Learning Objectives
OCR A2
Introduction to Ecology
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define the term ecosystem
define the terms biotic factor and abiotic factor, using named examples
explain, with examples, the terms interspecific and intraspecific competition
Spec link: Module 5.3.1 Ecosystems
 define the term ecosystem
 define the terms biotic factor and abiotic factor, using named examples
Spec link: Module 5.3.2 Populations and sustainability
 explain, with examples, the terms interspecific and intraspecific competition
Sheltered Rocky Shore Investigation
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describe how the distribution and abundance of organisms can be measured, using
belt transects and quadrats
Spec link: Module 5.3.1 Ecosystems
 describe how the distribution and abundance of organisms can be measured, using line
transects, belt transects, quadrats and point quadrats
Gastropod Microhabitat Investigation
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2
use the chi-squared (χ ) test to test the significance of the difference between
observed and expected results
Evaluation of data collection strategies: Assess the limitations of ecological
investigations
Spec link: Module 5.1.2 Meiosis and variation
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2
use the chi-squared (χ ) test to test the significance of the difference between observed and
expected results
Spec link: Module 5.3.2 Populations and sustainability
 Evaluation of data collection strategies: Assess the limitations of ecological investigations
Effect of Exposure Investigation
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Collection of quantitative data: Measure the effect of a changing abiotic factor on
the distribution and/or abundance of an organism
find arithmetic means
use a simple statistical test, T-test
Evaluation of data collection strategies: Assess the limitations of ecological
investigations
Spec links: Module 5.3.2 Populations and sustainability
 Collection of quantitative data: Measure the effect of a changing abiotic factor on the
distribution and/or abundance of an organism
Spec links: Mathematical requirements
 find arithmetic means
 use a simple statistical test, T-test
 Evaluation of data collection strategies: Assess the limitations of ecological investigations
Saltmarsh Investigation
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describe one example of primary succession resulting in a climax community
describe how the distribution and abundance of organisms can be measured, using
belt transects and point quadrats
use a simple statistical test , Spearman’s Rank Correlation Coefficient
Presentation, analysis and evaluation of quantitative data: Plot kite diagrams
Evaluation of data collection strategies: Assess the limitations of ecological
investigations
Spec links: Module 5.3.1 Ecosystems
 describe one example of primary succession resulting in a climax community
 describe how the distribution and abundance of organisms can be measured, using line
transects, belt transects, quadrats and point quadrats
Spec links: Module 5.3.2 Populations and Sustainability
 Presentation, analysis and evaluation of quantitative data: Plot kite diagrams
 Evaluation of data collection strategies: Assess the limitations of ecological investigations
Quadrat Comparison
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use a simple statistical test, Spearman’s Rank Correlation Coefficient
Spec links: Mathematical requirements
 use a simple statistical test
 Spearman’s Rank Correlation Coefficient
Energy Flow Investigation (Freshwater/Rocky Shore)
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define the terms producer, consumer decomposer and trophic level
describe how energy is transferred though ecosystems
outline how energy transfers between trophic levels can be measured
discuss the efficiency of energy transfers between trophic levels
Spec links: Module 5.3.1 Ecosystems
 define the terms producer, consumer decomposer and trophic level
 describe how energy is transferred though ecosystems
 outline how energy transfers between trophic levels can be measured
 discuss the efficiency of energy transfers between trophic levels
Mark-Release-Recapture Population Investigation
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explain the significance of limiting factors in determining the final size of a
population
explain the meaning of the term carrying capacity
Spec links: Module 5.3.2 Populations and sustainability
 explain the significance of limiting factors in determining the final size of a population
 explain the meaning of the term carrying capacity
Conservation Study
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explain that conservation is a dynamic process involving management and
reclamation
distinguish between the terms conservation and preservation
Spec links: Module 5.3.2 Populations and sustainability
 explain that conservation is a dynamic process involving management and reclamation
 distinguish between the terms conservation and preservation