Field Techniques Flashcards
State some examples of hazards in fieldwork.
- adverse weather conditions
- difficult terrain
- problems associated with isolation
- contact with harmful organisms
What is risk?
Risk is the likelihood of harm arising from exposure to a hazard.
State some control measures involved in fieldwork.
- appropriate equipment
- appropriate clothing and footwear
- means of communication
What must sampling be?
- appropriate for species being sampled
- done in a manner that minimises impact on wild species and habitats
State four sampling techniques.
- point count
- transect
- remote detection
- scat smapling
What is a point count?
A point count involves the observer recording all individuals seen from a fixed point count location.
When are quadrats or transects used?
When sampling sessile or slow-moving organisms.
When are capture techniques such as traps and nets used?
For mobile species
What can be used to sample elusive species?
Camera traps or scat sampling.
State some of the resources that can be used in the identification of organisms.
- classification guides
- biological keys
- analysis of DNA or proteins
What two things can organisms be classified by?
Taxonomy and phylogenetics.
What is meant by taxonomy?
Taxonomy involves the identification and naming of organisms and their classification into groups based on shared characteristics. Classic taxonomy classification is based on morphology.
Explain what is meant by phylogenetics.
Phylogenetics is the study of the evolutionary history and relationships amoung individuals or groups of organisms. Phylogenetics uses heritable traits such as morphology, DNA sequences and protein structure to make interferences about an organism’s evolutionary history and create a phylogeny or phylogenetic tree.
What are nematodes?
Round worms which are very diverse and many are parasitic.
What are Arthropods?
Jointed legged invertebrates with segmented bodies and typically with paired appendages.
