3.2 Distribution Of Organisms Flashcards
What can different factors control?
Where an organism is able to live
What are abiotic factors?
Non-living environmental variables which control where an organism lives
What are 4 example of abiotic factors?
- light intensity
- moisture
- temperature
- ph
What instrument do you use to measure light intensity?
Light metor
What instrument do you use to measure moisture?
Moisture meter
What instrument do you use to measure ph?
Ph meter
What instrument do you use to measure temperature?
Thermometer
What is a source of error in a light meter?
Sensor being shaded
What is a source of error in a moisture meter?
Probe not cleaned between readings
What is a source of error in a ph meter?
Probe not cleaned between readings
What is a source of error in a thermometer?
Probe not given time before reading
What can you do to increase reliability in readings?
Repeat measurements
What are biotic factors?
Living variables (caused by other organisms) which control where an organism lives
What are 5 biotic factors?
- predation
- disease
- food availability
- grazing
- competition for resources
How do you measure biotic factors?
Sampling is used to estimate abundance
What is an example of sampling instruments?
- quadrats
- pitfall traps
- transects
What are quadrats used for?
Sample small plants and slow moving organisms
How does the quadrat record to avoid bias?
Thrown at random
What are pitfall traps used for?
Trap small invertebrates
What is a line transect used for?
Used to show how populations change across an area
What factors affect distribution where an organism lives?
Biotic
Abiotic
What does an indicator species show?
Shows the environmental quality or level of pollution
What is a biological key used for?
To identify an organism based on its features
