ESS Formulas and Command terms

Define

Define

Give the precise meaning

draw

draw

Label

label diagram

List

give brief sequence of answers (no explainations)

Measure

obtain a value for quantity

State

give specific name, value or other brief answer (no explanation or calculation)

annotate

add brief notes to a diagram

Net primary productivity

Subtract respiratory losses (R) from gross primary productivity (GPP).

NPP = GPP - R

Gross secondary productivity (GSP)

total energy or biomass assimilated by consumers and is calculated by subtracting the mass of fecal loss from the mass of food consumed

GSP = food eaten - fecal loss

Net secondary productivity (NSP)

calculated by subtracting respiratory losses (R) from GSP.

NSP = GSP - R

CBR (crude birth rate)

= (# of births / population size) x1000

CBR (crude death rate)

= (# of deaths / population size) x 1000

NIR (natural increase rate)

= (CBR - CDR)/10
(migration is ignored)

TFR (total fertility rate)

= average no of children/woman

DT (doubling time)

= time in years to double the population size

Respiration

glucose + oxygen -> carbon dioxide + water

Photosynthesis

carbon dioxide + water -> glucose + oxygen

Lincoln Index

- measures the abundance of motile organisms using capture-mark-recapture

n1*n2/ nm


- n1 is the number caught in the first sample
- n2 is the number caught in the second sample
- nm is the number caught in the second sample that were marked.

Simpson Diversity Index

- measures species diversity in two similar habitats. Remember, higher the value of D, greater the diversity. A lower value in one habitat may indicate human impact.

D= N(N-1)/ (n-1)

- D is the Simpson diversity index.
- N is the total number of organisms of all species found.
- n is the number of individuals of a particular species.

% change

= ((final - original) / original number) × 100

apply

Use an idea, equation, principle, theory or law in relation to a given problem or issue.

Calculate

Obtain a numerical answer showing the relevant stages of working.

Describe

Give a detailed account.

Distinguish

Make clear the differences between two or more concepts or items.

Estimate

Obtain an approximate value.

Identify

Provide an answer from a number of possibilities.

Outline

Give a brief account or summary. (define, explain)

Analyse

Break down in order to bring out the essential elements or structure.

Comment

Give a judgment based on a given statement or result of a calculation.

Compare and Contrast

Give an account of similarities and differences between two (or more) items or situations, referring to both (all) of them throughout.

Construct

Display information in a diagrammatic or logical form.

Deduce

Reach a conclusion from the information given.

Derive

Manipulate a mathematical relationship to give a new equation or relationship.

Design

Produce a plan, simulation or model.

Determmine

Obtain the only possible answer.

Discuss

Offer a considered and balanced review that includes a range of arguments, factors or hypotheses. Opinions or conclusions should be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.

Evaluate

Make an appraisal by weighing up the strengths and limitations.

Explain

Give a detailed account, including reasons or causes.

Justify

Give valid reasons or evidence to support an answer or conclusion.

Predict

Give an expected result.

Solve

Obtain the answer(s) using algebraic and/or numerical methods and/or graphical methods.

Suggest

Propose a solution, hypothesis, or other possible answers.

To what extent

Consider the merits or otherwise of an argument or concept. Opinions and conclusions should be presented clearly and supported with appropriate evidence and sound argument.