Studying a Habitat Chapter 18

Studying a Habitat A Habitat Study involves the stages: Make a map of the habitat. Measure and record the environmental factors. Collect samples of animals and plants present. Identify and list the plants and animals present. Estimate the numbers of plants and animals present.

Making a Map Map is birds eye view. The map should include important features e.g. Walls, fences, ponds, large trees, hedges or paths. Map should also include the scale and a legend.

Measuring the Environmental Factors Feature Device Air Temperature Thermometer Water Temperature Soil Temperature Soil Thermometer Light Intensity Light Meter Wind Direction Piece of ribbon and Compass Soil pH pH Meter

Identify the Organisms Identifying organisms using can be done using: A simple Key. Photographs in reference books. Identify plants by size, leaves, seeds, fruit, Flower type and colour.

Collecting Organisms Plants can be collected using a knife or a small trowel. Plants should be collected in plastic bags. Bags should be labelled and the location of the specimen collected marked on the map.

Collecting Organisms Collecting Animals. Slow animals can be collected easily using a jar e.g. Slugs, snails and earthworms. Special apparatus is used to collect fast moving animals.

Pooter

Pooter A pooter collects small animals and insects.

Sweep Net

Sweep Net Swept through long grass or hedges. Used to collect insects, caterpillars and beetles.

Beating Tray

Beating Tray The beating tray is placed under a branch or tree which is shaken or hit with a stick. Insects and other small animals fall on to the tray.

Pitfall Trap

Pitfall Trap Placed in the ground overnight. Collects small crawling animals e.g. Snail, woodlice, slug and beetles.

A Quadrat

Estimating the Number of Plants Present Using a Quadrat? Throw a small stone or pen over your shoulder. Place the quadrat wherever the stone lands, this ensures the quadrat is placed at random in the habitat.. Record all the names of plants in each quadrat.

Estimating the Number of Plants Present Repeat this 10 times Record the results. Draw table pg 108

Line transect

Line transect A line transect is a piece of string marked at regular intervals. The string is stretched out and pinned to the ground at both ends. The names of plants under each knot is recorded.