sampling biodiversity in tropical forests (lecture 2) Flashcards

1
Q

What are the problems of sampling in tropics?

A
  • double counting due to overlap of sampling area or missing out individuals to avoid this
  • difficulties in identification: counting many species as one or vice versa
  • difficult to spot things/hear things
  • was enough sampled to get a picture of species richness?
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2
Q

How to design a point-count study in the tropics?

A
  • sample at least two widely spaced sample landscapes
  • too close = not independent
  • effective sample zone must be unique community
  • visit point counts early for birds & mammals
  • change order that you visit a set of counts
  • cumulative species/individuals
  • curve should reach asymptote if sampled enough
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3
Q

What are pros of sampling for species richness in the tropics?

A

pros

  • shows that you have sampled effectively when your accumulation levels curve off
  • good at showing big differences in numbers of species between groups/habitats
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4
Q

What are cons of sampling for species richness in the tropics?

A

cons

  • doesn’t show how abundance changes within a species
  • doesn’t show if species present are same or different at different sites
  • total species richness is misleading if sample effort isn’t equal between groups
  • use in conjunction with species composition
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