Classification process Flashcards
Recognise what biological classification is based off
- Different levels of similarity of physical features
- Methods of Reproduction
- Molecular Sequences
*note: biological classification can be heirachial
describe the classification systems for:
- similarity of physical features (the Linnaean system)
- methods of reproduction (asexual, sexual — K and r selection)
- molecular sequences (molecular phylogeny — also called cladistics)
Recall common assumptions of cladistics
common ancestry
bifurcation
physical change
Identify one example of an interspecific hybrid that does not produce fertile offspring
Mule
Equus mulus
Explain the classification of organisms according to the following species interactions: predation, competition, symbiosis and disease
Ecosystems are composed of varied habitats - what do these range from?
microhabitat to ecoregion
explain how the process of classifying ecosystems is an important step towards effective ecosystem management (consider old-growth forests, productive soils and coral reefs)
describe the process of stratified sampling
- Identify the purpose:
- identifying population size density or distribution
- environmental gradients or profiles
- zonation or stratification - site selection / strata identification:
- how large is the area?
- are there clear zones?
- are there boundaries between strata? - Choose surveying technique (eg. quadrats, transects (line or belt) or capture-mark-release-recapture). (Note: transects and quadrats can be used together)
Transects are lines or belts set out through a study area.
a) Line transects: Strengths: Line transects are good to use as they can be quick and also can be used to collect abiotic data and to visualise change in the distribution of species along gradients. Limitations: line transects do not provide good data on species density / abundance.
b) Belt transects: Strengths: Can be used over large areas across multiple strata an be used to collect abiotic data and to visualise change in the distribution of species along gradients and can be used to estimate density / abundance well. Limitations: belt transects are time consuming to complete.
c) Quadrats are normally square areas. Strengths: good for estimating the population size / density of stationary organisms (plants, fungi, sedentary animals). Limitations: can be time consuming, can be discrepancies in method used to count organisms (eg. counts vs percentage cover), if randomly placed may not sample all strata well and quadrats are not good for counting moving animals. Smaller quadrats should be used for smaller organisms.
d) Capture- mark- release- recapture is good for estimating population size. Strengths: useful for use with moving animals (in combination with Lincoln index). Limitations: Takes a long period of time to collect data.
- Choose sampling method (eg. systematic or random sampling).
Systematic sampling is where quadrats placed / data collected at regular intervals along a gradient / transect line.
Random sampling involves using a numbers generator to randomly position quadrats. The quadrats within each stratum should be randomly placed. (Note: If a stratum represents 10% of the total area studied then 10% of the total quadrats should be used there)
- Minimise bias and error
ensure an appropriate number of samples / quadrats from each stratum,
use random sampling
ensure counting criteria are identified
ensure equipment for measuring abiotic factors is calibrated (eg. pH probes) and any measurement error associated with equipment use is identified.
- Data presentation and analysis
using tables, graphs, distribution diagrams, profile diagrams (see the images below). NOTE: Profiles are scaled diagrams of the side view of the vegetation and substrate surface along a line (transect)
data analysis would involve calculating means, standard deviation and standard error of the mean (may involve statistical t-test analysis).
Reccall the heirachy of biological levels
Individual: One member of one species
Population: A group of individuals of the same species living in one area at one time
Community: All organisms; a group of interacting populations
Ecosystem: A community interacting with their physical environment
Biomes: A group of ecosystems with similar characteristics/ geographic features and environmental factors/ climates
Biosphere: The sum of all ecosystems on earth
Identify the 4 classification processes
Holdridge Life Zone Classification Scheme
Specht’s Classification System
Australian National Aquatic Ecosystem (ANAE) Classification System
European Nature Information System (EUNIS) Classification System
Describe the Holdridge Life Zone Classification Scheme
Triange
3 axis:
1. Average Annual Precipitation/ rainfall
2. Average Annual Biotemperature
3. Potential Evapotrainspiration (PET)
Further indicators:
1. Humidity
2. Latitudinal regions
3. Altidunal belt
Describe Specht’s calssification system
- Map of vegetation types
- Table of stratum height vs foliage cover
- Defines vegetation in terms of the height of the tallest dominant plant form/ vegetation type
- Percentage cover of density of canopy
Describe the ANAE Classification system
(Australian National Aquatic Ecosystem Classification System)
3 level table
Level 1: Regional (broad) scale
e.g. Climate, Hydrology, landforms
Level 2: Landscape scale
e.g. climate, typography
Level 3: Surface or subterranean scale
e.g. Water type, substrate, vegetation porosity
Describe the EUNIS Classification System
(European Natural Information System)
Mind map
Used with all types of ecosystems
Large database that uses interactive key
