SNAB A2 Ecology

Coursework

Abstract
This study was designed to explore the effect of soil depth on the growth of dandelion
(Taraxacum officinale) leaf width in a grassland habitat. To compare the effect of soil
depth two different sample areas were chosen; trampled grass - near the main path
walk for pedestrians and non- trampled- near trees where trampling is less frequent. A
25cm quadrat was used to collect data on the average dandelion leaf width within the
sampled areas using the method of random sampling. For each quadrat within the
sampled area readings of the soil depth and the soil temperature were taken. After
gathering all my results I carried out a Mann Whitney U test which showed a strong
negative correlation between the two variables suggesting that; as the soil depth
increases the average width of dandelion leaves increases. My method had a few
limitations such as the irregularity of soil temperature; however this could be
improved by taking regular readings of the soil temperature e.g. once every 24 hours.

Research and rationale

While taking a jog one morning through Greenwich Park I realised that the sizes of the
dandelion leaves varied from one area to another. It appeared to be that the widths of
the dandelion leaves were noticeably larger in the parts of the field where trampling
was less frequent in contrast to the dandelion leaves that were located near the main
pathway provided for the pedestrians. After observing I noticed that it was very
common for the pedestrians to wander away from the path; whether for a quicker
route or merely for walking their dogs. I also realised that children preferred to run off
the pathway to play on the nearby grass, this trampling would result in the
compression of the soil causing the soil depth to decrease. Another dilemma that
could result from treading on the grass would be an interruption in the processes of
ecological succession.

Ecological succession
Succession is the process of change in the structure of species in an ecological
community where animals and plants colonise a specific area and over time these
plants and animals are replaced by more varied communities [1]. Succession takes
place due to a particular change of environmental factors in a specific place; this
environmental change could be either physical or chemical. A change in surroundings
of a habitat causes all the different species to adapt to a high level of competition in
order to thrive under a certain set of conditions - which if are changed - are replaced
by a set of better adapted species. As the process of succession continues the plants
growing within the community not only become larger in size, but their structures also
change to become more complex. This environmental change is affected by two main
factors.
The first is biotic factors (living) which include disease, predation, territory
competition and availability of mates. There are very few biotic factors that could
have an effect on the growth of dandelions such as competition or even disease.
However this is very unlikely because Greenwich Park has various professionals whose

roles include looking after the well being of all organisms in the park. If an outburst of
disease somehow affected the plants the representatives responsible for the park
would make sure to remove the species affecting the well being of the community.
The second is abiotic (non-living) factors which include soil temperature, soil structure
and mineral content, light intensity, water availability and oxygen availability. Abiotic
factors are more likely to affect the majority of plants including the growth of
dandelions rather than biotic factors. This is because abiotic factors, such as water
availability and soil structure will have a direct affect on the growth of plants such as
dandelions.
Since some land which is not yet colonised has very few nutrients due to the poor
quality of the lands soil, pioneer species such as dandelions often have adaptations
such as long roots or long nodes which help them to take advantage of their habitat
by maximising their abilities to absorb the highest level of minerals for their best
growth. While dandelions have the adaptations of a pioneer species on bear land, they
also have the ability to remain as a species in the long-term of vegetation. The
dandelions ability to grow in a healthy habitat is affected by the quality of the abiotic
factors which are provided for them. This means that abiotic factors (such as the soil
depth) have significant impact on the extent to which dandelion leaves are able to
grow.
As time progresses the species colonising an area are replaced by species that are
more complex with new adaptations. Towards the late stages of succession when
more species colonise an area, the colonised community will have high levels of
biodiversity because of all the different species that vary.
The process of succession may affect a certain type of species in a negative way. If a
certain plant begins to grow in a new area, this may attract a higher population of
predators that are competing for this particular prey which may affect the growth of
that species. For instance, if the growth of dandelion leaves is in fact affected by the
soil depth, then the presence of a new species that attracts many animals could cause
more trampling in the area. The animals treading on the grass could cause a decrease
in the soil depth in places where the dandelions are growing. However this factor is
less likely to have an impact in Greenwich Park because the community is well
managed by the staffs that make sure the animals are only allowed to roam within
certain areas which should contain the food and minerals needed for their survival.

Because of how old Greenwich Park ages back too, I expected to find the
community in the late stages of succession but was surprised by the early
stages it was still in. I think that this may have been caused by the
intervention of the staff looking after the park in order to prevent the
species in the community from over growing. This gives an opportunity
for all the species in the habitat to thrive more efficiently without the
limitations of food and territory affecting their growth.

