READINGS FOR FORESTS CLASS, Fall 2018


I. FOR DISCUSSION NOVEMBER 15

This will be a first foray into the scientific primary (original research) literature for most of you, and this will be a challenging read in any case...  here are some NOTES about approaching primary research papers.

Read the following paper for discussion in class. ANTICIPATE that you'll need to read it two or three times. Also ANTICIPATE that I might call on you individually to: a) identify and explain the research question or hypothesis, b) summarize the research design (here it will be important to work to grasp the basic logic and structure without worrying about technical bits): c) summarize the authors' interpretation of their data with respect to their hypotheses (focus on the graphs for this...): and d) consider possibilities for further research. You should ALL come to class with notes on these questions and on any 'questions of fact' or background that arise in your reading.

   Maerz, J.C., et al. 2009.  Declines in Woodland Salamander Abundance Associated with Non-Native Earthworm and Plant Invasions. Conservation Biology 23:975-981.