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Species Biodiversity. Effects of Road Development on Habitat Fragmentation Saguaro National Forest SEE-U 2000 B2C. Background. Human development and expansion fragments habitats Edge effects and population isolation endanger endemic species
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Species Biodiversity Effects of Road Development on Habitat Fragmentation Saguaro National Forest SEE-U 2000 B2C
Background • Human development and expansion fragments habitats • Edge effects and population isolation endanger endemic species • Land clearing and habitat fragmentation are major threats to biodiversity • Road development results in increases human impact and abiotic factors
Hypothesis • Does distance from road influence arthropod diversity? • Does the presence of roads reduce arthropod biodiversity?
Field Methods • Two treatments: paved road & gravel road • Seven 50m transects total (3 in treatment 1, 4 in treatment 2) • Each transect sampled at 2m, 6m, 12m, and 50m from the road • Nearest lateral Creosote Bush to sample point was shaken and pummeled • Felled arthropods and others were aspirated into vials
Lab Methods • Arthropods from each vial were counted • Each species was given a distinct description and cataloged according to Order
Conclusion • Endemic species diversity decreases as as proximity to road increases • Gravel roads have more edge effects than paved, but less impact on biodiversity • Paved roads have less edge effects, but impact biodiversity further into areas of endemicity • Biodiversity near paved road appears greater, however it includes invasive species