Unit two essay one

Question 1

1) Ethical Sampling:

Answer 1

Ethical Sampling: Sampling should minimize impact on species and habitats. Invasive methods should only be used when the benefits outweigh the costs, and appropriate licenses must be obtained.

Question 2

2) Representative Sample Importance:

Answer 2

Representative Sample: Larger sample sizes are needed for highly variable communities to ensure accurate representation.

Question 3

3) Sampling Methods:

Answer 3

Random Sampling: Individuals selected by chance from the population.

Stratified Sampling: Population divided into sub-groups, then random samples taken from each.

Systematic Sampling: Samples taken at regular intervals.

Question 4

4) Point Count:

Answer 4

Point Count: Used to monitor bird populations by recording individuals seen/heard from a fixed location over time.

Question 5

5) Transect:

Answer 5

Transect: A line used to study changes in a community along an environmental gradient.

Question 6

6) Quadrats:

Answer 6

Quadrats: Used to sample plants and sessile organisms, placed at intervals along a transect to reduce bias and measure abundance.

Question 7

7) Remote Sensing:

Answer 7

Remote Sensing: Uses satellites to monitor populations in hard-to-reach areas, like sealions or penguins.

Question 8

8) Capture Techniques:

Answer 8

Mist Nets: For birds and bats.

Light Traps: For mobile species.

Longworth Traps: For small mammals.

Question 9

9) Camera Traps:

Answer 9

Used for elusive, nocturnal species like otters and deer.

Question 10

10) Indicator Species:

Answer 10

Certain species (e.g., lichens and freshwater invertebrates) are sensitive to environmental conditions, such as sulfur dioxide and disolved oxygen levels.

Question 11

11) Mark and Recapture:

Answer 11

Estimates population size by capturing, marking, and releasing individuals. The marking method should have minimal impact on behavior.