The importance of dandelions

Dandelions are a 'pioneer' species, they are commonly known for their ability at living
in damaged areas and also for repairing damaged soil. Dandelions are extremely
difficult to remove from the soil because of their tap root which is a single large deep
root that taps in to the deep layers of the soil where all the rich nutrient pockets are
found. This makes dandelions a very competitive species in contrast to surrounding
plants (such as grass whose roots are short) that struggle to survive with the few
nutrients available in the upper layers of soil. Adaptations like these make
dandelions suitable for colonizing damaged areas because of their ability
to thrive in extreme conditions.

As well as having their own unique ways of survival they are also very
beneficial to the other species that surround them. The tap root of the
dandelions brings up nutrients from the deep layers of soil and stores
them in its leaves, and when it dies, it deposits the nutrients on the
surface, making them available to other plants without deep roots. This means that
the larger the leaves of the dandelions the more benefit there are to the succession of
the community because of the nutrients and minerals they help to provide to less
fortunate plants.
The whole dandelion plant is edible; the rosette (yellow head) is a
very healthy snack, while the leaves have far more nutritional
content (omega 3 and 6 fatty acids) than any leaf lettuce
available at stores.
The medicinal qualities of dandelions are plentiful. One of its man
uses has been as a diuretic and liver/bloodstream purifier. It helps to stimulate
production of bile, which can help break down gall stones. The milk in the stem can be
used as a skin softener, and it has an anti fungal agent which can help control yeast
infections. As a tea, it has anti-inflammatory properties.
A very important process for plants is photosynthesis. This is the process by which all
plants, including dandelions, absorb energy from the Sun using chlorophyll; this
energy is then used to help convert water and inorganic carbon dioxide into sugars
(glucose). The chlorophyll responsible for trapping energy from the sun is located in
the leaves. The larger the surface area of the leaf the higher the chance increases for
the leaves to absorb energy from the sunlight; this could increase the rate at which
photosynthesis takes place. It is for this reason that I think investigating the affect
different factors, such as soil, have on the width of dandelion leaves is very important.
Exploring the best conditions responsible for producing dandelion leaves with the
largest leaf surface area possible maximises the benefits we can obtain from this
species.
After researching more in to the benefits of dandelions I became more fascinated to
investigate the most suitable conditions for the growth of dandelions.
Soil is one of the most important factors that could greatly affect the growth of the
dandelion leaves. If a decrease in soil depth means that dandelions will grow more
difficulty, this could cause limitations to the benefits we could potentially gain from
the leaves such as improving soil for neighbouring crops or even for the medicinal
purposes.

Preliminary study
In order for my investigation to be more accurate I decided to conduct a preliminary
study. This would give me an opportunity to practice using all of the equipment and
also allow me to refine my method. Going through with a trial study allowed me to
gather useful data on the how long each repeat would take; this then helped me to
decide on using one sample area from each trampled and non-trampled rather than
two from each, which I would not have enough time for. In my preliminary study I
collected data from five coordinates (using a quadrat) rather than ten in my sample
area; this is because the purpose of this trial study is to test the method rather than to
collect a full set of reliable results.
Because I carried out a pilot study I was also able to choose more suitably located
places in both the trampled and non-trampled for my main investigation. This
consisted of both the sample areas having a similar soil temperature to ensure that
this variable would not have the most affect on the change of the independent
variable (dandelion leaf width). A problem I faced during my trial method was caused
by a lack of dandelion leaves in my sample areas; some of the coordinated where I
placed my quadrat had no leaves for me to measure. In my main investigation I have
chosen areas with a higher abundance of dandelion leaves to avoid this issue.
The table below shows the calculations for finding the running mean for soil depth. I
found that there were 10 repeats in my calculations because at this point the readings
for my soil depth became constant.

Table 1 Soil depth running mean

Soil depth
readings (cm)

8.5
7.3
7.6
8
8.5
8.5
8.5
8.5

Running mean for

soil depth

7.9
7.45
7.8
8.25
8.5
8.5
8.5

Displaying the results in a graph shows a clear view of how the soil depth readings
become constant after 10 readings.

