Resource Partitioning

My group journeyed to a nearby sidewalk between Munroe Hall and the McGowan science buildings. There, we found a tree with thorny little twigs among a group of bushes. We only noticed a few signs of resource partitioning on this tree. We observed that the bark on the tree was partially stripped off in some places. This could have been done by a climbing squirrel or an insect eating away at the bark. In addition, we noticed that many of the leaves were torn and tattered, which could have been done by a caterpillar or other herbivorous insects. There were probably many different species exploiting this tree, but our evidence can only account for 2-4 species. My group noticed very little signs of life on this tree. We suspected this was due to a variety of factors, including the location, height, and care of the tree, as well as the current weather. Firstly, the tree was planted directly in between the intersection of two sidewalks--this isn't a very ideal place for animals to make a home. In addition, the small height of the tree could have also prevented wildlife from utilizing it's resources--squirrels and birds may find more security in a tall tree, where they are out of reach from prey. This tree is located in the middle of the DePaul campus, and thus must be maintained by the gardening employees hired by the university. Signs of life are not easily visible on this tree because these gardeners are interfering with the system of resource partitioning. For example, they may be clearing off any ivy or growing lichen, or discouraging birds to nest in the branches. Lastly, the weather has recently dramatically changed from warms and sunny to cold and rainy. Perhaps insects, animals and plants were living on this tree prior to the temperature change, but as of now, they have migrated to a warmer climate or found a more suitable place to live. These were just a few things that my group brainstormed on our brief nature walk.

By: Emily Leidenfrost, Anna Papuga and Tom Elliott