Spatial Variability of Aspen Bark Chlorophyll Content In

the Winter

Justin Burman, EBIO 4100, Spring 2011

Winter EcologyMountain Research Station

University of Colorado, Boulder

Introduction

Colorado’s aspen trees

Why are they cool?

( trekkerphoto.com)

How are they Special?

Winter photosynthesis in their bark

Share a common root structure

Deciduous

Live in the sub alpine

Does chlorophyl content in the bark of Aspen trees differ within the winter depending on available sunlight ? (Barr and Potter, 1974)

What induces the chlorophyl with in the bark and why?

Prior studies indicated bark chlorophyl content is relative to age (Barr and Potter, 1974)

Chlorophyl In the Bark

Why is This Important

Potential for New habitat

Loss in Bio Mass

Better understand Species

Hypothesis

If winter chlorophyl production within Populus tremuloides is dependent on photoperiod than

the aspect of the tree will also affect the amount of chlorophyl produced.

Location

MethodsVisually documented trees on Northerly and Southerly aspects

When selecting location and specific trees I paid special attention to;elevationtemperaturesize of tree

Take photographs of trees

Methods

Results

Discussion

Potential flaws

Is aspect related to Chlorophyl concentration?

Other variables

Human error

Is it more closely related to the thickness of a stand?

Conclusion

Not significantly related to aspect

Other shading factors appear to be more influential.

Any other Questions?

ResourcesHalfpenny, James. Winter An Ecological Handboobook. Johnson Publishing, Boulder, CO. 1989

Marchand, Peter. Life in the Cold. University Press of New England, 1996

Barr, M. Potter, L. Chlorophylis and Carotenoids in Aspen Bark (Populus tremuloides). The Southwestern Naturalist, Vol. 19, No. 2 (Jul. 26, 1974), pp. 147-154

My Study