URI ornithologists have collected a dataset of the nesting locations of ground nesting and tree nesting birds using GPS-derived coordinates obtained at every nest site. It is believed that disturbance from road noise and residential neighborhoods effect tree and ground nesting birds differently.  Here are our hypotheses:

1) Predation from house cats from residential areas (LU code < 120) is higher for ground nesting birds than tree nesting birds.  Therefore, there should be fewer ground nesters near residential neighborhoods.  Test this hypothesis by measuring the distance to the closest patch of residential area for the nests in each group (ground versus tree).   Show the results of this analysis with basic descriptive statistics and determine whether our hypothesis is true or not (to whatever level of statistical sophistication you possess).

2) Noise from roads should impact tree nesters greater than ground nesters because ground-level foliage will strongly attenuate and absorb road noise.   There is less foliage attenuating road noise for tree nesters.  Test this hypothesis by measuring the distance of ground and tree nesting birds from roads and give me your assessment of this hypothesis (include descriptive stats and whatever stats you use to test the hypothesis).

The final product will consist of your statistical assessment of each hypothesis and your assessment if either hypothesis is true.  No map is required. 

The ground nesting and tree nesting bird data (SPF Feet, NAD83) can be obtained by clicking here

Due 29 March