Ecology In The Local Environment Flashcards
What are keys used for?
To identify plants and animals
Describe how to use collecting/counting methods
Pooters
Nets
Pitfall traps
Quadrats
What may the distribution of organisms within a habitat be affected by?
The presence of other living organisms as well as physical factors
Define biodiversity
The variety of different species living in a habitat
Give examples of natural and artificial ecosystems
Natural, native woodlands and lakes
Artificial, forestry plantations and fish farms
How do you calculate population size?
Population size = No. In 1st sample x No. In 2nd sample /
No. In 2nd sample previously marked
Explain the difference between ecosystem and habitat
An ecosystem is a physical environment with a particular set of conditions and all the organisms that live in it. Whereas a habitat is the part of the physical environment where an animal or plant lives.
Explain the difference between community and population
A community is the total number of individuals of all the different populations of organisms that live together in a habitat at any one time. And a population is the number of individuals of a species in a defined area.
Describe how to map the distribution of organisms in a habitat using a transect line
A string or rope is placed in line on the ground. The number of organisms of each species can be observed and recorded at regular intervals along the transect.
Compare the biodiversity of natural ecosystems and artificial ecosystems
Natural ecosystems have high biodiversity- many different species of plants and animals co-exist in the same environment.
Artificial ecosystems are designed for a particular purpose. Low biodiversity.
Explain the effect of sample size on the accuracy of an estimate of population size
The greater the sample size, the more accurate your estimate of the population size will be.
Explain the need to make certain assumptions when using capture-recapture data
- no death, immigration or emigration
- identical sampling methods
- ‘marking not affecting survival rate
Explain what it means for an ecosystem to be describe as self supporting in all factors other than an energy source
It is self sufficient, meaning that it needs nothing supplied to it except energy from the sun
Describe zonation
A gradual change in the distribution of species across a habitat
