Unit 2: Key Area 1 - Field techniques for biologists Flashcards
What are hazards in the fieldwork
Hazards in fieldwork include adverse weather conditions, difficult terrain, problems associated with isolation, and contact with harmful organisms.
What is a risk
Risk is the likelihood of harm arising from exposure to a hazard.
What is a risk assessment
Risk assessment involves identifying control measures to minimise risk.
What do control measures include
Control measures include appropriate equipment, clothing, footwear, and means of communication.
What are 3 things to consider when sampling
1) Sampling should be carried out in a manner that minimises impact on wild species and habitats.
2) Consideration must be given to rare and vulnerable species and habitats that are protected by legislation.
3) The chosen technique must be appropriate to the species being sampled.
What are the different sampling techniques
- point count
- transect
- remote detection
Describe a point count
A point count involves the observer recording all individuals seen from a fixed point count location. This can be compared to other point count locations or with data from the same location gathered at other times.
Describe transect techniques
Quadrats, of suitable size and shape, or transects are used for plants and other sessile or slow-moving organisms
Describe remote detection
Capture techniques, such as traps and nets, are used for mobile species.
Elusive species can be sampled directly using camera traps or an indirect method, such as scat sampling.
How can you identify an organism from a sample
Identification of an organism in a sample can be made using:
- classification guides
- biological keys
- analysis of DNA or protein
What can organisms be classified by
Organisms can be classified by both taxonomy and phylogenetics
Describe Taxonomy
Taxonomy involves the identification and naming of organisms and their classification into groups based on shared characteristics
What is classic taxonomy classification based on
Classic taxonomy classification is based on morphology.
What is Phylogenetics
Phylogenetics is the study of the evolutionary history and relationships among individuals or groups of organisms
Which traits are studied during Phylogenetics
Phylogenetics uses heritable traits such as morphology, DNA sequences, and protein structure to make inferences about an organism’s evolutionary history and create a phylogeny (or phylogenetic tree) — a diagrammatic hypothesis of its relationships to other organisms. Genetic evidence can reveal relatedness obscured by divergent or convergent evolution.
