Essential Idea
Living organisms are vital to the environment making it important to study them so we can better understand how our natural systems work.
Assessment Statements
2.3.1 Construct simple keys and use published keys to identify organisms.
2.3.2 Describe and evaluate methods for estimating organism abundance.
2.3.3 Describe and evaluate methods for estimating the biomass of trophic levels in a community.
2.3.4 Define the term diversity.
2.3.5 Apply Simpson's diversity index and outline its significance.
Key Vocabulary
Dichotomous (biological) key
Species abundance
Quadrat
Transect
Lincoln's index
Percentage cover
Biomass
Diversity
Simpson's diversity index
"Basic Sampling Techniques" by Untamed Science (3:32)
This video outlines the sampling techniques of quadrats, Lincoln's Index (mark and recapture) and distance sampling, all of which are used to estimate the population of a species within a given area.
"Bang Goes the Theory" by BBC One (5:13)
This video outlines the Lincoln's Index technique of sampling populations in order to estimate a population total.
This video outlines the process by which snowshoe hares are being studied in an effort to better understand how climate change is affecting their ability to camouflage.
Constructing a Dichotomous Key - This worksheet provides an opportunity to use and create a biological key, which can help identify an unknown (but previously discovered) species in the environment.
Sampling a Population - This worksheet outlines the process by which quadrats and transects can be used to estimate the population of a NON-MOBILE (not moving or moving incredibly slowly) species within a given area.
Estimating Population Size: Virtual Lab - Click on the "Estimating Population Size" icon and carry out this virtual investigation, prepared by Class Zone, to better understand how scientists estimate the population of a mobile organism within an area.
Lincoln's Index - This activity outlines the process by which Lincoln's Index can be used to estimate the population of a MOBILE (moving) species within a given area.
Offwell Woodland & Wildlife Trust - This website has a variety of resources to help clarify the different types of sampling techniques (quadrats, transects, Lincoln's Index, etc.). It is clearly organized and easy to understand.