Key area 2- Distribution of organisms Flashcards
What is a biotic factor?
A living factor that influences an ecosystem
What is an abiotic factor?
A non-living factor that influences an ecosystem
What is a quadrat?
A piece of equipment that is used to estimate the number of plants in a given area
What is a pitfall trap?
A piece of equipment used to count and estimate the number of small animals in a given location
What is a paired-statement key?
A set of paired questions that allow living things to be identified
What is an indicator species?
A species that by their presence, absence or abundance indicates the environmental quality or levels of pollution
Definition of light intensity
The amount of light available
What does soil moisture mean?
The water content of soil
List 4 abiotic factors
Light intensity, Moisture, pH, Temperature
List 5 biotic factors
Competition for resources, Disease, Food availability, Grazing, Predation
What 3 factors could increase biodiversity?
Good food availability, Warm temperatures, Increased moisture levels
What 3 factors could decrease biodiversity?
Over grazing, Too many predators, Extremes of temperature
What instrument do you use to measure light intensity?
Light meter
What instrument do you use to measure soil moisture?
Moisture meter
What instrument do you use to measure soil pH?
pH meter
What is one source of error from the light meter and how do you minimise the error?
Cast a shadow over the meter- user stands to one side whilst data is being collected to prevent shadow
What is one source of error from the moisture meter and how do you minimise the error?
Moisture/soil left on the meter probe from previous reading- wipe probe clean between readings
What is one source of error from the pH meter and how do you minimise the error?
Moisture/soil left on the meter probe from previous reading- wipe probe clean between readings
What is one source of error when using a quadrat trap and how do you minimise the error?
Human judgement, decided whether or not the plant is inside the quadrat- using basic rules to keep counting consistent
What is one source of error when using a pitfall trap and how do you minimise the error?
Animals may escape or be eaten- cover the trap and keep hidden from predators
