Our group of intelligent biologists visited the old field on 9/29/14 around 4:15pm on a sunny spring day. We found a patch of golden rods (around 15) in direct sunlight where we would collect all our data. Firstly, we used a thermometer to get a temperature of 20° Celsius next to the golden rods. Using a sling psychrometer, we also recorded a 47% humidity reading. In order to carry out this experiment with the least amount of confounding variables, we determined it was best to keep the temperature surrounding the plants consistent. Instead of using a separate patch of golden rods in areas shaded by trees (where the temperature of the golden rods would be much cooler), we just placed a large piece of cardboard, between the sun and the golden rod. Additionally, we only collected data on the rods that were of relatively the same size. For the next hour, we alternated every 15 minutes between collecting data on a golden rod receiving direct sunlight and shade. Each member of the group focused on only one individual plant. Data of shaded and un-shaded would be collected on the same plant. As every bumblebee and honeybee landed on the golden rod we were independently examining, we immediately marked it down.
Results.
Honey Bee and Bumble Bee Pollination of Golden Rods.
Shaded.
Unshaded.
Total.
HB.
3.
14.
17.
BB.
5.
35.
40.
.
The results recorded were just as expected. The bees tend to prefer the unshaded golden rod considerably more than the shaded. With a degrees of freedom of 1, it was determined that the chi-square results for honey bees and bumblebees to be 7.12 and 22.5, respectively. Since the chi-square values for the pollinators are both greater than the critical value 6.64 for a P-value of .01, I am forced to reject the null. We can now be 99% sure in supporting the alternative, stating that bumblebees and honeybees do indeed have a preference when pollinating golden rods in the shade or in the sunlight. .
Discussion.