Populations In Ecosystems Flashcards
The larger the sample ………
The more reliable the data
Why should the student not stop collecting data half way up the graph
Because the line has not reached the plateau so all the data is not being represented
Why should the student stop collecting data after the line plateaus
Because it would not improve the outcome of the data and would be a waste of time
How would you decide the number of samples to take to collect representative data
Calculate the running mean after 10 samples and continue until it stops increasing
What does a point quadrat do
Measures the frequency of how often a species is found
What does a frame quadrat do
Measures percentage cover of a species in an area
3 things to consider when using quadrats
Size of the quadrat depending on the size of species measured and how they are distributed in an area
Number of samples being taken in the area - the more samples the more reliable
Position of each quadrat to produce unbiased results - random sampling must be used
Why use random sampling in a uniform area
Avoid bias
Representative data
Allows for the use of statistical tests
Random sampling method
Set out a grid using tape measures at right angles
Divide into coordinates
Use a random number generator to pick coordinates
Count organisms in the quadrat on each coordinate
Record data
Repeat
How to measure data in an irregular size area
Divide into spaces and number them
Use random number generator to pick space
Place quadrat
Count
Repeat
When to use a belt transect
When the area varries and the abundance/ distribution of organisms changes
Measures percentage cover
Method using a belt transect
Lay out a tape measure and place quadrat frame at right angles at regular intervals
Use a pin quadrat to count species touching the pins
Flip quadrat frame over to the other side of the transect and repeat
Advantages of belt transect
Gives more info on abundance
Disadvantages of belt transect
Takes longer than a line transect
Might damage environment from standing on it
Frequency of species equation
Number of quadrat contains species / total number of quadrats X 100
Method of mark release recapture
Capture a number of animals
Mark them
Release them and allow for reintegration
Collect second sample
Count and record
Use MRR equation to estimate population size
MMR equation
Organisms in sample 1 X organisms in sample 2 / number of marked organisms recaptured
MRR assumptions
Proportion of marked to unmarked in sample 1 and 2 is the same as the whole population
Marked sample distributed themselves evenly
Population have definite boundaries
Few births and deaths
Marking method is not toxic and more liable to predation
Mark has not rubbed off
What is succession
Change in community over time due to changes in abiotic and biotic factors
How does succession change over time
Starts with pioneer species in harsh abiotic conditions and low diversity
Biodiversity increases over time and then becomes a climax community with more stable abiotic conditions
Biodiversity is lower because more dominant species outcompete others
How do the first species colonise an area
Wind dispensable seeds to reach isolated areas
Rapid seed germination
The ability to to photosynthesis
Ability to fix nitrogen because soil has no nutrients
Tolerant to extreme conditions
How is soil made by pioneering species
Weathering of rock and decomposition of dead organisms add nutrients to the soil which means more small plants colonise like Moses and ferns and the area become hostile
Process repeats and a thicker layer of developed
Why do pioneer species become replaced by other species over time
Competition prevents pioneer species from photosynthesising or absorbing water
What is a climax community
A stable community where no further succession occurs