Unit 2, Topic 1

Anthropomorphism

the attribution of human characteristics or behaviour and emotions to an animal's behaviour

Arthropods

joint-legged invertebrates that are identified by their segmented body, typically with pared appendages, for example Drosophila melanogaster (a fruit fly), wasps, butterflies, spiders and crabs

Chordates

sea squirts and vertebrates, for example birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians and fish

Convergent evolution

the independent evolution of similar features in different species

Divergent evolution

the process whereby groups from the same common ancestor evolve and accumulate differences, resulting in the formation of new species

Duration

the length of time each behaviour occurs during the observation period

Elusive species

species that are difficult to see because of their habitat, behaviour or rarity

Ethogram

lists species-specific behaviours to be observed and recorded in the study

Frequency

the number of times a behaviour occurs within the observation period

Hazard

any source of potential damage, harm or adverse health effects on an individual

Indicator species

species that, by their presence, absence or abundance, can give information about an environmental factor

Latency

the time between the stimulus occurring and the response behaviour

Mark and recapture

method for estimating population size; a sample of the population is captured, marked and released (M); after an interval of time, a second sample captured (C); if some individuals in the second sample are recaptures (R), estimate of the total population (N) can be calculated

Model organisms

organisms that are either easily studied or have been well studied to provide information that can be applied to other species that are more difficult to study directly

Nematodes

also called roundworms; unsegmented thread-like body; many of them are parasitic, living inside their host, for example Caenorhabditis elegans

Phylogenetics

the study of the evolutionary history and relationships among individuals or groups of organisms

Point count

sampling technique that involves the observer recording all individuals seen from a fixed

Quadrat

square frame of known area for sampling sessile organisms along a belt transect

Remote detection

ability to shown an animal's presence from a distance using a camera trap or scat sampling

Risk

the likelihood of harm arising from exposure to a hazard

Risk assessment

involves identifying risks and control measures to minimise them

Scat sampling

sampling technique used for elusive species whereby animal droppings are collected, which provide information about species abundance and diet

Taxonomy

the identification and naming of organisms, and their classification into groups, based on shared characteristics

Terrain

physical geography of the land

Time budget

the amount or proportion of time that animals spend in different behaviours, or in performing different classes of behaviour

Transect

a line or belt across a habitat or part of a habitat along which the number of organisms of each species can be observed and recorded at regularly placed stations