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Leaving certificate biology
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Unit 1Ecology theory5 Topics|1 Quiz
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Nutrient recycling4 Topics|1 Quiz
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Ecological relationships and population dynamics2 Topics
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Human impact on the ecosystem2 Topics
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Study of a grassland ecosystem3 Topics
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Responses in the Flowering Plant4 Topics|1 Quiz
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Unit 3Sexual reproduction in the flowering plant1 Topic
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The human reproductive system3 Topics
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The menstrual cycle2 Topics
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Pregnancy2 Topics
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The circulatory system4 Topics
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Blood5 Topics
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The heart5 Topics
Lesson 5, Topic 1
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Qualitative surveys
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Studying a grassland
Steps
- Map your area of study
- Identify any abiotic factors
- Qualitative study: Identify the flora and fauna of the area – using a key
- Quantitative study: Estimate the numbers of flora and fauna
Identifying fauna and flora
- Fauna and flora can be identified with a key such as this
- An identification keys helps you to identify organisms based on a series of questions and answers

- Examples of grassland flora and fauna
Fauna:
Snail
Rabbit
Fox
Spider
Earthworms
Flora:
Buttercup
White clover
Grass
Ash
Bramble
Qualitative Survey
- A qualitative survey records all species present in an ecosystem
Collecting plants
- Plants can be easily seen and collection is not necessary
Collecting animals
Mammal trap
Bait attracts small mammals into box
Once they enter the trap door prevents exit
Bedding provides comfort

Pitfall trap
Involves simple metal can or plastic cup embedded in the ground and covered to prevent water entering
Bait is sometimes used

Cryptozoic trap
Shelter trap involving a piece of old wood, a log, or a large stone
Small animals like slugs and woodlice hide under a cryptozoic trap during periods of inactivity

Beating tray
A large sheet/plastic tray held under a tree or bush
The tree or bush is shaken gently
Insects fall onto tray and can be identified

Pooter
Device ecologists use to pick up small organisms, like insects
Suck in the tube with the gauze on the end and place the other tube over the insect to be captured.

Sweep nets, insect nets, plankton nets
Have a lightweight aluminium frame
The net bags usually have curved tips to help prevent insects escaping
Plankton nets are long and very light designed to capture very small aquatic organisms

Tullgren funnel
Used for both dry and wet extraction of soil organisms from soil samples
A soil sample is placed in the removable upper part of the funnel
Heat and light from the lamp creates a temperature gradient of approximately 14°C in the soil sample
This stimulates the downward movement of soil arthropods, and similar organisms, through the gauze to a receiver attached to the base of the funnel
