Differentiating and characterizing canopy architecture to better understand habitat selection

Sylvia, C (2018) Differentiating and characterizing canopy architecture to better understand habitat selection. UG thesis, Azim Premji University.

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Abstract

In nature, animals select their habitats based on the resource availability, protection from predators and abundance of mates. Interestingly, the habitat appearance also influences this selection process that determines the distribution and abundance of different species. Particularly in volant species, tree architecture most often acts as a primary factor that determines the physical structure of a habitat. In order to better understand if species selects habitat based on canopy architecture, it would be important to have a tool that can statistically differentiate such architectures. The main aim of my researchthis project was to develop a tool that can statistically differentiate different tree canopy architectures. For this purpose, I characterized trees based on their branching pattern, aspect ratio and crown shapes. Using trees canopy photographs, I attempted to distinguish trees based on their aspect ratios. Using two mathematical models (Pipeline and Leonardo da Vinci model) I verified the validity of using tree images as a proxy for field measurements of branching and tree photographs and field measurements. Among all the methods that I tried, I found the aspect ratio method to be the most appropriate way to statistically differentiate two architectural patterns.

Item Type: Thesis (UG)
Authors: Sylvia, C
Subjects: Natural Sciences > Life sciences; biology
Divisions: Azim Premji University > School of Arts and Sciences
Full Text Status: Restricted
URI: http://publications.azimpremjiuniversity.edu.in/id/eprint/487
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