CHAPTER I

BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

Introduction

Arthropods are the most biologically successful group of animals which

estimated over 30 million species and 1 million of species identified and named

from different subphylum and classes (Castner, J., 2000). They are the most

diverse and live in greater range of habitats than other animal phylum (Solomon

et al., 2006). These organisms are important members of many food webs because

some of the animals such as birds, reptiles, mammals, amphibians and fishes

depend on it as food. Some actually compete with humans for food and may cause

diseases as vectors but some of them are beneficial in terms of agricultural

industries (Solomon et.al. 2006). Bees, wasps, beetles and other insects pollinate

flowers of crops and fruit trees. And some organic farmers use ladybird beetles

which are adept at ridding plants of aphids and other insect pests. All in all, there

are five different classes under phylum Arthropoda which defined with certain

variations to each other in terms of forms and morphology (Castner, J., 2000).

The presence of arthropods is vast that some of them exist in every part of

the biosphere. They are detritus feeders and helps in the process of nutrient cycle

in the soil. They also help to the aeration of the soil through digging processes

(Culliney, 2013). Moreover, they contribute largely in the soil development of an

 CHAPTER 2

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES

2.1 Site and Location

2.1.1 Barangay San Juan, San Miguel, Bulacan

San Miguel, Bulacan one of the municipalities in Bulacan located at 15°

8’45” N 120 degrees 58’42”E. It is second to the largest municipality in Bulacan

with a total land area of 231.40km2 and a population of 153,882 (Bersales, L.G,

S., 2015). Large area of San Miguel is suitable for agricultural purposes such as

farming and poultry. In addition, fishing is also practiced in San Miguel River.

Barangay San Juan is one of the 49 barangays in the municipality and farming and

poultry is widely practice in the area.

Figure 1. Map of San Miguel Bulacan via satellite

 CHAPTER 3

METHODOLOGY

3.1 Collection and Identification of Arthropods

The procedures used in collecting arthropods were adopted based on the

study of Ballentes et. al (2005) wherein the collection were held in an area of

10x10 m. Five sampling period in the month of July, August, September, October

and November were considered. All sampling periods included in the study were

fall in the wet season and July as transition period of season as described by

Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration

(PAGASA).

Pit fall traps were used to trap ground-dwelling arthropods. This simple

trapping method allows ground-dwelling invertebrates to fall into a container such

as a plastic beverage cup, or any other plastic or glass container with a slippery

inner surface (Raworth, D. A., & Choi, M., 2001).

Sweep net sampling method was used for collecting flying insects. A

modified aerial net is swept into the vegetation covering the area in the region of

the plot. The catches were sorted, counted, and recorded. Some samples were

taken as voucher specimens. The voucher specimens were preserved in 70% ethyl

alcohol and some specimen undergone freezing method for preservation to

prevent rapid discoloration that may hinder identification process. In visual

 CHAPTER 4

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

This chapter describes the analysis of data followed by interpretation of

the results. Data were analyzed to identify, describe and explore the effects of

environmental variables selected to the diversity of the arthropods in the vicinity

of Brgy. San Juan San Miguel Bulacan which is obtained through arthropod

collection, soil quality analysis and atmospheric condition analysis.

4.1 Atmospheric Conditions

The atmospheric conditions included in the study were ambient

temperature and humidity. These variables are considered as major environmental

factors affecting the arthropod diversity in Brgy. San Juan, San Miguel, Bulacan.

4.1.1 Ambient Temperature

Ambient temperature was measured in selected three sampling stations

within five months of sampling.

 5
4.5
4
3.5
3 Series 1
2.5 Series 2
2 Series 3
1.5
1
0.5
0
Category 1 Category 2 Category 3 Category 4

35
30
25
20 Station 1
15 Station 2
10 Station 3
5
0
July August September October November

CHAPTER 5

SUMMARY, RECOMMENDATION and CONCLUSION

This chapter presents the summary of the study as well as the

recommendations that can be helpful to other researchers who will conduct

similar study.

Summary
 The study aimed to assess the effects of changing environment in the

diversity of arthropods in Brgy. San Juan, San Miguel, Bulacan. The study

specifically aimed to determine the (1) physico-chemical characteristics of soil in

terms of temperature, pH, nitrogen content, potassium content, phosphorus

content and moisture, (2) air condition in terms of humidity and ambient

temperature of the area in months of July to November, (3) significant difference

among five sampling periods and three sampling stations (4) overall taxonomic

data of arthropods found in the area and taxonomic data of arthropods in different

sampling stations (5) distribution and abundance of arthropods in Brgy. San Juan

in terms of Shanon-Weiner Index, Simpson Index, Sorensen Dominance Index (6)

relationship between physico-chemical parameters to arthropod diversity and (7)

high potential arthropods bio-indicators in the vicinity.

The study was conducted in five month sampling period from July to

November in specified stations within the vicinity. The first station is situated