Research Article
Diversity and Community Structure of a Riparian Forest Community on Denton Creek, City of Grapevine, Tarrant County, Texas (U.S.A.)
David Alan Rolbiecki*
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 1, March 2025
Pages:
1-21
Received:
8 December 2024
Accepted:
23 December 2024
Published:
9 January 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.eeb.20251001.11
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Abstract: Data comprising the location, size, and frequency of occurrence of 1,300 bottomland riparian trees along a 4,300 ft (1,311 m) stretch of Denton Creek in Grapevine, Texas, was captured. Twenty-five separate species were determined from fourteen different families whose diameter at breast height (DBH) was three inches (7.62 cm) or greater. Elms were the most frequently occurring trees, with Hackberry and American Elm the predominant species. Most occurrences of trees were between 3-12 inches (7.62-30.48 cm) DBH. Brillouin's index of diversity (H) was 1.00 out of a maximum possible diversity (H max) of 1.29, indicating that this community has high species diversity, in spite of the fact that trees less than 3 inches DBH were not included in the survey. Relative diversity according to the evenness (J) ratio of H and H max was 0.78, suggesting that this community is nearly 80% at its maximum possible diversity. In terms of ecological importance, this riparian community is rich in habitat diversity and provides vegetative and protective cover for both flora and fauna, habitat niche, breeding sites and plant distribution. In terms of human importance, the site has economic importance, both as a source of crop and domestic animal production, erosion control, water conservation, and land value.
Abstract: Data comprising the location, size, and frequency of occurrence of 1,300 bottomland riparian trees along a 4,300 ft (1,311 m) stretch of Denton Creek in Grapevine, Texas, was captured. Twenty-five separate species were determined from fourteen different families whose diameter at breast height (DBH) was three inches (7.62 cm) or greater. Elms were ...
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