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Environmental science > Practical skills and research methods > Flashcards

Practical skills and research methods Flashcards

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Biology 101 flashcards
1
Q

when is random sampling used?

A

-fairly uniform areas for studying the distribution of pants/animals that don’t move much

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2
Q

When is systematic sampling used?

A

Where the environment/species gradually change (environmental gradient)

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3
Q

In systematic sampling the samples are taken at….

A

regular/predetermined intervals

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4
Q

True or false systematic sampling NEVER uses quadrats

A

False : used in belt transects

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5
Q

Why is random sampling used?

A
  • to reduce/eliminate biased

- data is representative = allows for a statistical test

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6
Q

Consideration when using quadrats:

  1. The size of the quadrat (depends on ____ of species and _________)
  2. the ______ of samples taken in area (the ____ samples the more ______ the results)
  3. The ________ of the quadrat
A
  1. size, distribution
  2. number, more,reliable
  3. position
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7
Q

How many repeats should be taken?

  1. A large _____ to make results _______
  2. Enough to carry out ________ test
  3. Calculate a _____ ______
  4. When a _____ ______ shows little change=________
  5. If the work can be carried out in the _____ available
A
  1. number, reliable
  2. statistical
  3. running mean
  4. running mean, stop
  5. time
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8
Q

What is a line transect?

A

Tape measure on ground, straight. Check at specific points/intervals

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9
Q

a pro and con of a line transect

A

pro: easy to use
con: may miss species as only counting if the species is there is it touches transect

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10
Q

what is a belt transect?

A

a tape measure, use quadrat along tape measure at set intervals

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11
Q

a pro and con of a belt transect

A

pro: gives info on abundance
con: takes longer than a line transect

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12
Q

What is species diversity?

A

no. of different species that are represented in a species community

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13
Q

What is the equation called which gives species diversity?

A

Simpsons Index

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14
Q

What 2 pieces of info do u need to calculate species diversity?

A

Total no. of all organisms of all species

Total no. of organisms in each species

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15
Q

When talking about representative data what 5 things do u need to include?

A

location, method, timing, standardising, sample size/repeats

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16
Q

What is the equation called for mark release recapture?

A

Lincoln index

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17
Q

In MRR the higher the proportion of _______ sample recaught, ________ population estimate.

A

original, decreases

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18
Q

Name 3 assumptions of MMR method

A

some individuals more likely to be recaught
Was there sufficient time for reintegrating organism
territorial individuals
Marking may impact survival of organisms (more predated)
births, deaths, migration

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19
Q

When do you stop sampling ?

A

when the running mean levels out

20
Q

repeating many times= ?

A

increase validity

21
Q

standardising kick sampling? what is it used for?

A

same person kicking, same size mesh (net), same no.of kicks

- used for aquatic invertebrates

22
Q

standardising surber nets and why is it easier to standardise? what is it used for?

A

same size nets/mesh, how long it is left
as it is not influenced by person
- used for sampling aquatic invertebrates

23
Q

standardising pooter? what is it used for?

A

time you spend sampling/catching organisms

- used for small insects

24
Q

standardising sweep nets? what is it used for?

A

no. of sweeps, size of net

- used for butterflies/flying insects in long grass/ vegetation

25
Q

standardising light trap? what is it used for?

A

light intensity, same time leaving it out, same light bulb

- for sampling night flying moths

26
Q

standardising beating tray? what is it used for?

A

same force of hitting, same no. of hits, same size tray

- used for overhanging vegetation

27
Q

standardising colonisation media? what is it used for?

A

time of year you are leaving, same type of material

- study species that colonise/populate over time

28
Q

standardising tullgren funnel? what is it used for?

A

check regularly, same size sieve, light intensity of bulb, sample sample size of soil/leaf litter
- used for insects/invertebrates living in soil/leaf litter

29
Q

When sampling earthworms in a lab you would use the _______ _______. in the field you would use a _______ and an ______ solution i.e. mustard powder. Leave for 2 mins to let it ____ in, 5 mins ____, then count worms. How would you standardise?

A

tullgren funnel, quadrat, irritant, sink, wait

standardise by same size quadrat, same volume of irritant, same type of solution, time you leave it

30
Q

When answering question on methods on sampling what 4 things have you got to include?

A
  1. justified no.of sample size
  2. sample location
  3. timing
  4. standardising
31
Q

What do electronic meters measure? and examples.

A

abiotic factors (pH, light levels, temp, dissolved oxygen, wind/water velocity, water turbidity)

32
Q

Name the old and the new method used for measuring humidity

A

whirling hygrometer (old) electric humidity meter (new)

33
Q

How do you measure wind velocity?

A

electronic anemometer

34
Q

what are the two methods to measure water turbidity?

A

secchi disc and turbidity bottle

35
Q

What are the limitations of using a secchi disc

A

depth is subjective, sunlight affect visibility, water may not be deep enough to no longer see sectors

36
Q

limitations of using a turbidity bottle

A

distinguishing circles are subjective, light levels affect visibility

37
Q

What are the 2 methods to assess soil texture

A

soil sieves and sedimentation

38
Q

what mineral particles do we assess in soil texture ?

A

sand, silt and clay

39
Q

Put these in order in which they take shortest to longest for them to settle during sedimentation: silt, caly, sand and how long.

A

shortest: sand (2 mins)
middle : silt (2 hours)
Longest: clay (2 days)

40
Q

Name the 3 methods used to measure concentrations of ions in solution plus limitation

A
  1. test strips
  2. electronic colourimeter
  3. ion selective electrodes
    Limitation: presence of other ions can lead to inaccurate results
41
Q

The limitation of universal indicators are…….

A

that they are subjective

42
Q

Name 3 methods to test soil pH

A

universal indicator, universal indicator papers, electronic pH meters

43
Q

Limitation of electronic pH meter?

A

that you need to calibrate regularly

44
Q

What is the equation for estimated % water content?

A

% H2O content = wet soil mass - dry soil mass/wet soil mass then x100

45
Q

What is the equation for % organic matter content in soil?

A

% organic matter content = dry soil mass - burnt soil mass / dry soil mass x 100

46
Q

what is the equation for soil bulk density?

A

bulk density = weight of dry soil / total soil volume

47
Q

sample size and timing can be determined by…..

A

a preliminary study

Environmental science (19 decks)

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