Fieldwork and Ecosystems Lecture Notes

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering the basics of fieldwork, ecosystems, nutrient cycles (carbon and nitrogen), and environmental monitoring based on the lecture transcript.

Biodiversity

The variety of living organisms in a particular area.

Population

A group of individuals belonging to the same species.

Habitat

A particular place where a community of organisms is found.

Community

All the living organisms present in an ecosystem (different species).

Ecosystem

A community of organisms that are inter-dependant on eachother and the environment in which they live.

Environment

The conditions surrounding an organism, which can be abiotic or biotic factors.

Abiotic

Concerned with the non-living part of the environment.

Biotic

Concerned with the living part of the environment.

Anemometer

Apparatus used to measure wind speed.

Ph probe

Apparatus used to measure pH levels.

Soil moisture measurement (manual)

Taking soil samples and weighing them for mass, then drying and reweighing them to calculate the percentage change in mass.

Light Intensity measurement

Measured using a light Meter to see the link between light levels and plant distribution.

Quadrat

A sample tool used because it is impossible to count every plant in a census area.

Random Sampling

A method where a census area is divided into a grid and coordinates are chosen using a random number generator or by throwing the quadrat over the left shoulder.

Belt Transect

A sampling method where a transect line is set out in an area with environmental change, placing quadrats at regular points along the line.

Accuracy

The exactness of the apparatus and how you use it.

Reliability

Repeating an experiment to ensure that results did not occur by chance.

Validity

A measure that takes into account the degree of accuracy and reliability in the experiment.

Arrows in a Food Chain

Represent the flow of energy and consumption and the transfere of substances such as carbon and nitrogen.

Producers

Plants that can produce their own food; categorized as Trophic level 1.

Primary consumers

Organisms at Trophic level 2 that feed on producers.

Secondary consumers

Carnivores that feed on Primary consumers.

Tertiary consumers

Organisms that feed on secondary consumers.

Decomposers

Fungi and bacteria that break down organic compounds into their simplest components.

Saprophytic bacteria and fungi

Organisms that secrete enzymes to break down organic material and then absorb it.

Humus

The organic content of the soil formed from decomposing plants.

Photosynthesis

The process where $CO_2$ is taken in via plants and made into sugar.

Combustion

The burning of fossil fuels which releases $CO_2$ into the atmosphere.

Active Uptake

A process requiring energy from respiration to transport minerals against a concentration gradient using carrier molecules.

Water Logged Soil

Soil where airspaces are filled with water instead of $O_2$, preventing aerobic respiration and active transport energy production.

Nitrification

The process where nitrifying bacteria break down ammonia or ammonium compounds into nitrates.

Nitrogen fixation

The process where nitrogen-fixing bacteria in soil or legumes convert nitrogen gas into nitrates.

De-nitrification

The process where anaerobic denitrifying bacteria in water logged soil convert nitrates into nitrogen gas.

Eutrophication

A process triggered by sewage or fertilizer runoff that leads to aquatic plant/algal overgrowth, bacterial decomposition, and oxygen depletion.

Lichens

Light grey or yellow plants that do not grow at high levels of air pollution.

Bloodworms

Midge larvae that are common in polluted water and possess a red colour.