Here are the detailed instructions for the lab report:
Instructions for Lab Report Writer
Overview of the Task:
You are tasked with writing a lab report based on an experiment investigating lichen distribution on the north and south sides of trees in Deep Run Park, Henrico County. The report must include the standard sections (Introduction, Methods, Results, and Discussion) and follow scientific writing conventions. All required statistical analyses, data summaries, and figures/tables should be included in the Results section.
1. Introduction:
• Provide background information on lichens, emphasizing their ecological significance and role as bioindicators.
• Clearly state the research question: whether lichens grow more on the north or south sides of trees.
• Include a research hypothesis (that lichens grow more on the north side) and a null hypothesis (that there is no significant difference in lichen growth between the two sides).
• Cite well-established primary sources in this section, e.g., Nash (2008) and Hale (1979).
2. Methods and Materials:
• Describe the field experiment conducted in Deep Run Park, specifying the establishment of a baseline and transects. Trees with a diameter at breast height (DBH) >10 cm were selected for lichen measurements.
• Explain how lichen area (in cm²) was measured using a lichenometer, and how bark temperature (°C) was recorded using a laser thermometer.
• Emphasize how bias was minimized (e.g., trees were selected randomly along transects, and measurements were taken consistently at DBH for all trees).
• Include detailed steps for each part of the experimental process, from setting up transects to taking measurements.
3. Results:
• Present the data on lichen coverage and bark temperature in both table and figure formats.
• Summarize the mean lichen coverage and bark temperature for the north and south sides of the trees, including standard errors and p-values from an independent samples t-test.
• Ensure that the results are organized into clear sections without sub-headings:
• Table: Include a table summarizing sample size, mean lichen coverage, mean temperature, standard errors, and p-values for the north and south sides.
• Figures: Create two bar graphs: one for the mean lichen coverage and another for the mean bark temperature, both with standard error bars.
• Figure 1: Bar graph for the mean lichen coverage on the north and south sides.
• Figure 2: Bar graph for the mean bark temperature on the north and south sides.
4. Discussion:
• Interpret the results, focusing on the lack of significant difference between the north and south sides in both lichen coverage and temperature.
• Offer explanations for why the expected results (higher lichen growth on the north side) were not observed. Consider factors such as canopy cover, tree species, microclimatic variations, and external environmental influences.
• Suggest improvements for future studies, such as using a larger sample size, different locations, or varying tree species to explore lichen distribution further.
5. Common Errors to Avoid:
• Write the lab report in the first-person perspective, as though you conducted the experiment yourself. Do not refer to “researchers” or an “ecology lab.”
• Avoid common mistakes such as using contractions, reporting raw data instead of averages, and failing to cite non-original ideas.
• Ensure correct formatting for degrees Celsius (°C) and square centimeters (cm²). Tables should come before figures, and both should be properly labeled.
please follow all the instructions
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Instructions for Lab Repo appeared first on Bright Minds Assignment Helpers.
