Researchers Used an Experimental Design in Which They Cleared Large

Essay

Researchers used an experimental design in which they cleared large patches of pine forest from five areas. The central cleared area served as the source of dispersers. The four remaining cleared patches were (1) a rectangular unconnected patch, (2) a rectangular patch connected to the central patch with a cleared path that served as a corridor, (3) two rectangular patches with wings (patches with corridors that did not connect to other patches). The researchers were interested in the importance of habitat corridors to the movement of seeds, pollen, and butterflies between central and peripheral habitat patches. What was the purpose of planting male winterberry plants in central patches and female winterberry plants in peripheral patches? Based on the results, what would you conclude about the importance of habitat corridors?