Intro to Animal Research in the Field Introductory Quiz

Natural Selection

process whereby organisms w/ genetic traits better adapted to their environment tend to survive + reproduce offspring (think of their fitness)

Sexual Selection/Mate Choice

when one sex chooses a mate based on certain heritable/genetic traits; Over generations, trait(s) tend to become magnified/over-pronouced.

Sexual Dimorphism

Sexes are morphologically/physically distinct from each other; usually a direct result of sexual selection

Morphology

overall physical appearance, features and/or quantifiable traits of an organism (ie observable physical traits)

Population

a group of one species that live in the same geographic proximity + have the ability to mate and produce viable/fertile offspring.

Reproductive Success

net total/relative amount of offspring one individual contributes to the next generation in their population.

more successful offspring = higher reproductive success for individual

Biological Fitness

The relative contribution that one individual in a population makes to the total number of offspring of the next generation that survive to reproductive age

i.e. the ability to survive + leave more offspring than your peers

Co-evolution

the process of two different organisms mutually influencing each other’s evolutionary patterns

Ecological Niche

The role fulfilled and resources used by a species in its habitat or ecosystem

(the ecological “job” that an organism maintains in a biological community)

Life history

A given species’ pattern of survival and reproduction; Plus all the traits and behaviors that influence survival + timing/extent of reproduction

Foraging

techniques + associated behaviors of how an organism acquires its food

Field Marks

Observable physical characteristics that are unique to a given species (make them identifiable from other species w/ similar appearance)

Diurnal vs Nocturnal

Diurnal: Organisms that are active during the day

Nocturnal: Organisms that are active at night

Crepuscular

Pertaining to the twilight hours of dusk or dawn

Hybrid (Hybridization)

hybrid: an offspring that is produced between two similar, but distinct species.

hybridization: the process of separate species interbreeding; often times indicative of a recent speciation event (branching off) between the two species.

Spawning (Copulation)

spawning: eggs being released + fertilized externally; especially seen in fishes and amphibians

Cutaneus Respiration

The ability to breath through the skin (Amphibians have this ability due to their thin, moist, non-keratinized glandular skin)

Vernal (Ephemeral) Pools

Temporary spring ponds that serve as important breeding habitat for amphibians. (no dangers of predation)

Ectotherm

An organism that relies on the surrounding environment (including direct sunlight) to control their body temperature

QUBS History

• Established 1945 by Dr.Wes Curran on behalf of Queens University; bought from Acton family

• QUBS houses 30+ buildings currently; first constructions happening in years 1946-48

• Many expansions to original property

• Properties have a significant conservation presence in surrounding area

  • have properties in multiple UNESCO conservation reserves

• mandated to provide quality teaching + research opportunist

  • was originally teaching facility, but now has continued to increased research since the 50s

• Offers many outreach programs to public and Ontario universities

  • most of funding comes from outreach programs, but is still funded by Queens University

QUBS Emergency Fire Procedure

- Procedure: evacuate → shout “FIRE FIRE FIRE” → make sure everyone’s out of building → ring bell outside of operations centre + continue to ring to alert all stations → call 911 → assemble in parking lot front of Green Shop for headcount + further instructions

• Familiarize w/ equipment + exits in living and work space

  • only proceed to engage in fire if confident AND level 1 fire

• Fireplaces are present at QUBS

  • outdoor fireplaces are only permitted if conditions are suitable

• Smoking

  • banned from campuses + properties

  • no smoking in any building, property, boats, station vehicles, or vicinities of boathouse + gas shed

  • smoke only outdoors and off Queen’s property

Chores at QUBS

• QUBS users can elect to preform designated duties

• most chores involve cleaning (ie dishes or general surroundings)

  • expect at max 5 hours per week maintenance

• QUBS housecleaning responsible for public areas, but more private accommodations require personal cleaniness

  • help to have seperate indoor outdoor footwear

• kit of cleaning supplies is available in laundry room of biodiversity centre

QUBS Swimming Guidelines

• no lifeguard or supervision at swimming areas

• 2 swimming areas

  • Keast’s beach → good for children w/ adults + weak swimmers

  • Diving board area → deep waters; should be competent at swimming

    • this channel is heavily used by boats, so don’t swim far or back and forth across channel

• Safety Equipment placed by swimming aeras

• never swim alone