Table of ContentsIntroductionMaterials and MethodsResultsDiscussionDisturbances within an environment can have a substantial impact on species abundance present. Highly disturbed areas tend to favor low species diversity, while areas with low disturbance tend to favor higher species diversity. In this study, the diversity of bird species in a natural environment was compared to that of a habitat with artificial characteristics. It was hypothesized that there would be less species diversity among birds found outside their natural habitat. Four groups were tasked with observing the number of different bird species present in a specified location. A total of ten bird species were found in natural habitats, while there were only eight bird species in artificial habitats. However, because the value of our statistical analysis was so low, we could not conclude that there was a significant difference in species diversity between the two sites. The results do not support the hypothesis, but this could be due to the data collection in one day and the birds' overall adaptation to their environment. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essayIntroductionSpecies diversity is exceptionally important in determining the overall health of a community and/or ecosystem. Habitats that contain high species diversity are more likely to be resistant to disturbance, unlike habitats with low species diversity. In a report written by WA Ntongani and SM Andrew, it is cited that researchers Hill et al. , with DM Green and MG Baker, found that habitats that have experienced some type of disturbance tend to offer less species diversity, unlike more resourceful natural habitats (2013). Another study conducted by Reijen et al. , found a lower abundance of bird species present in areas that produced significant interference and hindered their ability to communicate (Phipps 2000). The objective of this study was to determine whether, within the Winthrop Recreation and Research Complex, the diversity of bird species in an area favoring a natural habitat differed from that in a habitat with more man-made features. We sought to observe if there really was a disparity between the two or if usual conditions had little influence on the diversity of species in our observation areas. Given the above information, I hypothesized that if a bird community was located outside of its natural habitat, then there would be less species diversity within the group. Materials and methods Experimental observations were recorded on the afternoon of September 12, 2018 at Winthrop. Recreation and research complex, located near the Winthrop University campus in Rock Hill, South Carolina. The 325-acre outdoor site included a lake and wetland, a wooded area with three estate parcels (known as Winthrop Woods), soccer fields, softball fields, a golf course, a track and a colosseum nearby. The main areas of interest centered on natural habitats and artificial habitats. We decided to narrow our scope specifically to lake and wetland habitats, Winthrop Woods estate plots, softball fields, and the Coliseum parking lot. Winthrop Woods was created to serve as an area allowingstudents to investigate and conduct research studies. In 1989, 50 x 50 meter successional plots were set aside not to be intentionally disturbed, allowing future observations of the area (Winthrop Biology). This action was followed by the creation of two other succession plots in 1994 and 1999 respectively, to meet the same objective (Winthrop Biology). The collective area has currently been in succession for approximately 30 years and consists of a culminating community of deciduous trees. The process began by dividing the class into four separate groups, each responsible for one of the domains shown in Figure 1. Each group included approximately five students and were responsible for collecting data in their own respective domains. Groups were properly equipped with two to three sets of binoculars, a smart device consisting of the Merlin Bird ID app (to aid in bird identification), pen and paper. The differently colored boxed areas indicate the four different locations where the observations were made. The parking lot and softball fields are outlined in red and yellow, respectively, while the wetlands and estate plots are outlined in orange and white. Data was only collected for one day, on a Wednesday afternoon, for approximately one hour between 3:45 p.m. and 4:45 p.m. The weather was generally clear, with a slight overcast sky, and it should be noted that a major storm was expected to make landfall in the coming days. Over the course of the hour, each group surveyed their respective areas for different species of birds, using natural eyesight, binoculars and their sense of hearing. Individuals walked throughout the vicinity of their section scanning multiple areas, including the horizon, low areas, tree branches, marshy wetlands, etc. , and noted any birds they found. In an effort to make the process more efficient, each group designated two to three people to carry the binoculars and serve as observers, while the remaining people shared the responsibilities of using the Merlin Bird ID app (to help to the identification of bird species). and take general notes. After an hour, all groups gathered in the laboratory and consolidated all their recorded data. My research group was tasked with surveying the Winthrop Coliseum parking lot. As noted above, two individuals were the primary observers and used binoculars to scan the sky and nearby tree lines. Once a bird was spotted, general descriptions (color, size, bird calls, etc.) were given to the note taker and people with the Merlin Bird ID app to determine the actual species. We started in the northwest corner of the parking lot and traveled generally southeast throughout the duration. Results After combining all of the data from each research group, a total of ten different bird species in the natural habitats and eight different bird species in humans. artificial habitats have been found. Three common birds were observed in both areas: the Eastern Bluebird (Sialia sialis), the Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis), and the Northern Mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos). To determine if there was significant species diversity among the birds present in the complex, we used the chi-square formula, where = chi-square value, = sum of all values, O = the number of bird species observed and E = the number of bird species expected (equation 1). With our data, O = 10 for the natural habitat and O = 8 for the artificial habitat,.