Download sample SAE1 - NSW Department of Education

TPC INVESTIGATING ECOSYSTEMS
SAE 1 REPORT OF AN INVESTIGATION OF AN
ECOSYSTEM
Goonoowigall
Bushland
Reserve
CONTENTS
1.0
1.1
1.2
1.3
1.4
INTRODUCTION - page 3
Characteistics of the dry schlerophyll forest
Location
Climate
Background
2.0 TECHNIQUES AND EQUIPMENT USED - page 3
2.1 Transect and Quadrat
3.0 RESULTS - page 4
4.0 ECOLOGY OF THE SITE - page 4
5.0 GOVERNMENT CONTROLS - page 5
6.0 CONCLUSION - page 5
REFERENCE LIST
APPENDIX 1 - pages 7 to 9
Map showing location of the site
Map of site plan
Transect Map
APPENDIX 2 - pages 10 to 19
Results of data collected
APPENDIX 3 - pages 20 to 22
Copy of information obtained from local trust
Conservation Code
APPENDIX 4 - page 23
Annotated Reference List
Log
[By using appropriate headings in a logical way the student has addressed criterion
7.2. Note that the points 1.1, 1.2 etc do not have to correspond to the criteria - in
fact, it would not make sense for them to do so.]
1.0 INTRODUCTION
The aim of this investigation is to identify the physical, chemical and biological
factors in a dry sclerophyll ecosystem and their interaction. A microscopic area of
Goonoowigall Bushland Reserve was examined over a very brief period.
[In this section the student has attempted to address criterion 1.1]
1.1 CHARACTERISTICS OF THE DRY SCHLEROPHYLL FOREST
The dominant tree species are Eucalyptus, Wattle and Casuarina and the understorey
is a layer of shrubs and grasses with lots of dry tough litter creating a mulch which
breaks down very slowly. The density of foliage is usually 30% to 50%, therefore
cutting out 50% of light. Seasonal rainfall and drought, low nutrient soil and periodic
bushfires are features of a dry sclerophyll forest.
[In this section the student addresses criterion 1.2]
1.2 LOCATION
Goonoowigall Bushland Reserve is situated 5 km south of Inverell (see map appendix
1). This bushland covers an area of approximately 900 hectares and includes picnic
spots and walking tracks to scenic and historical points. Some evidence of Aboriginal
occupation can be found along Middle Creek, however few compared with other areas
of Inverell.
[Together with a map showing the location of the ecosystem in relation to the town of
Inverell, marked with the scale, latitude and longitude and direction of north this
section addresses criterion 1.3]
1.3 CLIMATE
Goonoowigall Bushland Reserve is located in the hot dry summer, cold winter zone
based on the temperatures and humidity. In July the minimum temp. is 3.6oC with a
max. of 14.7 oC, however January shows minimum of 16.4 oC and a maximum of
29.0oC. The rainfall recorded for the past 3 years is 2400 mm, with heavier rainfall
during summer period. The average annual rainfall is 795.3 mm. (Bureau of
meteorology).
[The use of scientific and mathematical units and abbreviations addresses criterion
3.5]
1.4 BACKGROUND
Goonoowigall was part of a territory belonging to the Jukambal Aboriginal People.
Descendants still lived in the area near Sheep Station Creek until the early 1960’s.
Aboriginal meaning of Goonoowigall is thought to be “Plenty of Rock Wallaby and
Water”. (Wiedermann, 1998)
In the 19th. century Goonoowigall established itself as an industrial village. A
tannery was built and tin was also discovered along Middle Creek and mining
commenced using manual extraction methods. In addition a woolwash was opened.
The wash area comprised of a number of buildings and on Middle Creek a stone dam
that held a considerable amount of water was built. This business continued until mid
1930’s. Ferndale was another settlement that established itself in the area and
included a school house and another woolwash. In the early 1900’s large well
organised groups would visit Goonoowigall to picnic and admire the scenery.
Brickworks was another industry operational in these times, consequently these
industries fades into the bush. (Wiederman, 1990).
[The previous two sections address criterion 1.4]
2.0 TECHNIQUES AND EQUIPMENT USED
A 30 m x 30 m site plan was mapped out, taking note of open and dense areas, rocks
and pathway. (see map appendix 1). The abiotic factors measured were air and soil
temperatures, humidity and light intensity using thermometers, a whirling hydrometer
and a lux meter respectively. These results were read on the pathway as well as in
dense bush for comparison. Soil samples were also taken from two different sites and
tested using a soil testing kit. Factors recorded were pH, colour, friability and depth
of soil to determine soil type. Moss and grass content and rocks were also recorded.
