Date

2000

Document Type

Capstone Project

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

Department

Science & Environmental Policy

Abstract

ernal pools are very diverse ecosystems and are being destroyed at an alarming rate. This paper is a study of five previously unstudied vernal pools on the former Ft. Ord army base. The objectives of this study are to find out if there is any correlation between taxa diversity and pool area. Random sampling, lab analysis and gps were used to gather data. It was found that there was a negative correlation between taxa diversity and pool area so the study was expanded to include a three-year longitudinal study of one single vernal pool to see if these results remained consistent, and in fact they did. All of the pools were very diverse but the smaller pools showed the most diversity. It is important to determine the diversity of these vernal pools for conservation purposes; the threat of development is never far off. The high amount of rare and endangered species found in vernal pools warrants their protection. These vernal pools in particular are special because they are like no other vernal pools previously studied.

Comments

Capstone Project (B.S.) Earth Systems Science & Policy Institute

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