Ground vegetation and tree species diversity comparison between upland and semi-wetland sites within Cupid Falls

Emiley Melendez & Dr. Paul Arnold

Results
Introduction Ground Vegetation- richness was higher for the semi-wetland site, while evenness
Biodiversity is on the decline was higher for the upland site.
Plant diversity, types of species present, and the abundance of species heavily The upland site (2.51) had a higher Shannon diversity index than the semi-wetland
influence ecosystem functioning (Tilman, 1997). site (1.66) for ground vegetation species.
Food, clothing, shelter, medicines, and more (Bidlack, Jansky, & Stern, 2014). Tree Species- richness and evenness were both higher within the semi-wetland site
Protects watersheds, mitigates erosion, moderates climate (Biodiversity of Plants, and lower within the upland site.
2020) The semi-wetland site (2.37) had a higher Shannon diversity index than the upland
site (1.37) for tree species.
Wetlands Upland
Undrained hydric soil Lands that are not
Saturated with water,
or covered by
defined as wetlands
are classified as
Discussion
Explanations for Results
shallow water at upland habitats.
r/K selection theory
some time during the Do not consist of
Competition and dominant species
growing season of hydric soil
Cold weather
each year Are not covered with
Similar Study Comparisons
Supports mainly water
Wetland biodiversity studies tend to show that wetland habitats have greater
hydrophytes Do not largely
diversity due to an abundance of certain resources, like water and nutrients, which
support hydrophyte
increases the net primary productivity of multiple plant species. Our data supports
species
this conclusion. However, our study seems to indicate that certain ground-level
vegetation seem to respond more favorably to these additional resources than
Objective others. (Flinn et al., 2008; Bedford et al., 1999)
This study will determine if plant and tree diversity and composition vary between the two sites: upland and semi- Another study investigated how habitat type may be of major interest for
wetland within Cupid Falls Park located in Young Harris, Georgia. understanding changes in species richness. Results found that habitats showed
contrasting biodiversity dynamics and should be included in future biodiversity
Hypothesis studies (Hautekèete et al., 2015).
Deduction
It is hypothesized that the wetland site will be more diverse in plant and tree species than that of the upland site,
“Degradation and loss of natural habitat is the major driver of the current global
and composition will vary based on site location.
biodiversity crisis,” (Mokany et al., 2020)
Methods In order to protect biodiversity, all habitats need to be protected as each has unique
16 1m x 1m quadrant sampling plots per site (Ground Vegetation) plants/organisms.
Establish protected areas, including legislation and programs to limit threats (limit
Acknowledgements
5 10m diameter circle sampling plots per site (Woody Plants) Young Harris College Biology Department
Ground vegetation- a randomized list was created using randomnumbers.org consisting of a directional degree (0- land clearing and forest degradation/sustainable building)
Dr. Paul Arnold for his contributions both in and out of the field,
359) and a number (10-20) for the number of paces. Habitat restoration
assistance, and advice
Tree sampling- a second randomized list was created consisting of a directional degree (0-359) and a number (20-40) Educate yourself and others
Dr. Jonathon Davis for data analysis assistance
for the number of paces. Limitations
Dr. Jonathon Davis’s Fall ’20 Vertebrate Zoology students for
Corners of each plot were numbered 1-4, and one was chosen by random for each plot also using Timing
placement of study site flags
randomnumbers.org. The corner chosen was the starting point for that plot and from there the first pair on the Cold & changing temperatures
Future Research
randomized list that stays within the 40m x 40m plot was used to place the first quadrant or center flag.
From that spot, the randomized list was followed to move onto the next sample. Replication study References
If the degree and pace number led outside of the plot, it was thrown out and the next set of numbers were followed. Additional wetland site
Once a quadrant was in place, all ground vegetation within the square was identified and counted. Summer study
When the center flag of the 10m diameter circle was placed, the string was extended, and all trees that the string Soil Samples
crossed while forming a full circle were identified, counted, and measured 0.914m high on the trunk for
circumference.
If a tree had multiple trunks, the circumferences of each were added together for a total.
Once a tree was counted, a flag was placed at its base.
 Background
• Biodiversity is on the decline

• Plant diversity, types of species present, and the abundance of species heavily
influence ecosystem functioning (Tilman, 1997).

• Food, clothing, shelter, medicines, and more (Bidlack, Jansky, & Stern, 2014).

