Topic 2: The Ecosystem - Measuring (a)biotic components of the Ecosystem Flashcards
1
Q
List abiotic components of a marine ecosystem
A
- Salinity
- pH
- Temperature
- Dissolved oxygen
- Wave action
2
Q
List abiotic components of a freshwater ecosystem
A
- pH
- Temperature
- Dissolved oxygen
- Turbidity
- Flow velocity
3
Q
List abiotic components of a terrestrial ecosystem
A
- Temperature
- Light intensity
- Wind speed
- Particle size
- Slope/aspect
- Soil moisture
- Drainage
- Mineral content
4
Q
How do you measure light?
A
A light-meter. Should be held at fixed height. Must point same direction. Same angle.
5
Q
How do you measure temperature?
A
Electric thermometer. Standard depth. Data logging is continuous.
6
Q
How do you measure wind?
A
Digital anemometer. Beaufort sale. Ensure wind isn’t blocked. Hand held readings.
7
Q
What’re the methods for estimating the abundance of organisms?
A
- Pitfall traps
- Small mammal traps
- Light traps
- Tullgren funnels
8
Q
Define diversity
A
Diversity is considered as a function of two components: the number of different species and the relative numbers of individuals of each species
