Terrestrial Ecology
Field Study
Our Ecology Activity:
A Terrestrial Site Study
• Ecology
“oikos” = Home
• The study of landbased 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
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Biotic Team Task Cards
Biotic # 1
PLANT SAMPLING
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PLANT IDENTIFICATION/ SAMPLING
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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.)
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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.
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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.
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
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Soil Test
Transect I, Transect II
PH levels (1-14)
Nitrogen levels (A-F)
Phosphorus levels (A-F)
Potassium levels (A-F)
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Soil Percolation Data Table
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Percolation Test
Transect I, Transect II
@ 10 meters (seconds)
@ 20 meters (sec.)
@ 30 meters (sec.)
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Conditions that may have influenced the percolation data:
Extensions
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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!
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a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
Materials
5 gallon bucket
Play sand
32 oz. Unscented mineral oil
Shovel and rake
Bait: tuna fish or sardines
Directions
Fill the bucket about ¾ full with play sand.
Mix in about 32 oz. of unscented mineral oil.
Prepare a level, bare area with a shovel or rake.
Spread out the sand in a smooth layer, 2 ft. wide
Place the bait in the middle of the sand tracker.
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Time for Our Terrestrial Study!