Abstract: This investigation was designed to compare the height of Pteridium aquilinum in a light area and a dark area of Rushy Plains, Epping Forest and to establish if light intensity does have an effect on the growth of Pteridium aquilinum, commonly known as Bracken. From my research it was clear that the height of Bracken is affected by abiotic factors, other than light intensity, such as: soil moisture, soil temperature, air temperature and soil pH so I had to control these factors. I carried out preliminary experiments to find a suitable site where all these factors where constant. For my actual investigation I measure twelve random Brackens from both light and dark areas. I then carried out a Mann Whitney U test and concluded, with 95% significance level, that there is in fact a difference between height of Brackens from a light area and a dark area.
Hypothesis
Alternative hypothesis (H1): There is a significant difference in height of Brackens from a light area and the height of Brackens from a dark area.
Null hypothesis (H0): There is no significant difference in height of Brackens from a light area and the height of Brackens from a dark area.
Prediction: The height of Brackens from a light area will be greater than the height of Brackens from a dark area.
Aim
During my investigation, I aimed to look at whether there is a difference in height of Brackens from a light area and a dark area due to light intensity. In order to carry out my investigation I needed to research into the different factors that affect the growth of the plant. I also planned and carried out preliminary investigations to make sure all the control variables are constant before I did the main investigation. I recorded my findings and did a statistical test on my data to see whether the data show a significant result.
Research and Rationale
Bracken (Pteridium
Bibliography: 1- A Field Guide in Colour to Plants and Animals, Jan Toman and Kvetoslav Hisek, Published by: Bookmart Ltd (1 July 1998) 2- http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10970694