Graph 1 Soil depth running mean scatter graph

8.6
8.4

Soil
8.2
depth
running
8
mean
7.8
7.6
7.4
7.2
7
6.8
1

Number of soil depth

readings
4
5

After finding the running mean of soil depth I decided to then find the running mean
for soil temperature because this may also be a variable which affects the growth of
the dandelion leaves. Calculating the running mean would help me to determine the
number of readings r from each quadrat required to help me control this variable (soil
temperature) within my experiment.

Table 2 Soil temperature running mean

Time (seconds)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13

Temperature (degree
Celsius)
4.3
4.2
4.3
5.4
5.4
5.4
5.4
5.4
5.4
5.4
5.2
5.2
5.2

14
15
16
17
18
19
20

5.2
5.2
5.2
5.2
5.2
5.2
5.2

The table above displays my results of running the mean for the soil temperature. The
running mean was shown to be 20 seconds because after 10 seconds of the same
reading this is when the temperature of the soil became constant.

Graph 2 Running mean for soil temperature

scatter graph
Temperatur
e of soil
(degrees
Celsius)

6
5
4
3
2
1
0
1

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

Time
(seconds)

Planning
For this study I have decided to use random sampling because this method is the best
for ensuring that all bias is eliminated; all areas within the sample area have an equal
chance of being selected as the coordinated that are to be investigated. Using two
transects formed by two tape measures each one measuring 10m I will form my
sample areas in two different areas. The first sample area will be set up near the
pedestrians pathway in order for me to investigate the soil depth which is shallower
due to common trampling. The second sample area I plan to investigate will be placed

in an area of land far from the pathway, closer to a set of oak trees where pedestrians
are less likely to tread (non- trampled area).
I have chosen these two areas because of the distinct pattern visible with regards to
the size of dandelion leaves; the leaves seemed to be larger nearer to the oak trees
where less pedestrians are likely to tread on the soil. However the sizes of the leaves
nearer to the pathway appear to be smaller where the soil is shallower. Collecting data
from both the trampled and non-trampled areas will provide me with sufficient data
for measuring my independent variable (soil depth) and its affect on the width of
dandelion leaves.

[2] Diagram 1: This diagram displays a clear image of how to

gather data from a specific sample area using random sampling
Random sampling is typically used for habitats which are consistent which is suitable
in my investigation for collecting data from two different areas within the same
habitat , trampled and non-trampled . Using data from random sampling is a better
reflection of the dandelion leaf width on both the sites I have chosen because the
samples potentially cover the whole area of each section and not just a narrow band
across the middle, as in the belt transect [2]. Using random sampling will provide me
with valid quantitative data for calculating the standard deviation, and taking 10
reading from each sample area within the habitat ensures the reliability of my results.
To measure the soil depth in my non- trampled and trampled sample areas I will use a
soil pin, roughly 30cm in length, and as for measuring the width of the dandelion
leaves I will be using a regular ruler no longer than 30cm. I will use a scientific
calculator for generating a set of random numbers that will be used as my
coordinates; these coordinates will indicate the location for placing the 0.25m square
quadrat.

Equipment list

2x 10 meter tape measure

1x 10.25m square quadrat

1x 30cm soil pin

1x 30cm ruler

1x digital soil thermometer

1x calculator

Method
1. Locate a suitable place for conducting the experiment. To measure the suitability of
the sites make sure that the place being investigated as trampled has the tape
measures emanating from the main pathway, and that the area being investigated
under non-trampled is a reasonably good distance away from the pathway (about
35m) have the transects emanating from the set of oak trees where trampling is less
frequent. Also ensure that both the sites being investigated contain a sufficient
abundance of dandelion leaves for measuring to have enough data collected.
2. Place both the 10 meter tape measures, one horizontally and one vertically, each
emanating from suitable points previously mentioned (the pedestrian pathway for
trampled and the oak trees from non-trampled).
3. Using the scientific calculator begin by generating the random numbers - shift, Ran#
button, (=) that will be used as coordinates then place the 0.25msquare quadrat
where the coordinates show.
4. Pick the dandelion leaf with the largest width measurement and record this data down
(in cm). The measurement of this dandelion leaf should be a representative of the
dandelion leaf width in the entire quadrat.
5. At each coordinate where the quadrat is placed i will take eight readings of the soil
depth by penetrating the surface of the soil with the tip of the soil pin until its no
longer possible for the pin to move any deeper. The readings must all be in different
squares of the 25 squares within the quadrat frame. After collecting eight different soil
depths I will calculate the mean average using the 8 readings of soil depth for each
quadrat; this average should represent the entire quadrat.
6. At each of the coordinates where my quadrat will be placed I will take readings of the
soil temperature using a thermometer. Because of the results from my preliminary
study I will keep the thermometer in the soil for 20 seconds; I am using the soil
temperature as a control in my investigation so using my running mean ensures my
results are more reliable. In order for my results to be valid it is important that the soil
temperature measurements are taken the same way in each quadrat; because of this I
will place my thermometer in the centre square of each quadrat. To improve my
method I will use a stopwatch for counting the 20 seconds rather than counting in my
head; the time frame of my counting may differ each time (sometimes may be slower
than other times).
7. After completing all of my method and collecting all of the information from my
investigation I will use this data to conduct a Mann Whitney U test. This will show me
the correlation, if any, between the effects of soil depth on the width of dandelion
leaves. With the correlation I will be able to see whether to accept the null or
alternative hypothesis.

