Open Collections

Austin, Delanie; Durance, Anna

In this study, we investigated the abundance of lichen on the lower trunks of four species of deciduous trees (Red Alder, Black Cottonwood, Vine Maple and Bigleaf Maple) along a small elevation gradient in Pacific Spirit Park. We measured the abundance of lichen on 180 trees using a percent cover technique at 20 m, 40 m and 60 m elevations above sea level. We found that there were statistically significant differences in lichen abundance between elevations, with abundance decreasing as elevation increased. We then investigated tree species, light intensity and relative humidity as potential factors that may account for the observed trend in lichen abundance along the gradient. We determined that tree species does not account for the observed trend and were unable to determine if light intensity is a factor that may influence the trend. Finally, we found that relative humidity is likely a major factor accounting for the trend, as relative humidity is strongly and positively correlated with average lichen abundance on the lower trunks of deciduous trees.

Text

University of British Columbia. Science One Research Projects

Vancouver : University of British Columbia Library

10.14288/1.0379785

Science, Faculty of

Undergraduate

DSpace