Surrounding the Ecology subject, we were studying an ecological habitat and the animals that make it up. Their behavior and habitat preference is what most closely relates to this lab. The object of this lab was to attempt to draw connections between habitat preferences (or lack thereof), any aggressive behavior, the species of birds observed, signs of dominance or inferiority, and the reasons behind all of this. These things were studies through a series of lectures as well as laboratory and fieldwork (which is what this report will display). Through this, I have learned that behavior is just another avenue of science that can be observed and tested, ultimately contributing to humanity. Through analyzing simple things like birds, certain conclusions can be drawn and then be used to help solve larger and more complex questions.
[...] The two sites are located in Hammond Woods. After arriving at the Chestnut Hill T stop, it is about a ten-minute walk, located in back of the local mall. Once outside of the forest, the actual sites are about a five- minute walk from the edge of the woods. The two sites are about 100 feet from each other. The open site was composed of mostly level ground with large rocks taking up a majority of the ground. Trees were present, but located within a few feet from the feeders. [...]
[...] On the other hand, a null hypothesis would state no preference among the habitat preferences. METHODS Our lab book provided the methods for this lab, Principles of Biology I. More specifically, Module 5 instructed us with the necessary information and ways to perform the needed calculations Our TF was of great help when onsite. Here, he was able to further instruct us at our task of observing the birds (remain quiet, reminding us when our time was up, etc.). Here, we sat and observed what species of birds visited the feeders, and its frequency. [...]
[...] DISCUSSION The objectives of this lab were to determine whether a preference exists in birds toward certain aspects of a habitat. These aspects are an open/closed site, height of the feeder, and seed size. I hypothesized that all of the birds will prefer a closed site with a high feeder and large seeds. From our results, we saw that not all of the birds behave identically. Some displayed preferences when others did not. More specifically, the White Breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis), Tufted Titmouse (Parus bicolor), and Downy Woodpecker (Dicoides pubescens) all prefer closed sites. [...]
[...] In total, twenty-five hours of observation was conducted. This was done is small groups at intervals of about thirty minutes. These observations were all done in the fall in Boston, which is known for its chilly weather. Once recorded, the data consisting of frequency of visits, the species, and any aggression behavior is analyzed by creating a series of tables and graphs that clearly display the behavior of the birds, and shows how each species generally behaves. It shows the preferences (if any was found) and behaviors of the animals. [...]
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