As a class activity for the Biology Junior Writing course at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, the methods project was assigned to help students build their procedure writing skills. This is an essential part of scientific investigation because it enables scientists to replicate experiments accurately. Replicability aids in establishing the authenticity of findings made during scientific inquiry. Here, I observed and recorded the interspecific relationship between a tree and green lichens found near the roots of the tree. In thinking of what interspecific relationship to observe, I considered the mobility of the interaction. I knew it was important to choose two species that did not move from their point of primary observation. I also ensured that the interaction was in a common area of campus, such as behind the Morrill Science Center, for convenience and accessibility purposes. During the period of observation, the weather had to be taken into account. To this effect, I chose an interspecific interaction that was not affected by sudden changes in weather but remained apparent for a prolonged period of time. As a result, the interaction was observable at the time of replication.
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