SEE-U 2000: Atlantic Forest - Module 09:Exercise 09

## General Methadology for Instructors and TAs

## Exercise 9: Edge Effects on Selected Aspects of Forest Microclimate
Module 9: Light and Temperature

1. Background Lecture:
   - On microclimatic factors and edge effects (Barbour, et al. Terrestrial Plant Ecology; Kimmins, Forest Ecology)
2. Activities in the experiment:
   - Establish transect and sampling points
   - Collection of abiotic data - radiation intensity and temperature
   - Data analysis (correlation)
3. Hypotheses to test
   - There is a temperature gradient from the forest edge inward, but should stabilize with distance. The question is what distance.
4. Independent variables in the experiment
   - Distance from forest edge
   - Height of forest canopy
5. Dependent variables that they could use in their experimental design.
   - Radiation intensity
   - Temperature
   - Relative humidity?
6. Student evaluation
   - Based on presentation of results (written and oral)
7. Preparation notes
   - Data should be collected between 1100 and 1300 to minimize effects of sun angle.
   - Lab is not practical if raining.
   - Work in 2 groups.
   - Other possibilities:
   - Comparison between transects from forest edge inward and transects in an undisturbed portion of the forest
   - Comparison of gap versus intact forest