Effect of coppicing on Abundance of Violets Essay Example
Effect of coppicing on Abundance of Violets Essay Example

Effect of coppicing on Abundance of Violets Essay Example

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  • Pages: 4 (871 words)
  • Published: September 20, 2017
  • Type: Case Study
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Humans aim to utilize the valuable wood resources, specifically oak and beech, present in a natural forest ecosystem.

The area maintains a consistent group of flora, fauna and avians. The cutting technique known as coppicing involves trimming trees at lower levels, resulting in extensive branching near the base. This technique is intended for maximum efficiency, while enabling the community to flourish in a natural manner. Furthermore, wildlife may benefit from the increased availability of nesting sites for birds.

Implanted in the woodlands on Weald clay wild in Sussex, this cycle comprises of a woodland ecosystem consisting of four layers: canopy, shrubs, herbaceous layer and ground layer. These layers often intermix, making it challenging to differentiate between them. Viola reichenbachiana, also known as the pale wood violet, is a perennial plant found in hedges and banks within deciduous woodland areas

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Woodland Violet and Early Dog Violet are two types of violets that grow abundantly in coppiced areas, hedgerows, woodlands, and shady habitats. They are both low-growing plants with pale heart-shaped leaves and violet flowers that have dark purple veins. Despite their similar appearance, Early Dog Violet is difficult to distinguish from Woodland Violet. Violets are considered sciophytes, preferring to grow under the herbaceous layer.

From March to May, violets flourish in shady conditions by utilizing their slim and flat dark leaves to optimize light absorption and improve photosynthesis. The composition of these leaves comprises a few layers of cells that enable light penetration into the chlorenchyma tissue, where photosynthesizing cells reside. The tightly packed chloroplasts in these dark leaves illustrate their capacity for maximum absorption. A variety of factors affect the rate of photosynthesis, such a

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light intensity, CO2 concentration, color, temperature, levels of chlorophyll present in the leaf and water availability. Increasing light intensity leads to a rise in the rate of photosynthesis.

My investigation of shade plants revealed that they have lower respiration rates and compensation points compared to other plant types. This indicates that they need less light intensity for their metabolic processes. These plants often have bigger, circular leaves which enable them to capture more light efficiently. Moreover, the rate of photosynthesis affects transpiration as it is boosted by exposure to light. Consequently, higher levels of transpiration lead to increased photosynthesis.

The opening and closing of stomata, found between mesophyll cells and the atmosphere, regulates carbon dioxide diffusion into the leaf. On sunny days, increased stomatal aperture facilitates greater carbon dioxide diffusion and enhances photosynthesis. Additionally, the rate of transpiration rises to cool leaves, necessitating accelerated water movement through the xylem to replenish lost water. The acceleration in water flow also aids chemical reactions by delivering essential minerals and salts since water functions as their solvent.

Photosynthesis consists of two reactions: the light-independent and light-dependent reactions. The latter involves the splitting of water via photolysis and the formation of ATP, which is an energy carrier. This process takes place within specialized chloroplasts containing chlorophyll and carotenoids that are most efficient in blue/violet and red light, reflecting green and producing leaves that are primarily green.

AIMI aims to compare the abundance of violet growth in a newer coppiced woodland and an older coppiced woodland. This comparison will be made with respect to the variable light. The prediction is that the six-year-old coppiced land will have more violets than the ten-year-old coppiced

land. This prediction is based on a preliminary study (pg ), where there were 100 violets in 10 quadrats of the 93 plot and 149 violets in the 97 plot. The difference was significant, with more violets found in the 97 plot. The 93 plot was also abundant in other species like self-heal and archangel. Although these plants prefer shade, they still need light for photosynthesis.

Photosynthesis comprises two processes: light-dependent and light-independent reactions. Intensifying light also intensifies both reactions - light-independent reactions accelerate due to their dependence on ATP, which the light-dependent reaction generates. Greater reaction activity prompts growth processes and elevated reproduction rates.

The data suggests that there will be a higher number of violets as their reproduction has increased. It is common knowledge that violets grow in clusters, with offspring located near the parent plants. When comparing the preliminary study, it was found that the 1993 subset had an average light intensity ranging from 3000-4500 lux while the 1997 subset had readings around 8500 lux. Considering this information and prior knowledge, it can be inferred that the abundance of violets will be greater in the 1997 subset compared to the 1993 subset.

Photosynthesis is crucial for growth, as it relies on light energy. Auxin exists in both shoots and roots where growth takes place within plants. Plant height is regulated by gibberellins and abscisic acid. The production of gibberellins involves the conversion of starch to maltose, which necessitates photosynthesis. Hence, increased exposure to light leads to heightened photosynthesis, augmented production of plant hormones and auxin, and ultimately accelerated reproduction rate - all contributing to more growth.

When areas receive more sunshine and stomata open, the rate

of transpiration increases, resulting in a greater need for water and carbon dioxide in plants. More water and carbon dioxide lead to increased photosynthesis, which in turn fuels plant growth, specifically of violets in this case. Therefore, it can be expected that plots receiving more sunlight will produce a greater number of violets.

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