Terrestrial Ecology Field Study

Our Ecology Activity: A Terrestrial Site Study

• Ecology

“oikos” = Home

• The study of land-based communities

• Environmental sampling

Sampling for Limiting Factors

• Transect lines

• Observations and measurements

• Sampling equipment

• Studies over time

Biotic Factors

• Number and kinds of organisms

• Plants

• Animals

• Decomposers

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Abiotic Factors

• Available light

• Water

• Soil nutrients

• Soil type

Task Cards•  

• Biotic Team Task Cards

• Biotic # 1

• PLANT SAMPLING

• PLANT IDENTIFICATION/ SAMPLING • 1.      Beginning at the 5 m mark on the transect line, use the

string and meter stick provided to mark off a 1 square meter quadrant on the ground, centering the quadrant square on the 5 meter mark on the transect line. (If large trees prevent this, make the quadrant square as close to the line as possible.)

•  • 2.      Identify the rooted plants found in the quadrant square

using the field guides. Record your identifications on the plant data sheet. Sketch the dominant plant form or trace the outline of its leaves on the white drawing paper. Identify and sketch any mushrooms, lichens, or other fungi found within the quadrant.

•  • 3.      Collect one good leaf specimen from each type of plant

identified. Put the specimens in the plastic bags. You may also collect one leaf from plants that you are unable to identify.

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Lab Work

• Identification of species collected

• Analysis of abiotic data collected

• Preparation of report presentation

Reports

• Terrestrial Ecology• Abiotic Team Data Sheet• Task Cards # 1, 2, 3

Soil Testing Data Table• Soil Test• Transect I, Transect II• PH levels (1-14)• Nitrogen levels (A-F)• Phosphorus levels (A-F)• Potassium levels (A-F)

• Soil Percolation Data Table• Percolation Test • Transect I, Transect II• @ 10 meters (seconds)• @ 20 meters (sec.)• @ 30 meters (sec.)

• Conditions that may have influenced the percolation data:•  

Extensions

• Terrestrial Ecology• Extension Activity•  Sand Trap Tracker•  No matter how quiet and well behaved your students may be, it is

very difficult to see common wildlife when you are conducting a class terrestrial study. This activity is designed to allow your students to collect a record of animals inhabiting your terrestrial study area. By

constructing a Sand Trap Tracker, students will see animal tracks left

over by both day and nighttime visitors! •  • Materials• 5 gallon bucket• Play sand• 32 oz. Unscented mineral oil• Shovel and rake• Bait: tuna fish or sardines•  • Directionsa. Fill the bucket about ¾ full with play sand.b. Mix in about 32 oz. of unscented mineral oil.c. Prepare a level, bare area with a shovel or rake.d. Spread out the sand in a smooth layer, 2 ft. widee. Place the bait in the middle of the sand tracker.

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Time for Our Terrestrial Study!