Each group will be assigned a unique area of the UMass campus. Each group will then use the Frank A. Waugh Arboretum at UMass Amherst website to identify the species of trees that produce fruit available in their area. We will note the number of trees within each species and go on site to count the number of fruit on all or, if there are too many trees of that species, 10 trees. This information about the kinds, number, and fruit of the species in each area will be shared with the whole class. The average number and standard deviation of fruit per tree will be calculated for each species.
Each group will also be assigned a species of songbird that is known to migrate through Massachusetts, and each group will research what kinds of fruits their songbird consumes. Based on the density of tree species and their fruiting ability within each area, we will determine which area(s) the bird will be attracted to. We will also determine what kinds of trees need to be planted where in order for the songbird to be present throughout campus.
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