This introductory ecology lab manual focuses on the process of collecting, recording and analyzing data, and equips students with the tools they need to function in more advanced science courses. It reflects the most current techniques for data gathering so that students can obtain the most accurate samples. Balanced coverage of plant, animal and physical elements offers a diverse range of exercises. Includes exercise on writing research reports.
Unit 1·Collecting, Analyzing, and Reporting Ecological Data
1a. Ecological Sampling
1b. Data Analysis
1c. Writing Research Reports
Unit 2·Analysis of Habitats
2a. Microhabitat Analysis
2b. Atmospheric Analysis
2c. Substrate Analysis
2d. Analysis of Aquatic Habitats
2e. Chemical Analysis of Habitats
2f. Habitat Assessment
Unit 3·Biotic Sampling Methods
3a. Plot Sampling
3b. Transect Sampling
3c. Point-quarter Sampling
3d. Terrestrial Invertebrate Sampling
3e. Aquatic Sampling
3f. Capture-recapture Sampling
3g. Removal Sampling
3h. Terrestrial Vertebrate Sampling
Unit 4·Analysis of Populations
4a. Age Structure and Survivorship
4b. Population Growth
4c. Population Dispersion
4d. Competition
4e. Predation
Unit 5· Analysis of Communities
5a. Community Structure
5b. Species Diversity
5c. Community Similarity
Unit 6·Analysis of Production
6a. Biomass Measurements
6b. Aquatic Productivity
6c. Aquatic Microecosystems
Appendixes
A. Symbols and Abbreviations
B. Equivalents for Units of Measurements
C. Atomic Weights of Elements
D. Common Logarithm
E. Microcomputer Programming