Estimating Tree Heights: Right Triangle Trigonometry
This module introduces basic trigonometry calculations in the context of understanding tree height calculations. It is intended for an introductory biology audience.
Listed in Teaching Materials | resource by group Quantitative Biology at Community Colleges
Version 1.0 - published on 15 Feb 2019 doi:10.25334/Q4S430 - cite this
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Description
Student Introduction: Scientists studying a forest ecosystem over a long period of time may record measurements of trees for a number of variables, including each tree's diameter at breast height, height of the lowest living branch, canopy cover, etc. One aspect of a tree's growth that can be hard to measure is tree height. Forest researchers sometimes use a piece of equipment consisting of telescoping components, which are extended until the tip reaches the same height as the tree top (this requires a second researcher standing at a distance from the tree to determine when the tip is at the correct height). This method can be cumbersome, as the equipment is bulky and the measurements require two people.
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Cite this work
Researchers should cite this work as follows:
- Gross, L., Beals, M., Harrell, S. (2019). Estimating Tree Heights: Right Triangle Trigonometry. Quantitative Biology at Community Colleges, QUBES Educational Resources. doi:10.25334/Q4S430
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Quantitative Biology at Community Colleges
This publication belongs to the Quantitative Biology at Community Colleges group.
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