This survey is part of a long-term study being conducted in many watersheds to determine the health of amphibian populations throughout our region. After completing the population study, students work to enhance the habitat of a nearby streamside community. A community is an assemblage of organisms who interact with each other within a certain physical environment. Each member of a community performs a role which effects the other members. A community is characterized by the members present.
Different communities have different assemblages of organisms.
A characteristic community is found in the riparian zone. A species is a group of organisms that is different from all other kinds of organisms, has distinguishing characteristics, and can reproduce viable offspring. A population is a group of organisms of the same species living is a particular space. An ecosystem has indicator species that manifest distinguishing characteristics of that ecosystem. Plants have adaptations enabling then to disperse seeds and fruits to other sites with more favorable growing conditions.