Variables
Although soil depth is the main variable being investigated there are several other
variables which should also be taken in to consideration because of the influences
they could have on the width of dandelion leaves. In order for the investigation to be
valid its important to ensure that the independent variable (trampled vs. nontrampled) is the variable with the most impact on the change in the dependant
variable (dandelion leaf width).
Greenwich Park, where I plan to carry out my investigation, is a natural environment
which makes it more difficult for me to control these other variables. However, both
the areas I am investigating are in the same field which means it is easy for me to
monitor the consistency of the variables within the sample areas. An example of this
would be the consistency of the soil type, as well as the stability of temperature.

Temperature
One of the variables which could have the greatest significance on the growth of
dandelion leaf width could be caused by the inconsistent change in temperature. The
temperature of the environment in which plants grow affects the rate of some of the
most important reactions including that plants such as dandelions undergo for basic
survival. These reactions are all controlled by biological enzymes. As the temperature
increases the rate of reactions also increases; if the temperature continues to increase
above the optimum point the rate of reaction begins to decrease because the
enzymes denature - meaning the enzymes can no longer properly function. For these
reasons I will measure the temperature of the soil to ensure that its not the variable
responsible for limiting the growth of dandelion leaves.

Soil pH
pH has a similar affect as temperature on enzyme controlled reactions. This is
because a change in pH can change the shape of enzymes, thus changing its
efficiency at functioning properly. This means that the rate of photosynthesis would
also be affected; if the pH levels increase above the optimum pH range the active site
of the enzyme will change so photosynthesis will no longer be able to take place. In
contrast to the soil temperature, the pH of the soil is less likely to fluctuate
considerably so it will not greatly affect the dependant variable. Because I cannot take
samples of the soil to examine the pH levels in a lab the only way to monitor this
would be to ask the park representatives/ owners for the pH of the soil.

Soil depth
Soil depth is the variable which I am using in my study as an independent variable.
Soil has most of the nutrients needed for growth and plant survival such as water
which is needed for growth but most importantly plays a great role in the process in
photosynthesis. Other nutrients that are found in the soil include Nitrate ions, needed
for protein synthesis, Magnesium ions needed for the production of chlorophyll and
Calcium ions which help cell elongation in plants such as dandelions. I will be
measuring the soil depth using a soil pin which I will use to take 8 readings from each
quadrat, after that I will use these readings to calculate an average. T o ensure the

validity of this process I will take the measurements myself because the strength each
person uses to push the pin into the soil may vary.

Risk assessment
Key:
Score
1
2
3
4
5

likelihood

Severity

Very rare
Rare
Occasional
Frequent
Very frequent

Event

Insect
bites/stings

Likelihood

Very mild
Mild
Moderate
Severe
Very severe

Seriousness

Total risk
(likelihood x
seriousness)

Precautions to be
taken to
minimise risk

Cutting hand
with soil pin

Low branches

Tripping or
slipping

12

Getting lost
within the
park

Wear clothing
with long sleeves
Carry insect
repellent spray
Avoid irritating
insects homes
Hold the pin from
the top end
Insert gently in
the soil
Pull soil pin out of
soil slowly
Look ahead when
walking
Avoid walking on
sloped land by
taking the main
pathway
Avoid walking in
wet areas
/puddles in rainy
whether
Keep a phone at
hand that
contains the
mobile numbers
of leaders and
group members

Abducted by
strangers

Plants
(nettles)

Poisonous
Plants (fungi)

Hypothermia

Observations and recordings:

Bring along a map

of the park to
navigate around
more easily
Stick to the main
paths; avoid using
side paths for
quicker routes
Pick a location for
a group meeting
point if I lose my
way around
Avoid conversing
with any
strangers
Keep within close
range of group
members
Keep emergency
contact on speed
dial
Wear clothing that
covers areas of
the body that are
most likely to
come in contact
with plants e.g.
gloves , long
trousers and long
sleeved top
Wash hands
thoroughly after
contact with plant
Do not eat any of
the plant
Wear several/
thick layers of
clothing
Carry a flask of
warm drink
Avoid getting
body wet

The tables below are all the data gathered from my real investigation. Tables 3 and 4
show all of the readings of the soil depth and dandelion leaf width averages, the
additional variable that I monitored which was soil temperature, is also recorded in the
tables.

