1. introduction Flashcards
what is the definition of ecology?
the scientific study of the relationships between organisms and their environment
-interactions that determine distribution and abundance
who coined the term ecology?
the term ecology (oekologie) was coined by germa zoologist ernst haekel in 1866
-derived from the greek oikos meaning house
what was haekel’s thinking on ecology?
-was rooted in the darwinian concept of natural selection
-the theory of natural selection was a critical cornerstone for the emergence of ecology as a science
what is the graph ecology in the anthropocene?
anthropocene= period of time in which humans have impacted the environment enough to constitute a distinct geological change
-every graph goes up exponentially: population, GDP, energy use, CO2 methane, notrogen to coastal zone, surface temperature, forest loss, ocean acidification
-anthropogenic effects: urbanization, climate change, extinction, homogenization
what do ecologists do?
-observation and natural history
-experimental ecology and hypothesis testing
-ecological modelling
-merging science with other ways of knowing
what is the scientific method? what are the steps?
a powerful tool for understanding nature
-the steps of the scientific method:
1. make an observation
2. form a question
3. hypothesis generation
4. make a prediction based on hypothesis
5. hypothesis testing (gather data)
what is making an observation?
if something cannot be observed, it cannot be studied by science
-requires replication (to minimize bias)
-observational stage is prolonged and complex
-experimentation not involved
-multivariate measurement and analysis
what is forming a question and hypothesis generation?
form a question: to seek an explanation of the observation using one or more propositions
hypothesis generation: to generate a proposed explanation to the question
-guided by research experience
-explanation must be a testable cause and effect statement
-leads to predictions
what is the prediction and testing?
make a prediction: based on the hypothesis, what you expect to discover under certain conditions
hypothesis testing: gather data (non-experimental approach) to determine if they agree with predictions
-if they agree= method is repeated to expand the scope of the problem investigated
-if they do not agree= a new hypothesis must be constructed and tested
what is an example of the scientific method?
hypothesis
-increasing numbers of grey seals on Sable island fertilizes the landscape, causing increase in forage abundance or forage quality to horses
predictions
-horses will prefer to feed in areas nearer seal colonies (food is better)
-horse population size will directly link with that of seal population size (better food=more horses)
what is the graph of multiple hypothesis testing with best-fit comparisons?
how does modern ecology use multiple approaches to address problems? other approaches?
-observation
-null hypothesis testing
-multiple hypothesis testing
-modelling
other approaches
-traditional ecological knowledge
-indigenous knowledge
-local knowledge
what is TEK?
traditional ecological knowledge
-no official definition
-way of knowing, including ecological, utilitarian, social and spiritual values
-includes long-term information passed down often over generations from direct contact with nature
-may be held in trust by knowledge holders (ex: indigenous elders)
what could TEK may include?
-names for species, distribution patterns, habitat and change, behavior, hunting strategies, changes in population sizes, body condition, threats, traditional management, medical applications, spiritual or cultural significance of species
-often reflects a way of life (rural farming, fishing, hunting, gatherings)
-increasingly important in developing modern conservation strategies
what is western science’s changing views of conservation?
