Island biogeography, spatial ecology, and macroinvertebrate species diversity in Richmond’s rock pools

Geography Learning Objectives

• Introduce basics of ArcMap functionality
• Understand and navigate spatial data in ArcMap
• Develop effective maps using critical map elements and symbology
• Understand and calculate spatial attributes from existing data
• Perform basic spatial analysis using spatial statistical models in ArcMap

Statistics Learning Objectives

• Export spatial attributes for statistical analysis
• Use T-tests, ANOVA, and linear regression to test relationships between species diversity and spatial attributes

Ecology Learning Objectives

• Understand metrics of species diversity such richness and evenness
• Apply principles of island bigeography theory based on size and pool isolation

Acknowledgements: This work was funded by NSF DEB-1556686 (Vonesh) and an ROA supplement (Grayson), as well as the MSI: Richmond program funded by Altria. The data used in this module was collected as part of a collaborative education project between VCU and UR. We are grateful for the data collection efforts of Ryland Stunkle, Emily Betts, Anne Wright, and students from Richmond City Public Schools, VCU Biology and Life Sciences, and UR Biology and Geography. Drone imagery provided by Will Shuart. We also thank David Kitchen, Taylor Holden, Kim Browne, Chtaura Jackson, and Johanna Kraus. River photo by James Vonesh.

Read more about the project: https://vcu.exposure.co/natural-wonders