winds of 14 km/hour southeast and humidity was 57%. Dambi Woods located on York Campus was the location of the data collection as there was both grassland (limited canopy) and woodlot (denser canopy). The grassland area had high grass with scattered tree cover and the woodlot area was a forest with more tree cover. Starting point was a specific tree located at the entrance of the grasslands and a tree located at the entrance of the woodlots. Using a random number generator, the number of steps between each quadrant was determined. 60 quadrants ( 1 m x 1 m) were laid out in the grassland area and 60 quadrants were laid out in the woodlot area. Each quadrant was observed for 5 minutes for insect (species) activity. Some insects that were spotted were red ants, flies, spiders, beetles, and grasshoppers. An overall species count was noted and then a breakdown of the species observed was noted.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.1591100.v1
title: Effects of Sunlight Coverage and Soil Moisture on Abundance of Plant Species

description: The dataset for the experiment was collected on October 19,2015 from 2:30 pm- 5:30pm at the York University’s Danby grassland. The weather remained constant at 14 degrees Celsius with winds and mostly clear skies. The grass and soil were slightly moist due to rainfall in the preceding days. The purpose of the experiment was to observe if there is any correlations between the number of plant species in a Danby grassland and the amount of sunlight available and the moisture of the soil that the plants are planted in. In order to conduct the experiment, quadrats were placed throughout the Danby grassland; it was assured that all varying areas of the grassland were covered. After each quadrat was placed the abundance of plants species, the sunlight coverage and the moisture level of the soil were measured. The abundance of plant species was simply obtained by counting the different species within each quadrat. The sunlight coverage was calculated using a scale ranging 0-4 where 0= 0% sun coverage, 1=25% sun coverage, 2=50% sun converge, 3= 75% sun converge and 4= 100% sun coverage. A value was assigned by observing how much of the quadrat’s area was covered by sunlight. Finally, the moisture level of the soil was also calculated using a scale. The scale ranged from 0-3 where 0= completely dry(sand-like), 1= slightly dry, 2= slightly moist and 3= moist. The soil that embedded the plants in each quadrat was felt by hand and then given a corresponding value.The experiment was conducted by 4 students, Savannah, Krystal, Mustafa and Sumera. The group of 4 divided into groups of 2 and each pair conducted 60 replicates.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.1591102.v2
title: Influences of density and soil temprature on Goldenrods

description: For this experiment our team evaluated the effects of plant density and soil temperature on goldenrods at York University in the Stong pong grassland. On Monday October 5th our team did 25 replicates where were used a quadrat to help determine the density of the goldenrods. Each replicate was 3 paces apart starting at the edge of the water and continuing in the direction of the road. Exactly two weeks later our team returned to the Stong pond grassland to do another 25 replicates in order to have data that varied over time following the same methods as the previous time. The temperature was recorded with a thermometer and the number of individual goldenrods in each quadrat and the total number of stems was also counted to see if temperature and density had an effect on the ability for goldenrod plants to have multiple stems.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.1591093
title: Density of Vegetation in Response to Light Coverage and Habitat

description: The purpose of this experiment was to find any correlation between light coverage or habitat and density of vegetation through the quadrat sampling technique. It was hypothesized that areas with more light coverage and grasslands would have a larger density of vegetation. The data was collected on October 19, 2015 and October 26, 2015 from 2:30pm to 5:00pm in York University’s Danby Woods. The weather on October 19 was sunny with minimal cloud coverage with temperatures ranging between 14-16 degrees Celsius with a slight wind. The weather on October 26 was partly cloudy with temperatures ranging between 14-16 degrees Celsius with a slight wind. The grass in the Danby Woods’ grasslands were freshly cut. Sampling was done using the quadrat sampling technique where a quadrat would be randomly placed using a random number generator to produce a number between 1-20 steps and another number between 1-4 to determine direction (1 = North, 2 = East, 3 = South, 4 = West). Once the quadrat was placed on the ground, vegetation abundance was estimated into a percentage form basing vegetation on all vegetation contained in the quadrat and disregarding the areas with no or dead vegetation. After vegetation abundance was calculated, light coverage was calculated using a 1 meter by 1 meter blank piece of cardboard as a guide. The cardboard would have sunlight shown onto it and anywhere were sunlight was blocked were demonstrated as a shadow. Sunlight coverage was then estimated into a percentage form basing sunlight as the lighter areas and disregarding areas with shadows. This process was repeated 50 times for the grassland habitat and 50 times for the woodlot habitat on October 19, 2015. This process was repeated an additional 50 times for each habitat on October 26, 2015.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.1591097
title: How moisture level effects species abundance

description: This experiment was conducted in the Danby woodlot located on York University’s campus. It was done with 4 other members; Keerthana, Taylor, Antoni and Hinal. From approximately 2:45-5:00 PM data was collected on two days which were a week a part. The weather on the first day was slightly windy and partly cloudy since it had rained the night before. The weather on the second day was definitely more windy/ colder and the air felt dry. On both days, data from the grassland was collected first followed by data from the woodlot. Since there were five people in the group, on the first day we divided ourselves into three groups (1 person worked alone) and collected 10 sets of data each from both the woodlot and grassland. On the second day, we had 4 quadrats so four people collected data and one person walked with the moisture meter so everyone can get a recording easily. The experiment began by choosing a starting point and walking a certain number of steps (this number was generated by a random number generator found on the internet). After walking said number of steps, a quadrat was placed on the ground and for five minutes we would record the number of species and the species abundance. Furthermore, since the experiment was heavily based on soil moisture, the level of moisture was also recorded for each quadrat placed. Every five minutes a different quadrat was placed on a different spot and the same procedure would occur again. After approx. 1h15min we shifted locations and the same was done in the woodlot as well.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.1591091
title: Vegetation and Soil Moisture in the Grassland and Woodlot Habitats

