2.1 Field Techniques

Question 1

Point Count

Answer 1

Involves the observer recording all individuals seen from a fixed location. Often used when investigating birds

Question 2

Taxonomy

Answer 2

The identification and naming of organisms and their classification into groups based on shared characteristics

Question 3

Phylogenetics

Answer 3

The study of the evolutionary history and relationships among individuals or groups of organisms

Question 4

Divergent Evolution

Answer 4

When groups from the same common ancestor evolve and accumulate differences, resulting in the formation of new species.

Question 5

Convergent Evolution

Answer 5

The independent evolution of similar features in different species.

Question 6

Animal Kingdom Divisons

Answer 6

Arthropoda, nematoda, chordata

Question 7

Indicator Species

Answer 7

Species whose presence, absence or abundance can give information on environmental qualities, such as the presence of pollutant

Question 8

Lincoln Petersen Method

Answer 8

N = MC/R
N = estimated number of animals in population
M = number of animals marked on the first visit
C = number of animals captured on the second visit
R = number of recaptured animals that were marked

Question 9

Banding

Answer 9

The placing of a visible coded loop or ring around a leg. Often used for birds

Question 10

Tagging

Answer 10

Consists of a visible or GPS coded attachment

Question 11

Surgical Implantation

Answer 11

Involves inserting a microchip into the animal’s tissue

Question 12

Hair Clipping or Ear Punching

Answer 12

Involves making a unique hair clip or ear punch and is often appropriate for mammals.

Question 13

Latency

Answer 13

The time between a stimulus occurring and the response behaviour being observed

Question 14

Frequency

Answer 14

The number of times a behaviour occurs within the observation period

Question 15

Duration

Answer 15

The length of time each behaviour occurs during the observation period

Question 16

Ethogram

Answer 16

A list or graphic display of the behaviours shown by a species in a wild context

Question 17

Anthropomorphism

Answer 17

The allocation of human characteristics and emotions to the behaviour of animals

Question 18

Arthropoda

Answer 18

Made up of invertebrates with jointed legs and a segmented body, typically with paired appendages​

Question 19

Nematoda

Answer 19

Made up of round worms which are very diverse and many of them are parasitic​

Question 20

Chordata

Answer 20

Vertebrates and others with a dorsal or spinal notochord

Question 21

Fieldwork

Answer 21

A research activity done in natural habitats outside the lab.

Question 22

Methods of Identification

Answer 22

Classification guides, biological keys and DNA analysis