Ditchin' Exploring Urban Biodiversity

Date of Award

2006

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelors

Department

Natural Sciences

First Advisor

McCord, Elzie

Keywords

Urban Biodiversity, Ditch, Ecology

Area of Concentration

Environmental Studies

Abstract

This is a study of urban ecology, specifically, ditch biodiversity. The study took place in Sarasota, Florida in the winter of 2006. Plant, arthropod and aquatic communities were sampled to provide an account of the organisms in the ditches (samples were identified to species for plants and order for arthropods). Diversity of plant and arthropod communities was calculated for each ditch using the Shannon diversity index. These diversity index values were then statistically analyzed using the multiple linear regression method to search for correlations between diversity levels and other factors. These factors included human population density, income, education levels, and invasive or native plant coverage. Taxa of note included sensitive orders such as Trichoptera and Odonata. Plant species such as Florida watercress, Nasturtium floridanum, and the endangered giant sword fern, Nephrolepis biserrata were also found. After statistical analysis, median household income was found to correlate with decreased plant and arthropod diversity. Percent of bachelor degree holders was found to be positively correlated with plant diversity. Native plant cover was also found to correlate with increased plant diversity. Aquatic bioassessment score was associated with increased arthropod diversity as well.

Rights

This bibliographic record is available under the Creative Commons CC0 public domain dedication. The New College of Florida, as creator of this bibliographic record, has waived all rights to it worldwide under copyright law, including all related and neighboring rights, to the extent allowed by law.

This document is currently not available here.

Share

COinS