description: This study was conducted in order to determine the relationship between habitat, soil moisture, and vegetation abundance in the Saywell Woodlot and Stong Pond Grassland. Quadrats were placed in randomly selected areas throughout each habitat and the estimated percentage of grass, other vegetation, and total coverage was recorded. Soil samples were taken from each quadrat location and squeezed to estimate moisture percentage based on guidelines set by the USDA. This study was conducted on two days - October 19th and 26th.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.1591102.v1
title: Influences of density and soil temprature on Goldenrods

description: For this experiment our team evaluated the effects of plant density and soil temperature on goldenrods at York University in the Stong pong grassland. On Monday October 5th our team did 25 replicates where were used a quadrat to help determine the density of the goldenrods. Each replicate was 3 paces appart starting at the edge of the water and continuing in the direction of the road. Exactly two weeks later our team returned to the Stong pond grassland to do another 25 replicates in order to have data that varied over time following the same methods as the previous time. The temperature was recorded with a thermometer and the number of individual goldenrods in each quadrat and the total number of stems was also counted to see if temperature and density had an affect on the ability for goldenrod plants to have multiple stems.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.1591090
title: Human Activities and its effect on Dandelion Abudance

description: The purpose of this experiment was to determine whether the abundance of plant abundance in an environment is affected by human activity. The plant species used for this experiment was the dandelion Taraxacum officinale. The two variables of human activities were pollutants and the amount of solid garbage. The response variable would be the abundance of T. officinale. Data was collected using quadrant sampling and random sampling. The hypothesis states that pollutants and solid garbage found in close proximity of the dandelion species’ Taraxacum officinale will have an effect on its’ abundance. The experiment was done over a span of two days at York University’s grassland. The experiment was carried out approximately 3pm – 4:30 pm on Oct 19, 2015 and Oct 26, 2015. It was about 11 degrees Celsius, windy and chilly on both days with a little bit of sun. Three ranges were used which were 3-15 feet, 110-200 feet and 60-110 feet away from the road. These were indicators of pollutants. The closer the range is to the road with cars, the more air pollution there is. My partners Elaine, Surfyan, Alex, Frankie and I collected data by randomly placing a quadrat in each range. The number of T. officinale and garbage were counted in each quadrat. This was repeated 30 times for each range on day 1. It was then repeated 20 times again for each range on day 2, thus giving a total of 150 replicates and 50 replicates for each range. This was to ensure that the data collected was representative of the total grassland area and dandelions in that area being studied.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.1591095.v1
title: Plant Abundance in Saywell Woodlot and Stong Pond Grassland in York University (Keele Campus)

description: Data was collected on two spate days 1 week apart. Woodlot trials 1, 2, and Grassland trials 1 was collected on October 19. 2015. The temperature was 16oC. Woodlot trial 3, and grassland trials 2, and 3 were collected on October 26. 2015. The temperature was 10oC. All data was collected either at the Saywell Woodlot, or the Stong Pond Grassland. 10 transects were chosen for each trial, each measuring 10 meters. Sites for transects were chosen by walking 5-10 steps away from the previous spot of the transect. Plants that were 6 feet in height or less, and 1 meter away from the 10 meter transect were included in the count. Dead plants were excluded from the count. The type of species and the individuals belonging to that species was recorded as “Species (# of individuals)”. The total number of individuals belonging to all species in that area observed, were recorded as “Plant Abundance”. The canopy cover of the area around the transect was measured by making a square with the hands and estimating the percentage of tree foliage covering the square. Finally, “Human Activity” was qualitatively observing the presence of human-made objects such as garbage, or the presence of trail defined by an area of only dirt and no plants. A “0” was assigned where no trail or garbage was present with the presence was plants around the transect. A “1” was assigned to where human activity was evident. All plants were counted by estimation.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.1591089
title: Relationship between soil moisture and plant abundance at the Saywell woodlot and grasslands near Stong pond

description: Data was collected on Monday October 19th, 2015 and Monday October 26th, 2015 at approximately 2:45 pm. The location of the study was conducted at both the Saywell woodlot and the grasslands located south of Stong pond on York University Keele Campus. Weather conditions during that time was approximately 15 degrees celsius with cloudy skies for the first day (October 19th) and 10 degrees for the second day. (October 26th) The study was conducted by randomly placing a total of 70 quadrats in the woodlot, and 70 in the grassland for two days. Quadrats will be placed by throwing a paper ball to determine the location. Once the quadrat has been placed, the experimenter will then provide rough estimation in percentage for the following: (i) grass coverage (ii) other vegetation coverage (iii) total vegetation coverage and (iv) soil moisture. Soil moisture within the quadrant was measured by obtaining a soil sample at the selected depth (approximately 3cm) using a shovel. Once the sample has been selected, then the experimenter will squeeze the soil sample firmly in their hand several times to form an irregularly shaped "ball. The experimenter will then observe the following characteristics: soil texture, firmness and surface roughness of ball, water, loose soil particles, soil/water staining on fingers, and soil color. Soil moisture levels were recorded in 4 different cateogries: 0-25%, 25-50%, 50-75%, and 75-100% based on the USDA guidelines. [1] [USDA] United States Department of Agriculture. 1998. Estimating Soil Moisture by Feel and Appearance. Program Aid Number 1619.