Trampled
Table 3 This table shows all of the data gathered from the trampled area;
in my investigation this was the area next to the pathway. The sample area
was 10m by 10m emanating from the edge of the pathway.
Coordinates in
sample area (m)

2,3
1,6
2,4
5,8
7,2
8,3
6,1
6,3
2,5
8,1

Measure
ment of
leaf width
(cm)
1.2
1.7
1.4
2.4
2.1
2.3
1.9
2.4
3.2
2.9

Mean soil
depth (cm)

5.9
8
5.4
5.8
5.3
6.9
3.9
3.9
4.9
6.9

Soil
temperat
ure
(Degrees
Celsius)
7.1
8.8
8
8
8.1
8.3
7.9
7.8
8.5
8.4

Non - trampled
Table 4 This table shows the data gathered from the non-trampled area,
this was the area near the oak trees (about 35m away from the pathway)
where trampling on the grass was less frequent. The data includes the
readings of my independent and dependant variables (soil depth averages
and dandelion leaf width) as well as my control variable (soil temperature).

Coordinates in
sample area (m)

1,8
10,7
7,6
6,4
6,2
1,0
3,5
4,8
7,3

Measure
ment of
leaf width
(cm)
3.5
3.8
4.2
3.1
2.5
4.6
4.3
5.2
3.6

Mean soil
depth (cm)

7.4
7.2
14.9
10.7
12.7
5.7
8
9.4
14

Soil
temperat
ure
(Degrees
Celsius)
8.2
9.4
11.3
10.2
10.8
9.9
10.1
9.5
9.8

2,6

5.2

7.3

9.3

The tables below show all the soil depth readings within the quadrates of my
randomly generated coordinates in both the trampled and non-trampled sample
areas. These results are from my real investigation.
Table 5- Readings of soil depth in non trampled area

Table 6- Readings of soil depth in trampled area

Interpretation and evaluation

Statistical analysis
Null hypothesis (H0) Soil depth does not affect the width of

Alternative hypothesis (H1) Soil depth has an effect on the width of

dandelion leaves

The scatter graphs below illustrate the correlation between soil depth and leaf width
in both the trampled and non- trampled sample areas. Overall, a positive correlation is
evident, as increasing the soil depth increased the width of each dandelion leaf;
however there are many fluctuations along the graph. This is mainly due to the fact
that it is impossible to measure how trampled a sample area is; as most my
readings were along the foot path, some parts in my trampled sample area could have
been treaded on more often than others.
In contrast, when looking at the non-trampled sample, fewer fluctuations are seen as
the areas had not been stepped on. Again, from this graph, a positive correlation can
be seen between the soil depth and dandelion leaf width. This correlation means that
as the soil depth increases the width of dandelion leaves also increases. In contrast to
the non-trampled area the trampled area shows that the leaf width of dandelions
stays relatively the same due to the similarity of soil depth within the sample area.
Over all there is a positive correlation between soil depth and dandelion leaf width. For
this reason it is now important to reject the null hypothesis and adopt the alternative
hypothesis.

Graph 5 Shows effect of soil depth on the leaf width of dandelions on

non-trampled areas.

Soil depth against leaf width (Non-trampled)

6
5
4
Leaf-width (cm) 3
2
1
0

10

12

14

16

Soil-depth (cm)

Graph 6 Shows effect of soil depth on the leaf width of dandelions

in trampled areas.

Soil depth against leaf width (Trampled)

3.5
3
2.5
2
Leaf-width (cm)

1.5
1
0.5
0
3.5

4.5

5.5

6.5

Soil-depth (cm)

7.5

8.5

To calculate the significance of my both my sets of data from the trampled and non-trampled
areas I will use the Mann whiteys U test. This test will allow me see if there is a significant
correlation between the soil depth and leaf width from both of my sample areas. This will
provide me with evidence to support the significant correlation, if any. This test is the most
suitable because I will be comparing 2 different sets of data from both the trampled and nontrampled areas.
In order to carry out a Mann-Whitney U test I must rank all the data in ascending order if two
or more values have the same I would need to add the ranks as though the ranks were
different and then divide that value by the number of values that are the same.

