Comparing the Electron Transport Rate of Nico%ana glauca and Encelia californica at Normal and Increased PAR

The purpose of this experiment is to investigate how normal and increased sunlight affects both indigenous and non-native species in Southern California’s chaparral ecosystem. Encelia californica and Nicotiana glauca were chosen as representative native and invasive species respectively. The electron transport rate (ETR) of the two species are expected to be higher at 2400 PAR (photosynthetic active radiation) than at 2000 PAR. The ETR between the two species is also expected to be different. The difference between species is important for understanding the advantages and disadvantages of species dependent on sunlight exposure. The ETR was measured using a Li-Cor 6400 which could also alter the PAR exposure. The data showed a significant increase in ETR for both species at the higher PAR but showed no significant difference between the two species