• Protects watersheds, mitigates erosion, moderates climate (Biodiversity of Plants,

2020)
 Background
Wetlands Upland
• Undrained hydric soil • Lands that are not defined as

• Saturated with water, or covered by wetlands are classified as upland

shallow water at some time during the habitats.

growing season of each year • Do not consist of hydric soil

• Are not covered with water
• Supports mainly hydrophytes
• Do not largely support hydrophyte
(Kutcher et al., 2008) species
 Background

• This study will have a focus on Northern

Georgia, particularly within Towns County.

• Georgia’s ecological diversity is complex and

wide-ranging

• Within Georgia, many ecosystems and habitats

exist where unique plants and animals have
adapted (Pennisi & Cummings, 2009).
 Background
• This study will determine if plant and tree diversity and composition vary between
the two sites: upland and semi-wetland within Cupid Falls Park located in Young
Harris, Georgia.

• It is hypothesized that the wetland site will be more diverse in plant and tree species
than that of the upland site, and composition will vary based on site location.

• Study sites were sampled between September of 2020 through February of 2021
using quadrant and circle sample methods to identify and count species.
 Study Site
• Cupid Falls Park located within a large cove behind Young Harris College in Young
Harris, Georgia.

• The park contains a short trail that crosses two footbridges and follows along both
banks of the creek and natural gardens (Mountain Top GA, n.d.).

• The upland site is near the end of the trail off to the right side, and the semi-wetland
site is a short distance before the upland site, also on the right side of the trail.

• 40m x 40m sites marked with flags in each corner

Study Site
 Methods
• 16 1m x 1m quadrant sampling plots per site (Ground Vegetation)
• 5 10m diameter circle sampling plots per site (Woody Plants)
10 m

5m
 Methods
• Ground vegetation- a randomized list was created using randomnumbers.org consisting of a directional
degree (0-359) and a number (10-20) for the number of paces.

• Tree sampling- a second randomized list was created consisting of a directional degree (0-359) and a
number (20-40) for the number of paces.

• Corners of each plot were numbered 1-4, and one was chosen by random for each plot also using
randomnumbers.org. The corner chosen was the starting point for that plot and from there the first
pair on the randomized list that stays within the 40m x 40m plot was used to place the first quadrant or
center flag.

• From that spot, the randomized list was followed to move onto the next sample.

• If the degree and pace number led outside of the plot, it was thrown out and the next set of numbers
were followed.
 Methods
• Once a quadrant was in place, all ground vegetation within the square was identified and
counted.

• When the center flag of the 10m diameter circle was placed, the string was extended,
and all trees that the string crossed while forming a full circle were identified, counted,
and measured 0.914m high on the trunk for circumference.

• If a tree had multiple trunks, the circumferences of each were added together for a total.

• Once a tree was counted, a flag was placed at its base.

Methods
 Data Analysis
• Richness and evenness
• Shannon-Diversity Index
• % composition of species
• Hutcheson t-test
• Dissimilarity indices (Euclidean, Bray-Curtis, Jaccard’s)

• R-program
• Excel
• Sample Excel spreadsheet provided from
https://www.dataanalytics.org.uk/comparing-diversity/#spreadsheet
 Results
40 0.8

35 0.7

30 0.6

25 0.5

Species Evenness
Species Richness

20 0.4

15 0.3

10 0.2

5 0.1

0 0
Upland Semi-Wetland

Site

Richness Evenness

Figure 1. Ground vegetation species richness and evenness for upland and semi-wetland sites within Cupid Falls Park located in
Towns County, Ga sampled between September to November of 2020.
 Results
2.6

2.1
Shannon Index, H

1.6

1.1

0.6
Upland Semi-Wetland

Site

Figure 2. Ground vegetation Shannon Diversity Index for upland and semi-wetland sites within Cupid Falls Park
located in Towns County, Ga sampled between September to November of 2020.
 Results
Hutcheson T-test
• T-value (13.37) exceeds critical value (1.97)
• Shannon Diversity result is scientifically significant
 Results

