Plants and Habitats: Exploratory Inspection Techniques

"Plants and Habitats: Exploratory Inspection Techniques" describes field methods and internet sources useful to develop a basic understanding of the relationships between plants and their habitats. These rapid techniques, which essentially anyone can master, are employed during a short-duration walking tour of a site of interest. They are intended to lead to an approximate understanding of the ecology of plants and plant communities. The focus is on rapid inspection techniques done with the aid of only a few tools.

Comparisons among different sites are made by observing differences in the presence, distribution, abundance, and condition of plants and communities. Twenty-five exercises are included that can be used for such comparisons. Methods to assess abiotic conditions, such as exposure, aspect, topography, flooding, ground water, soils, and climate, are discussed. Twenty exercises are included that will provide insight into plant living conditions. Comparing these data among different sites can lead to informed speculation as to the factors responsible for specific plant species being included in or excluded from a habitat. The exercises will also aid in identifying communities that repeat across the landscape.