B6.1.1

Question 1

Sampling Definition

Answer 1

Sampling is the process of taking observations or measurements from a small area representative of a larger area.
Then scale up the sample to make estimates for the larger area.

Question 2

What are the different ways to sample animals?

Answer 2

Posters
Sweep nets
Kick sampling
Tree beating 
Pitfall traps

Question 3

Why is it necessary to sample animals?

Answer 3

Some animals, especially invertebrates, need to be collected from a sample area to enable identification.

Question 4

Pooters

Answer 4

Suck on the mouthpiece to draw insects into the holding chamber
A special filter stops organisms from entering your mouth

Question 5

Sweep Nets

Answer 5

Sweep a large net through the air to catch flying insects or those in long grass

Question 6

Kick Sampling

Answer 6

‘Kick’ a river bank or bed to disturb mud and vegetation.

Hold a net downstream to capture any organisms released into the flowing water

Question 7

Tree Beating

Answer 7

Stretch a large white cloth under a tree (or bush).

Then shake or beat the tree to dislodge invertebrates, which will fall onto the cloth

Question 8

Pitfall Traps

Answer 8

Dig a hole in the ground, which crawling invertebrates such as beetles, spiders, and slugs can fall into.
Cover the hole with a roof so that the trap does not fill with rain water.

Question 9

What are identification keys?

Answer 9

They are keys (questions) to identify living organisms.

Keys ask a series of questions about an organism’s characteristics

Question 10

What are the two main types of identification keys?

Answer 10

Branched key (or spider key)
Numbered key (or dichotomous key)

Question 11

Branched key (spider key)

Answer 11

By answering yes or no for each question, you can determine an organism’s identity

Question 12

Numbered key (dichotomous key)

Answer 12

The correct answer to a question tells you which question you need to answer next.
After answering a series of questions you will identify your unknown organism