Natural history and phenology - Assignment Example

In essence, this laboratory experiment entailed collecting phonological data for a tree on the campus of NEIU with a view of contributing to the modern phenology network. After being provided with a tree to be used for the experiment, I found out that the tree had broad leaf, alternate, compound, and pinnate. In this case, given that, the tree had a broad leaf it was a characteristic of a deciduous hardwood. As observed, one of the leaf was on each node, and it had multiple leaflets on a common stalk and the given multiple leaflets being arranged in a pattern resembling a feather and they were all attached to a central rachis.

It had a bark of distinctive lighter streaks with a corn large about ? to 3/2 inch and a shallow cap resembling a beret. Following this chronological order of the tree characteristics, it was clear that the tree was the northern red oak as observed in the appendix B. This type of tree is often found on a varied of soil but more especially on moist sandy clay and the rocky soil. The table 1 (appendix B) shows the chronological order followed in order to arrive at the conclusion that the tree was the northern oak. . An oak wilt is a fungal disease often known to be transmitted by insects.

It is worth noting that the ork wilt disease is transmitted through the underground roots. It is characterized by the leaf discoloring, bronzing and wilting. Contrary to what was the expected phenology, in week two, there were more leaves infected by the wilt disease with one side of the tree dropping off. Leaves were on the other hand turning brown and they were falling off. In the third week, it was evident that there were more leaves that had been infected with a single leave remaining green though some section of the tree showed signs of dying.

On the fourth week, it was vivid that the entire tree was infected and thus ended up drying up. On 15th of October which marked the beginning and end of week five, it was clear from observation that the tree in its totality had turned brown and crusty. When finally, the observation was made on 11th of November, it was certainly clear that there were no leaves. The table 2 (appendix A) shows the procedure followed in carrying out the experiment. Work Cited Koech, EE, & Chmielewski, Claudio. Guidelines for plant Phenological Observations.

Meteorologie 2007, 398: 225 – 243. APPENDIX A Table 1. Broad leaf Bark with distinct lighter streaks Acon large ? to 3/2 inch with a shallow cap which resembles a beret. Found on moist but not wet sites Alternate Compound Pinnate Table 2. Week one Leaves were 4 to 9 inches long, dark green, with a distinctive lighter streakes. Week two More leaves infected by the wilt disease with one side of the tree dropping off Third week More leaves infected with a single leave remaining green Fourth week Entire tree was 11th of November No leaves 15th of October Tree had turned brown and crusty APPENDIX B Diagram 1 : Leaf