Topic suggestion and selection for research

¶ … Abundance and species richness of shrews within forested habitats on Prince Edward Island. Discussed are the objectives of the research, as well as how the research was conducted. In addition, this report analyzes any problems that may be anticipated in the reviewed research, as well as what conclusions the researchers surmised, and the future research indicated for this topic.

Abundance and Species Richness of Shrews within Forested Habitats on Prince Edward Island

What was the objective of the research (i.e. what question were they tying to answer?)?

The researchers, in this article, sought to discover the number of shrew species on Prince Edward Island (PEI), and the abundance of each of these species. It had been noted that there were five species present on PEI. However, recent researchers had failed to capture three of the five species (Hartling & Silva, 2004).

What type of research was this (i.e. field study, laboratory study, descriptive study)?

To answer their research questions, the researchers conducted a field study, on the island (Hartling & Silva, 2004).

What were the general methods (be brief)?

The methods utilized by the researchers included the placement of pitfall traps in 11 forest fragments around PEI. 344 shrews were captured, in this matter, and studied (Hartling & Silva, 2004).

Were there any problems they encountered? If not, tell what potential problems you see.

No problems were reported in this study, by the researchers. However, it is anticipated that the study may not have been as comprehensive as needed to ensure all species were accounted for and accurately measured. Placement of traps in more areas on PEI could alter the results of the study.

What were the general conclusion (be brief)?

The general conclusions of this study included the discovery that Sorex cinereus was the most abundant species on PEI, as it was captured in all 11 forest fragments. Blarina brevicauda was the next most abundant appearing in 10 of the 11 forest fragments. Sorex fumeus only appeared in one fragment. And, Sorex hoyi and Sorex palustris were not captured at all, indicating that they may be very rare or extirpated from the island (Hartling & Silva, 2004).