Key:
U=Mann-Whitney U
test
N = sample size
one
1

No.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

Trampled
Rank
Non-trampled
Rank2
1.2
1
3.5
12
1.7
3
3.8
14
1.4
2
4.2
15
2.4
7.5
3.1
10
2.1
5
4.6
18
2.3
6
4.5
17
1.9
4
4.3
16
2.4
7.5
5.2
19.5
3.2
11
3.6
13
2.9
9
5.2
19.5
56
154

I have ranked all the data above in ascending order and in the case that two or more values
are the same i have added the total rank, had they been different, and divided by the number
of values with the same rank.
The total number of the ranks for the First data set, R 1 = 56 and the total value for the ranks
of the second data set, R2 = 154.
Using these values and the formula U1 = (n1 x n2) + (0.5n2) (n2+1) - R2 and similarly U2= (n1
x n2) + (0.5n1) (n1+1) - R1 I have obtained:
U1 = 1 and U2 = 99.

For the Mann Whitney test, using 2 data sets with 10 items each (n 1 and n2 = 10) the critical
value is 23 at p = 0.05
Therefore, as my lowest value of U is less than the critical value (23) I will reject the null
hypothesis H0, and accept the alternate hypothesis at the 5% significance level.

Because I have used a 5% significance level, the critical value is 23, this means that for
results where U = 23 or lower there is a 5% chance the results arose by chance and a 95%
chance that the results are in fact correct.
However the value of the Mann-Whitney U test that I calculated was 1; this is far from the
critical value of 23. If the U value was below 5% this means that the null hypothesis is
accepted because of the fact that the results occurred by random chance. However, as my
Mann-Whitney U test value was lower than my critical value this means that I am able to
adopt my alternative hypothesis and reject the null hypothesis. From my calculations and I
am able to state that my results were not due to chance; this means that soil depth does in
fact the leaf width of a dandelion.
In general my results showed a positive correlation between soil depth and leaf width. It is
clear that the width of the dandelion leaves was significantly higher in the non-trampled area
than the trampled area. This is because in the area where treading is more common (near the
pathway), the soil is likely to be more compact in contrast to the area with less treading where
soil depth is higher. If the soil becomes more compact, this prevents the roots of the
dandelion leaves from thriving to the full length to which it could possibly grow. This means
that the dandelion leaves will not be provided with all the minerals that are only found in the
deep layers of the soil. If the soil is compact than even the tap root of the dandelion would
not be of much use for absorbing certain minerals to aid the growth and reproduction of
dandelion plants. Most of the important processes such as photosynthesis and protein
synthesis that aid in the growth of plants are fuelled by the minerals which are only
accessible from deeper soil levels which means shallow soil limits the extent to which the
dandelion leaves are able to grow. The relationship between my independent and dependant
variable is shown clearly in my set of data; the leaf width was shorter in the trampled area
where the depth of the soil was more constant. On the other hand, the width of the dandelion
leaf seemed to be at an increase in the non-trampled area where the soil was much less
compact.

Overall, the dandelions leaf width is expected to be higher in the areas with deeper soil levels
(non-trampled); this is because an increase in the soil depth means that the dandelions are at
a better advantage for allowing their unique roots to grow taller making it easier for many
minerals to reach the dandelion plant, hence reaching the leaves eventually.

Bibliography
1. Book : Third edition: Biological Science 1 organisms, energy and environment D. J.
Taylor, N. P. O. Green, G. W. Stout, edited by R. Soper Pg. 317
2. Website: https://www.geography-fieldwork.org/geographical-enquiry/before-you-start/2fieldwork.aspx
3. Website: http://www.countrysideinfo.co.uk/what_method.htm
4. Website: http://www.statisticssolutions.com/mann-whitney-u-test/
5. Website :
http://agriculture.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/image/0007/196603/chapter3_31.jpg
6. Website: https://www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/greenwich-park/about-greenwich-park

Evaluating sources
Source 1 is a book that provide me with background information on dandelions as a
species in general, as well as the main processes all plants undergo such as protein
synthesis and photosynthesis. Although this book was somewhat hel