Tshisikhawe, M. P.Magwede, K.Mavhila, Tendani2024-10-192024-10-192024-09-06Mavhila, T. 2024. An analysis of exposure and slope gradient impact on tree layer profile of Maroelakop vegetation in Nylsvley Nature Reserve, Limpopo Province, South Africa. . .https://univendspace.univen.ac.za/handle/11602/2748M.Sc. (Botany)Department of Biological SciencesSince the 1850s, plant ecologists have been eager to investigate challenges in vegetation communities that are related to slope. The aspect of the slope is crucial in terms of the diversity and distribution of plants. This research was conducted on Maroelakop Mountain within Nylsvley Nature Reserve located in Mookgopong, Limpopo Province. The investigation aimed to assess and contrast the vegetation composition on the north-facing slope with that of the south-facing slope. The specific goals included ascertaining the density and frequency of dominant tree species on each slope, calculating the importance value indices of trees on both slope gradients and analyzing the population structure of the slope gradient. Point Centred Quarter (PCQ) was used in data collection. Shannon-Weiner diversity index, Simpson diversity index, and Evenness index were used to measure plant species diversity. In this study, a total of 600 trees were discovered and identified by their botanical names. The data represented 21 plant species in 17 genera and 12 families. The tree layer of the north-facing slope was dominated by Diplorhynchus condylocarpon, whereas that on the south-facing slope was dominated by Burkea africana. Both tree species had high-importance value indices. Shannon diversity index of 2.20 was obtained for the North-facing downslope, whereas the South-facing downslope had 1.74. The average Simpson diversity index for the North-facing slope was 0.82 and South-facing slope 0.77. The average Evenness index for the North-facing slope was 0.93 and, on the South-facing slope 0.81. This study concluded that Diplorhynchus condylocarpon is the most prevalent species within Maroelakop Mountain in the Nylsvley Nature Reserve.1 online resource (86 leaves) : color illustrationsenUniversity of VendaDiversityUCTDSpecies compositionImportance value indexSlope gradientDissertationMavhila T. An analysis of exposure and slope gradient impact on tree layer profile of Maroelakop vegetation in Nylsvley Nature Reserve, Limpopo Province, South Africa. []. , 2024 [cited yyyy month dd]. Available from:Mavhila, T. (2024). <i>An analysis of exposure and slope gradient impact on tree layer profile of Maroelakop vegetation in Nylsvley Nature Reserve, Limpopo Province, South Africa</i>. (). . Retrieved fromMavhila, Tendani. <i>"An analysis of exposure and slope gradient impact on tree layer profile of Maroelakop vegetation in Nylsvley Nature Reserve, Limpopo Province, South Africa."</i> ., , 2024.TY - Dissertation AU - Mavhila, Tendani AB - Since the 1850s, plant ecologists have been eager to investigate challenges in vegetation communities that are related to slope. The aspect of the slope is crucial in terms of the diversity and distribution of plants. This research was conducted on Maroelakop Mountain within Nylsvley Nature Reserve located in Mookgopong, Limpopo Province. The investigation aimed to assess and contrast the vegetation composition on the north-facing slope with that of the south-facing slope. The specific goals included ascertaining the density and frequency of dominant tree species on each slope, calculating the importance value indices of trees on both slope gradients and analyzing the population structure of the slope gradient. Point Centred Quarter (PCQ) was used in data collection. Shannon-Weiner diversity index, Simpson diversity index, and Evenness index were used to measure plant species diversity. In this study, a total of 600 trees were discovered and identified by their botanical names. The data represented 21 plant species in 17 genera and 12 families. The tree layer of the north-facing slope was dominated by Diplorhynchus condylocarpon, whereas that on the south-facing slope was dominated by Burkea africana. Both tree species had high-importance value indices. Shannon diversity index of 2.20 was obtained for the North-facing downslope, whereas the South-facing downslope had 1.74. The average Simpson diversity index for the North-facing slope was 0.82 and South-facing slope 0.77. The average Evenness index for the North-facing slope was 0.93 and, on the South-facing slope 0.81. This study concluded that Diplorhynchus condylocarpon is the most prevalent species within Maroelakop Mountain in the Nylsvley Nature Reserve. DA - 2024-09-06 DB - ResearchSpace DP - Univen KW - Diversity KW - Species composition KW - Importance value index KW - Slope gradient LK - https://univendspace.univen.ac.za PY - 2024 T1 - An analysis of exposure and slope gradient impact on tree layer profile of Maroelakop vegetation in Nylsvley Nature Reserve, Limpopo Province, South Africa TI - An analysis of exposure and slope gradient impact on tree layer profile of Maroelakop vegetation in Nylsvley Nature Reserve, Limpopo Province, South Africa UR - ER -