The biotic factors were determined by identifying the dominant species of trees and
plants. Other species were also examined and observation made on density, height,
leaf and seed type. These factors were noted. Evidence of animals was also looked
for and scats collected whilst bird calls were heard and recorded. Photographs were
taken and samples collected to help identify species.
[In this section the student addresses criteria 2.1 and 2.2. Equipment (2.3) is
mentioned but a statement needs to be made as to why this equipment was used.]
2.1 TRANSECT AND QUADRAT
A 30 m transect line was measured to make a profile drawing of the site. A 1 m
square quadrat had biological factors counted and recorded to determine the density of
plant and animal species on the site. Further more, these results could be extended to
identify the biodiversity of species in Goonoowigall Reserve.
[The student here addresses criterion 2.4]
3.0 RESULTS
All evidence of data collected has been listed in appendix 2, however because of
limited time and experience an extensive report could not be compiled. For instance
soil samples were taken in only two positions and air temperatures recorded once.
These factors can vary considerably and deserve more time to give accurate results.
[The student attempts to cover criterion 3.2]
Further more, an ecologist would have more time and knowledge and more
sophisticated equipment enabling accurate results. For example, small computerised
equipment to record data and more quadrats would be measured and examined for
comparisons.
[The student attempts to cover criterion 3.3]
[In the appendix criterion 3.1 may be covered by showing data in table form,
diagrams, graphs, food chains or webs etc]
4.0 ECOLOGY OF THE SITE
The site investigated was a flat semi open area with light intensity and temperatures
typical of the dry sclerophyll bush. The soil varied, however both samples were
acidic and had a high content of granite due to surrounding rocks on the site. Because
the soil is poor the water is not retained for long periods, hence a shallow, dry, low
nutrient soil. The producers on the site are native to Australia, therefore well adapted
to cope with water loss and poor soils. For instance Eucalypt leaves are hard and
reuse minerals before falling. They also hang vertically minimising the effects of
evaporation. Many species display small flowers with reduced petals and stems. The
Acacia species has flattened leaf like stems known as phyllodes that act as leaves.
Phyllodes exhibit extreme resistance to drying, when drought occurs the plant can
aestivate, re-growing when water becomes available. (Groves, 1987).
As a result of past land use no old growth trees remain on the site. However, a
weathered, large stump near pathway suggests Ironbark species may have been
present at sometime. The Black Cypress Pine (Callitris endlicheri), a tall upright tree
approx. 12 m has established itself as the dominant tree species due to the low nutrient
soil and its resistance to drought and frosts. Another tree identified was the Orange
Gum (Eucalyptus prava), a twisted gum with a distinct orange bark visible
particularly on adult trees. Young leaves are oval in shape whilst adult leaves are thin
and long. This gum is common in granite areas. The Broad Leaf Geebung (Persoonia
cornifolia), a small tree with thin stems was also present on site. The fruit was bush
food for local Aboriginal people and is much loved by the Sulphur Crested Cockatoo
(Cacatua galerita).
Fungi and Lichens are decomposers and can be found growing on decaying surfaces
and rocks. Lichens are very slow to grow and are also resistant to conditions such as
drying, this enables them to live in exposed places particularly where air is clean.
Fungi and Lichens are very useful as they recycle dead material into mulch and
Lichens begin the first step in soil formation by decaying rock materials into sand, as
part of a biological weathering process.
Tingha Golden Wattle (Acacia leptoclada), and Grey Tea-tree (Leptospermum
brevipes) are some of the dominant tall shrubs in the understorey, common in the
rocky shallow soil area. They share similar adaptations to reduce transpiration.
Mouse Plant (Homoranthus flavescens) is a low creeping shrub dominant in rocky
exposed area. (see transect appendix). This plant is a native honeysuckle, the smelly,
sweet nectar was used by Aboriginal people. Many native producers have seeds
enclosed in woody cases protecting them from exposure in dry periods and also some
need intense heat from a bushfire before germination begins.
The native mammals in the area are nocturnal, as they can be exposed to excessive
heat during the day. For instance the Rock Wallaby (Petrogale) has coloured shades
of brown and grey fur with stripes or patterns creating camouflage for the animal
during the day. These animals are also extremely agile on rock terrain. Many of the
bird species are pollen and insect eating varieties. The Little Lorikeet (Glossopsitta
pusilla), a bright green parrot, is hard to see as it blends with the bush. These small
birds are common in woodlands feeding on flowering and fruit bearing trees.
