Observing patterns by Ecological sampling

Question 1

What types of sampling is this using (2)

Answer 1

• Random sampling

- Systemic sampling

Question 2

What variables need to be controlled (7)

Answer 2

Abiotic factors:

• light
• temperature
• soil water
• humidity
• O2 concentration
• pH
• slope angle

Question 3

What equipment is required (8)

Answer 3

Gridded Quadrat

• Tape measure
• Point quadrat
• Pitfall trap
• Sweep Net
• Tullgren funnel
• Baermann funnel

Question 4

Describe random sampling

Answer 4

set up grid using tape measure, use random numbers to generate points to place quadrat to collect data.

Question 5

Describe systematic sampling

Answer 5

Line transect often used especially to study zonation. A tape measure is laid along several zones to be looked at and quadrats are used to record data at regular intervals

Question 6

define Density

Answer 6

presence of organisms per quadrat

Question 7

Define Frequency

Answer 7

percentage of quadrat squares containing organism

Question 8

Define Percentage cover

Answer 8

percentage of ground covered with organism in a quadrat (usually for plants)

Question 9

Define Pitfall trap

Answer 9

to collect invertebrates

Question 10

Define Sweep net

Answer 10

to collect invertebrates in long grasses

Question 11

Define Tullgren funnel

Answer 11

to collect organisms from soil or leaf litter

Question 12

Define Baermann funnel

Answer 12

to collect living organisms from water

Question 13

Possible evaluation issues (7)

Answer 13

• constant changing of abiotic conditions
• Movement of organisms
• Sampling taken within a small amount of time
• Limitations of only 1 study
• Consideration for safety of organisms
• Disruption to normal habitat
• Ethics of measuring wild organisms