Biology Random Flashcards
Species
A group of organisms that can interbreed and produce fertile offspring
Biodiversity Species
-the variety of different species present in a given area
Niche
functional position of an organism in its environment, including the habitat where it lives, the time that its active and the resources it uses
Population
a group of interbreeding orgnisms (same species), occupying a defines area during a specific time
Community
-a group of populations living together, usually named after the dominant form (species) e.g grasslands have grass, bugs, flowers but is named after the grass.
Ecosystem
-a community of organisms interacting with each other and with their environment, energy is exchanged and system level process(cycling matter)
Biosphere
-biological component of earth which contains the lithosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere
Biodiversity
-the variety of life within a defined level such as ecosystem or even pool or species
Survey Techniques
-are used in the fields to monitor populations sizes and distribution in order to maintain biodiversity
1.Quadrats
2.Transects
-Line transection
-Belt transection
3.Electrofishing
4.Capture - recaptures
Sampling
-is a way of getting a quantitive (numerical) measurement which is an estimates of the actual number
Quadrats
-method used to sample the organisms depending on the types of species being studied
-for organisms that don’t move much
-1 squared metre made from wood frames, randomly generated coordinates on a calculator
Line transection
-a measured line laid across the area in the direction of the environmental gradient
-all species touching the line are recorded along the whole length of the line or at specific points along the line
-measures presence or absence of species
Belt Transection
-transect line is laid out and quadrant is place at each survey interval
-samples are identified ad abundance is estimated
1.animals are collected
2. for plants a % coverage is estimated
-data collection should be completed by an individual as estimates can vary from person to person
Transects can be:
1.continuous- sampling takes place over a short distance from one end to another
2. interrupted- over a longer distance, taken at intervals (e.g every 10m)
Electrofishing
-uses direct current electricity between cathode and anode, this affects the moving of the fish so they move toward the anode , where they can be aught or stunned
-3 types of electrofishing: backpack models, tote bag models, boat mounted models or gunboat
-when done correctly, it causes no direct harm to the fish
Capture-recapture
-is a method commonly used to estimate an animals population size where it is impractical to count every individual
-a researcher visits a study area and uses traps to capture a group of individuals and each are put unique markers on them (e.g numbered tag or band) then released into the environment unharmed.
Spatial Scales of Population Size
-size or extent of a geographical area being studied, essentially measuring changes across space
-can reveal important factors of survivability of a population, and other populations in the same ecosystem
-e.g studying air pollution in a single city compared to studying air pollution on a global scale
Temporal Scales of a Population Size
-Timeframe being examined measuring changes over time - this could be seasonal (like bird migration), it could be decades(like the effects of climate change)
-e.g studying the yearly variation int he number of bird species in a specific region over a decade
the 5 (or 6) kingdoms
1.Eubacteria (previously Monera) prokaryotes - no nuclei membrane
2.Archae bacteria (previously monera) prokaryotes - no nuclei - more in common with eukaryotic cells
3.Protists unicellular eukaryotic organisms
4.Fungi containing moles, yeasts and fungi which obtain their food by absorption
5.Plants mutlicellular photosyntheizing organisms, higher order plants and multi cellar algae
6.Animals invertebrates (except protozoa) vertebrates
Ecosystem Diversity
-the diversity of ecosystems within a region, that have a unique set of species and environmental conditions
Genetic diversity
-the variation of genes within a single species population, allowing for different traits and adaptions among individuals
The 3 R’s of ethical treatment
Replacement- seeking alternative methods of animal testing such as computer models, whenever feasible
Reduction-using the smallest amount of animals necessary to achieve reliable scientific results
Refinement- modifying experimental procedures to minimise pain and distress experienced by animals