Unfortunately exotic pests introduces by early settlers have also established at
Goonoowigall.
[The student has addressed criteria 4.1 (and by providing a food web in the appendix)
4.2, 4.3 and 4.4 in this section]
[The student has achieved criterion 7.1 in this section and by using terms such as
adaptation, evaporation and aestivation in the correct context the student has
addressed criterion 7.3]
[In order to achieve criterion 7.4 the student would need to use phrases such as "It is
thought that this adaptation enables the plant to survive droughts."]
[In order to cover criterion 3.4 the student needed to show a calculation using the
data collected, for example, using the number of ants observed in the quadrat (an
area of 1 square metre) a calculation of the predicted number of ants on the surface
of the whole area studied.]
5.0 GOVERNMENT CONTROLS
The Goonoowigall Bushland Reserve was gazetted in 1976 as a reserve for Public
Recreation and Preservation of Native Flora. Since 1981 a trust comprising of seven
local volunteers, appointed by the Minister of land and Water Conservation, has been
responsible for maintaining this local recreation service for the general public, eg.
bushwalkers and students, and the NSW Government. Prior it was a reserve for flora,
controlled by the MacIntyre Shire. (A fax of questions to Secretary of trust is
included in appendix 3).
The reserve is under the total protection of the National Parks and Wildlife Service.
(see Conservation Code append. 3). The trust administers this code and provides the
department with an annual report. Income is from Government grants but they are
very irregular. The trust has little restrictions with controls, however must comply
with NSW Statutory regulations.
[Covers criteria 5.1, 5.2 and 5.3]
A problem being experienced at present is the NSW Fire Controls re walking paths
have to be extended to enable a fire truck admittance for bushfires. This will damage
flora, creating more erosion unless sides of tracks are raised and mounded. Also
motorbikes are already a current problem, widening the tracks and placing speed
humps on path could exacerbate the problem.
[Attempts to address criterion 5.4. A further statement about suggested improvements
would fully cover this criterion.]
6.0 CONCLUSION
The Goonoowigall Bushland Reserve is typical hard, rugged Australian scrub and
contains a rich biodiversity of protected native flora and fauna species. Animals and
plants survive and grow under extreme conditions in this type of ecosystem, however
the elements at Goonoowigall combine making it an ecologically sustainable
environment.
Due to the colourful history of Goonoowigall which is typical to many parts of
Australia, many original species of plants and animals may have disappeared in small
areas, but eventually most species of plants will regenerate. Recently identified and
named by the Royal Botanical Gardens is a Cycad species. The Burrawang
(Macrozamia) has adapted and is unique to the Goonoowigall Bushland Reserve. The
Aboriginal people ate this bush food after a lengthy preparation due to the poisonous
seed. Our future generations will be thankful that local volunteers saw the beauty and
richness of this landscape and had the foresight to protect it before human usage could
continue causing irreversible damage to the natural flow of energy needed to sustain
life in this forest.
Reference List
Wiederman, E., 1990, World of its own, Inverell's early years, Devill Publicity,
Inverell.
Wiederman, E., 1998, Holding its own, Regional publishing, Inverell.
Groves, R. H., (ed.), 1987, Australian vegetation, Cambridge University press, Hong
Kong.
Elliot, G., 1990, Australian Plants Identified, Hyland House Publishing, Melbourne.
Forshaw, J. M., 1981, Australian Parrots, Ure smith Press, Willoughby, NSW.
Australian Ecosystem Series, Dry Schlerophyll Forest, (Video recording), 1994
Bureau of Meteorology, 2000, ‘Climate and Weather, What is the Difference?’,
http://www.bom.hgov.au./climaye/environ/other/Climweather/.shtml.
Britannica CD rom, ‘94 to ‘98 edition, ‘Wallaby’.
Britannica CD rom, ‘94 to ‘98 edition, ‘The process of Weathering’.
Dept. of Agriculture NSW, 1982, Agfacts, Lichens, (L.J. Penrose, Agriculture
Research and Veterinary Centre), Orange.
Goonoowigall Bushland Trust, 1992, ‘The Goonoowigall Bushland Reserve’, Inverell
Trust, Inverell.
[The student has addressed criterion 6.1 by using materials from books, video, CD
ROM and internet]