Investigating ecosystems

• What is the focus of the study of ecology?

  Investigating ecosystems
• What does studying ecology allow you to do?

  It gives you the chance to rummage around in bushes
• What is a quadrat used for in ecology?

  To study the distribution of small organisms
• How is a quadrat defined?

  A square frame enclosing a known area
• How can you compare common organisms in two sample areas?

  By following simple steps using quadrats
• What are the steps to compare organisms in two sample areas using quadrats?

  1. Place a 1 m² quadrat randomly on the ground.
  2. Count all the organisms of interest within the quadrat.
  3. Repeat the process for multiple quadrats.
  4. Calculate the mean number of organisms per quadrat.
  5. Compare the means between the two areas.
• What is the first step in using quadrats?

  Place a 1 m² quadrat randomly on the ground
• Why is it important to repeat the quadrat placement?

  To ensure accurate representation of the area
• What does calculating the mean number of organisms per quadrat help you determine?

  The average density of organisms in the area
• What is the purpose of estimating population size by scaling up from a small sample area?

  To determine the total number of organisms
• How do you calculate the number of organisms per m² from a quadrat?

  Divide the total number of organisms by the area
• If you have a quadrat area of 1 m² and find 10 organisms, what is the density?

  10 organisms per m²
• What are the steps to estimate the population size of an organism in a habitat?

  1. Work out the mean number of organisms per m².
  2. Multiply the mean by the total area of the habitat.
  3. This gives the estimated population size.
• What is the formula to estimate the number of organisms per m²?

  Mean number of organisms per quadrat
• What does multiplying the mean number of organisms by the total area provide?

  The estimated total population size
• If the mean number of organisms is 20 and the total area is 800 m², what is the estimated population size?

  16,000 organisms
• How do abiotic factors affect organism distribution in a habitat?

  • Changes in abiotic factors can alter habitat conditions.
  • This can lead to shifts in organism populations.
  • Understanding gradients helps predict organism distribution.
• What is a gradient in ecology?

  A change in abiotic factors across a habitat
• How can gradients be used in ecological studies?

  To help find out how organisms are distributed
• What might happen if abiotic factors change across a habitat?

  Organism populations may shift or change
• What is the purpose of a belt transect in ecological studies?

  To study distribution along a gradient
• How do abiotic factors change across a habitat?

  They change across a gradient
• What can quadrats help determine in ecological studies?

  Distribution of organisms in a habitat
• What does it mean when species become more or less common as you move from shaded to sunny areas?

  It indicates a change in habitat preference
• What are the steps to conduct a belt transect study?

  1. Mark a line in the area of interest
  2. Collect data along the line using quadrats
  3. Estimate percentage cover of organisms
  4. Record data for each quadrat
  5. Analyze the data for patterns
• How can you estimate the percentage cover of organisms in a quadrat?

  By counting the number of squares covered
• What is the first step in conducting a belt transect study?

  Mark a line in the area of interest
• What does repeating steps in a belt transect study help achieve?

  It helps find the mean number of organisms
• Why is it important to plot graphs in ecological studies?

  To visualize changes in abiotic factors
• What should you ensure when identifying species in a study?

  Correctly identify the species being studied
• What can you use to measure light intensity in a habitat?

  A light meter
• What is the significance of estimating percentage cover in ecological studies?

  It indicates the abundance of species
• What are the potential outcomes of analyzing data from a belt transect study?

  • Identify patterns in species distribution
  • Understand the impact of abiotic factors
  • Assess biodiversity in different habitats
• What is a common tool used to collect data in ecological studies?

  Quadrats
• How can you ensure accurate data collection in a belt transect study?

  By using consistent quadrat sizes
• What relationship might you investigate between abiotic factors and species distribution?

  How light intensity affects plant growth
• What are the key considerations when conducting a belt transect study?

  • Choose a representative area
  • Ensure consistent data collection methods
  • Analyze data for trends and patterns