How Area Affects the Survival of Species

by: the Lesser Antilles (Cady McCowin, Portia Jenkins, Sarah Madarieta, and Tyler Bevis)

In an isolated area such as an island, species begin to colonize the area without predation or competition from other species. We hypothesize that once colonization has begun, a larger variety of species will survive in larger areas, while in smaller areas, weaker species will be pushed to extinction by more competitive species, depletion of resources, and other factors. To test this statement, Lesser Antilles will plant seeds in five pots of varied sizes (representing islands) and give them the same amount of sun and care. Because the environment for the pots will be the same (besides the size of the pots themselves) and the pots will be isolated from one another, this will simulate the colonization and species survival of islands of varying sizes.

To set up our experiment, Lesser Antilles will use five pots labeled x-small, small, medium, large, and x-large. We will fill each pot with pure potting soil so that there will be no differences between the pots’ nutrients supply. We will then sort out our seeds so that each island will get the same amount. The plants will then be transferred to Cady’s house, where they will sit near a southwest-facing window, each receiving the same amount of sunlight. Water will be given in proportion to the surface area of each pot. Proportionally, all pots will get the same amount of water (representing rainfall). Then we will monitor the growth and variety of species in each pot.

Once each week, a member of Lesser Antilles will visit Cady’s house to measure how many plants are growing in each pot and how many of each kind there are. These measurements will be recorded for each pot, and the members of the group will take turns taking the measurements. Cady will be responsible for watering the plants, recording when and how much she waters them, and making sure they receive equal amounts of sunlight. The other group members will be responsible for preparing the pots, with Cady’s assistance.