20 Distribution and abundance Nuffield （20分布和丰富纳菲尔德）.pdfVIP

advanced applied science: GCE A2 UNITS © The Nuffield Foundation 2008 ACTIVITY BRIEF Distribution and abundance of species The science at work Ecologists often need to compare where living organisms are found and how many of them there are in these locations. When investigating populations in different areas and over periods of time, they monitor: the distribution of organisms (where they are) the abundance of organisms (how many there are). There are many reasons for needing this information. For example, ecologists may wish to control pest species like slugs or locusts, or undertake conservation measures such as improving conditions for endangered species such as the British water vole, or recovering land used for landfill waste disposal. The techniques used depend on the mobility of the species being monitored. In other words, how free they are to move about. Your brief Ecologists base their work on a number of basic ecological concepts and terminology. Before you start work on this activity, make sure you are familiar with the following list. Definitions of: species niche habitat ecosystem population community abundance distribution Types of sampling techniques and measurements: random sampling systematic sampling line and belt transects point and frame quadrats frequency percentage cover and density Test yourself by jotting down definitions and explanations of these terms, giving examples for each. Swap and check your answers with a partner. You might use textbooks, the Internet (check sources are reliable) or your teacher to cover gaps in your knowledge. Keep a glossary of terms in your portfolio. Distribution and abundance of species: page 1 of 14 advanced applied science: GCE A2 UNITS © The Nuffield Foundation 2008 Task 1 Non-mobile species