Non-standardized Standardized
Euclidean Distance- 1218.50 Euclidean Distance- 0.59
Jaccard’s Index of Dissimilarity- 0.93 Jaccard’s Index of Dissimilarity- 0.85
Bray-Curtis Dissimilarity- 0.87 Bray-Curtis Dissimilarity- 0.74
 Results
Species Upland Percent Composition (%) Semi-Wetland Percent Composition (%) Species Upland Percent Composition (%) Semi-Wetland Percent Composition (%)
Maple 23.95% 0.00% Sensta Briar 0.26% 0.00%
Privet 12.63% 10.03% Unknown 1
Poison Ivy 11.32% 1.01% (Grass) 0.26% 0.00%
Sedge 8.68% 58.22% Unknown 3 0.26% 0.00%
Black Cherry 8.42% 0.72% White Oak 0.26% 0.00%
Bedstraw 0.00% 0.05%
Virginia Creeper 7.89% 0.05% Blackberry 0.00% 0.10%
Green Briar 5.79% 0.14% Cinqfoil 0.00% 0.19%
Tulip Poplar 3.95% 0.14%
Chick Weed 3.68% 0.00% Eastern
Hemlock
Panicum 2.89% 4.10% Sappling 0.00% 0.10%
Spotted Golden Rod 0.00% 3.38%
Wintergreen 1.84% 0.00%
Japanese
Blue Violet 1.58% 1.21% Barberry 0.00% 0.05%
Lyreleaf Sage 0.00% 0.05%
American Holly 1.32% 0.19%
Perfoilated
Unknown 2 1.32% 0.34% Bellwort 0.00% 0.48%
Bird's Eye Rattlesnake
Speedwell 0.53% 0.05% fern 0.00% 0.05%
Dogwood River Cane 0.00% 0.05%
Sappling 0.53% 0.00%
Royal Fern 0.00% 0.14%
Spice Bush 0.53% 0.00%
Rue anemone 0.00% 0.19%
Blackgum 0.26% 0.14%
Rye Grass 0.00% 3.23%
Downy
Rattlesnake
Plaintain 0.26% 0.10% Star Chickweed 0.00% 0.10%
Unknown 4 0.00% 0.05%
Japanese
Honeysuckle 0.26% 0.92% Unknown 5 0.00% 0.05%
Sourwood 0.26% 0.39% Unknown 6 0.00% 1.78%
White Clovers 0.26% 0.14% Unkown 7 0.00% 0.53%
Fox Grape 0.26% 0.00% Vinca Minor 0.00% 11.10%
Ground Ivy 0.26% 0.00% White Ash 0.00% 0.34%
Lambsquater 0.26% 0.00% White Aster 0.00% 0.10%

Figure 3. Ground vegetation species percent composition for upland and semi-wetland sites within Cupid Falls Park
located in Towns County, Ga sampled between September to November of 2020.
 Results
16 0.9

0.85
15

0.8
14

0.75

Species Evenness
Species Richness

13

0.7

12
0.65

11
0.6

10
0.55

9 0.5
Upland Semi-Wetland

Site

Richness Evenness

Figure 4. Tree species richness and evenness for upland and semi-wetland sites within Cupid Falls Park
located in Towns County, Ga sampled from September of 2020 through February of 2021.
 Results
2.6

2.1
Shannon Index, H

1.6

1.1

0.6
Upland Semi-Wetland

Site

Figure 5. Tree species Shannon Diversity Index for upland and semi-wetland sites within Cupid Falls Park located
in Towns County, Ga sampled from September of 2020 through February of 2021.
 Results
Hutcheson T-test
• T-value (8.96) exceeds critical value (01.97)
• Shannon Diversity result is scientifically significant
 Results

Non-standardized Standardized
Euclidean Distance- 150.62 Euclidean Distance- 0.61
Jaccard’s Index of Dissimilarity- 0.89 Jaccard’s Index of Dissimilarity- 0.88
Bray-Curtis Dissimilarity- 0.80 Bray-Curtis Dissimilarity- 0.78
 Results
Species Upland Percent Composition (%) Semi-Wetland Percent Composition (%)
Tulip Poplar 55.43% 5.62%
Virginia Pine 19.77% 0.00%
Blackgum 9.69% 3.37%
Red Maple 8.14% 22.47%
Ironwood 3.49% 4.49%
Pitch Pine 1.16% 0.00%
Black Cherry 0.78% 2.25%
River Birch 0.78% 0.00%
Hawthorn 0.39% 0.00%
White Oak 0.39% 2.25%
American Beech 0.00% 2.25%
American Holly 0.00% 12.36%
Chinese Privet 0.00% 19.10%
Eastern Hemlock 0.00% 2.25%
Flowering Dogwood 0.00% 5.62%
Northern Red Oak 0.00% 6.74%
Tag Alder 0.00% 3.37%
Water Oak 0.00% 2.25%
White Pine 0.00% 5.62%

