Data Analysis on the Abundance and Distribution of Insects within York University Grassland based on Recognizable Taxonomic Units

<p>The objective of this analysis is to determine the abundance and distribution of different insects in York University grassland. The postulated hypothesis stated that the abundance and distribution of insects within the grassland will vary for different kinds of insects based on the habitat suitability of the area. The capturing of insect samples was done by Paula and Shahana at a grassland in York University on the 28th of October 2015 at approximately three in the afternoon. Sampling conditions was damp due to rain and windy at approximately 17°C. The sampling was done by sweeping nets side by side while walking along 100 ft of transect tape within 1 minute and 30 seconds. This method was done for 10 replications at different areas of the grassland. The field location was rich in vegetation and fairly secluded from public. The location contains a high abundance and distribution of different kinds of plants. Numerous trees of varying kinds surround the field site. The field site appears to be rarely disturbed by human activities since no sign of human disturbance such as littered garbage was observed as opposed to the woodlot nearby.</p> <p>It was found that 9 out of 10 replications contained bugs. On the other hand, ants were found within 3 out of 10 replications. This data supports the hypothesis that the distribution and abundance of insects will vary depending on insect recognizable taxonomic units (RTUs). Collaborators in this study includes: Aziza, Paula, Sahar and Shahana.