Day 1
AT HOME:
Reading Assignment:
Read pages 134-138 (biotic components)
Questions:
Read pages 134-138 (biotic components)
Questions:
- How is biomass measured?
- How do we catch small motile animals in terrestrial ecosystems?
- How do we catch small motile animals in aquatic ecosystems?
- How can organisms in an ecosystem be identified?
- Look at the animals with more than six legs in Fig. 2.5.15 and list body features that could be used to distinguish between species. Then make a paired statement key to identify them.
IN CLASS 11/14
Create Your Own Dichotomous Key
Congratulations!!! You are part of a scientific team that has just discovered numerous new species in the Piedmont. You must now decide how you are going to classify and name your organisms. Dichotomous keys are based on the use of pairs of contrasting statements. That is, the pairs of statements are designed so that if a characteristic isn't described by one statement, it must be included in the contrasting statement. By setting up pairs of contrasting statements, you can set up a working key that leads the user to the correct identification. For example statement if 1a may be Alien does not have feet, then statement 1b would be Alien does have feet.
Congratulations!!! You are part of a scientific team that has just discovered numerous new species in the Piedmont. You must now decide how you are going to classify and name your organisms. Dichotomous keys are based on the use of pairs of contrasting statements. That is, the pairs of statements are designed so that if a characteristic isn't described by one statement, it must be included in the contrasting statement. By setting up pairs of contrasting statements, you can set up a working key that leads the user to the correct identification. For example statement if 1a may be Alien does not have feet, then statement 1b would be Alien does have feet.
- Closely examine the new species. Make a list of characteristics you think will be important in classifying these critters.
- Replace the critters' number with a new Genus and Species name
- Use characteristics of your choice to create your own dichotomous key. Remember: dichotomous keys always provide two options at each branch!