2.5 Flashcards
Whaat are some named and located ecosystems.
Ecosystems refer to specific areas where living organisms interact with each other and their environment. Examples include tropical rainforests, coral reefs, and grasslands.
Explain how to identify organisms using keys, technology, and scientific expertise.
Organisms can be identified using various methods such as taxonomic keys, DNA sequencing, microscopes, and expert knowledge. Keys provide a series of choices based on specific characteristics to narrow down the identification.
Evaluate methods for investigating at least three abiotic factors.
Different methods can be used to investigate abiotic factors such as temperature (thermometers), pH (pH meters), and light intensity (light meters). Evaluate the effectiveness, accuracy, and limitations of these methods.
Explain why measurements need to be repeated.
Measurements need to be repeated to account for natural variability and obtain more accurate and reliable data. Repetition helps identify and reduce errors, ensuring the validity of the measurements.
Explain and evaluate methods for estimating biomass and energy in different trophic levels.
Various methods, such as direct harvesting, indirect measurements, and mathematical models, can be used to estimate biomass and energy at different trophic levels in an ecosystem. Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of these methods.
Explain how biomass and energy measurements can be used to construct ecological pyramids.
Biomass and energy measurements are used to represent the flow of energy and the distribution of biomass among trophic levels in an ecosystem. These measurements help construct ecological pyramids, such as pyramid of numbers, biomass, or energy.
Explain and evaluate the use of quadrats for estimating the abundance of non-motile organisms through making actual counts, measuring population density, percentage cover, and percentage frequency.
Quadrats are square or rectangular frames used to sample a specific area to estimate the abundance of non-motile organisms. Evaluate the effectiveness of quadrats in terms of actual counts, population density calculations, and estimation based on percentage cover and frequency.
Evaluate the use of quadrats as tools for measuring the abundance of non-motile organisms.
Assess the advantages and limitations of using quadrats to measure the abundance of non-motile organisms. Consider factors like size, shape, and the distribution patterns of the organisms within the sampling area.
Apply and evaluate the use of the Lincoln index and the Simpson’s diversity index.
Apply the Lincoln index to estimate population size based on captured, marked, and recaptured individuals. Evaluate its reliability and potential limitations. Similarly, apply Simpson’s diversity index to measure species diversity and compare different ecosystems, assessing its strengths and weaknesses.
Interpret species richness data.
Species richness refers to the number of different species present in a given area or community. Interpret species richness data by analyzing the number of species, comparing diversity between sites, and considering factors influencing species richness.
Discuss the use of species richness to compare ecosystems.
Species richness can be used as a comparative measure to assess the diversity and ecological importance of different ecosystems. Discuss the significance of species richness in terms of ecological stability, resilience, and overall biodiversity.
