Ecology-Study of a habitat Chapter 18

A study of a habitat Make a simple Map Measure and record environmental factors Collect Samples Identify and list the animals and plants present Estimate the number of each plant and animal type.

Make a simple map Sketch a simple map of the part of the habitat that you are going to examine. Include a compass bearing, such as north on the map

Record environmental factors affecting habitat 1. Soil Ph 2. Weather 3. Physical Factors Topography (Ground flat or sloped) Aspect (faces North, South, East or West) Altitude 4. Biotic Factors

Collect and Identify Plants and Animals. Animal collection. Look under stones, on walls, under pieces of rotting bark. 2. Water from streams, pools etc. 3. Dig in soil

To collect the various types of animals we can use Nets A Sweep net is swept through long grass or hedges to collect insects. A beating tray is used to collect insects and small animals from shrubs and trees.

Pooter- A pooter is used to collect insects. A piece of gauze on one end of the tube ensures the insect is not accidentally swallowed

Traps A pitfall trap consists of a jar which sits into a hole in the ground.A stone or slate is placed over the top and left overnight It is used for collecting animals that walk on the surface.

Other types of traps Other types of traps include: Mammal Traps Cryptozoic Trap- collects nocturnal animals. Flat piece of wood on ground.

Plant Samples Plant samples are collected in plastic bags. The location of the specimen collected should be marked on the map.

Estimation of the number of plants present A quadrat is used to estimate the number of plants present in a habitat. This is a square frame , often made of wood. It can be from 0.5m to 1 meter squared. It is placed on the ground at random The names of each type of plant present are recorded.

Line Transect A line Transect is used to show the changes in the number of different types of plant from one part of the habitat to the other. Is a piece of string marked with knots at regular intervals. The name of the plant under each plant is recorded and information on how plant types change from one part of the habitat to the other.

Competition Competition is the struggle between species for limited resources in a habitat. Plants compete for Light, water, minerals and space. Animals compete for food, shelter, territory and mates.

Adaptation Adaptation is the feature of an organism that allows it to compete more successfully in its habitat. Dandelion’s roots Blackbirds Hedgehog Giraffe Grasshopper