Figure 6. Tree species percent composition for upland and semi-wetland sites within Cupid Falls Park located in Towns
County, Ga sampled from September of 2020 through February of 2021.
 Discussion
Results Explanation Theories
• r/K selection theory
• Competition and dominant
species
• Cold weather
 Discussion
• Wetland biodiversity studies tend to show that wetland habitats have
greater diversity due to an abundance of certain resources, like water
and nutrients, which increases the net primary productivity of multiple
plant species. Our data supports this conclusion. However, our study
seems to indicate that certain ground-level vegetation seem to respond
more favorably to these additional resources than others. (Flinn et al.,
2008; Bedford et al., 1999)
• Another study investigated how habitat type may be of major interest
for understanding changes in species richness. Results found that
habitats showed contrasting biodiversity dynamics and should be
included in future biodiversity studies (Hautekèete et al., 2015).
 Discussion
• “Degradation and loss of natural habitat is the major driver of the
current global biodiversity crisis,” (Mokany et al., 2020)
• In order to protect biodiversity, all habitats need to be protected as
each has unique plants/organisms.
• Establish protected areas, including legislation and programs to limit
threats (limit land clearing and forest degradation/sustainable
building)
• Habitat restoration
• Educate yourself and others
Discussion
Limitations
• Timing
• Cold & changing
temperatures
 Literature Cited
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Ecology, 80(7), 2151-2169. doi:10.1890/0012-9658(1999)080[2151:pinaap]2.0.co;2

• Bidlack, J. E., Jansky, S. H., & Stern, K. R. (2014). Stern's Introductory plant biology. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill.

• Biodiversity of Plants. (2020, August 15). Retrieved April 4, 2021, from https://bio.libretexts.org/@go/page/13687

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05, 2021, from https://bsapubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.3732/ajb.0800098

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106(947), 14-31. Retrieved April 5, 2021, from http://www.jstor.org/stable/2459833

• Gardener, M. (2014). Community ecology: Analytical methods using R and Excel. Exeter, UK: Pelagic Publishing.

• Hautekèete, N. C., Frachon, L., Luczak, C., Toussaint, B., Van Landuyt, W., Van Rossum, F., & Piquot, Y. (2015). Habitat type shapes long ‐term plant biodiversity

budgets in two densely populated regions in north‐western Europe. Diversity and Distributions, 21(6), 631-642.
 Literature Cited
• Isbell, F., Calcagno, V., Hector, A., Connolly, J., Harpole, W. S., Reich, P. B., ... & Weigelt, A. (2011). High plant diversity is needed to maintain ecosystem services. Nature, 477(7363), 199-202.

• Kutcher, T. E., Garfield, N. H., & Walker, S. P. (2008). Habitat and land cover classification scheme for the National Estuarine Research Reserve System. The National Estuarine Research Reserve

System (NERRS).

• Mokany, K., Ferrier, S., Harwood, T. D., Ware, C., Di Marco, M., Grantham, H. S., ... & Watson, J. E. (2020). Reconciling global priorities for conserving biodiversity habitat. Proceedings of the

National Academy of Sciences, 117(18), 9906-9911.

• Mountain Top GA. (n.d.). Retrieved December 11, 2020, from http://mtntopga.thehighlander.mobi/cupidfalls.html

• Pennisi, S., & Cummings, M. (2009, September 01). Native Plants for Georgia Part II: Ferns. Retrieved December 13, 2020, from https://extension.uga.edu/publications/detail.html?

number=B987

• Tilman, D., Lehman, C. L., & Thomson, K. T. (1997). Plant diversity and ecosystem productivity: theoretical considerations. Proceedings of the national academy of sciences, 94(5), 1857-1861.

• Wharton, C. H. (1989). The natural environments of Georgia. Atlanta, GA: Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Environmental Protection Division, Geologic Survey Branch.

• What Is a Wetland? (n.d.). Retrieved December 13, 2020, from http://www.wetlands-initiative.org/what-is-a-wetland