Unit 2: KA1 - Field techiques for biologists Flashcards
Describe the difference in hazards of lab and field work.
Field work may involve a wider range of hazards.
Describe a risk assessment.
This involves identifying control measures to minimise risk.
How should sampling be carried out?
In a manner that minimises impact on wild species and habitats.
What things should consideration be given to when sampling?
- Rare species
- Vulnerable species
- Habitats protected by legislation
What are the three main sampling techniques?
- Point count
- Transect
- Remote detection
What should be aimed for when choosing a sampling technique?
An appropriate technique is used for the species being sampled.
Describe Point count.
- Observer records all individuals from a fixed point
Describe Transect.
- A line along which different samples can be taken
- Abiotic factors measured
Describe remote detection.
- Employs the use of camera traps that are triggered when wildlife is detected.
What techniques are used for mobile species?
Capture techniques, such as:
- nets
- traps
What equipment is used for sampling plants, other sessile and slow moving organisms?
Quadrats of suitable size and shape.
Define the term elusive species.
Those that are very difficult to sample through normal observation.
How can elusive species be sampled?
- camera traps
- indirect methods (eg. scat sampling)
How can identification of an organism be done?
- Biological keys
- Classification guides
- DNA and protein analysis
Which two ways can organisms be classified?
- Taxonomy
- Phylogenetics
Describe taxonomy
Taxonomy involves the identification and naming of organisms and their classification into groups.
Name examples of taxonomic groups.
- Chordates (eg. vertebrates)
- Arthropods (eg. segmented bodied invertebrates)
- Nematodes
Describe phylogenetics
The study of evolutionary relationships among individuals or groups of organisms.
What is phylogenetics changing?
The traditional classification of many organisms.
What is the importance of model organisms in taxonomic groups?
It allows predictions and inferences to be made about the biology of other organisms. Information obtained from them can be applied to other species that are more difficult to study directly.
Describe model organisms.
Model organisms are those that are easily studied or have been well studied in a group.
What can give information of environmental qualities?
indicator species:
- presence
- absence
- abundance
Describe ‘Mark and Recapture’.
- Method for estimating population size
- N = MC/R
- (Total pop. = no. marked x second sample size/ no. marked in second sample)
What does mark and recapture assume?
- All individuals have the same chance of being captured
- There is no immigration or emigration
- Mixed individuals mix fully and randomly in population
Name 5 methods of marking animals.
- Rings/bands
- Tagging
- Colour marking
- surgical implantation
- hair clipping
What must be the aim when using a marking technique and subsequent observation?
impact on studied species must be minimised.
Define ethology.
The study of animal behaviour.
What three measurements are used to quantify animal behaviour?
- Duration
- Latency
- Frequency
What is an ethogram
a list of behaviours shown by a species in a wild context.
What is a time budget?
After recording the duration of different behaviours a time budget is created to show the proportions of each activity.
Why is it important to avoid anthropomorphism when analysing behaviour?
As behaviours can be misinterpreted, leading to invalid conclusions.
Define anthropomorphism
The application of human activity, traits or emotions to animals.
