National Fire Biology - Kyria 2: Distribution of Organisms 🦓

Key Definitions

Abiotic Factors: Non-living variables that influence where organisms live.
- Examples: Light intensity, temperature, soil pH, moisture level
- Accurate terminology important: Use specific terms like 'light intensity' instead of just 'light'.
Measurement:
- Light Intensity: Measured with a light meter
  - Issues: Avoid casting shadows on the light meter
- Temperature: Measured with a thermometer (air) or temperature probe (soil)
  - Issues: Clean the probe between readings to avoid contamination
- Soil pH & Moisture Levels: Measured with specific probes
  - Issues: Similar to temperature probes, clean between readings to ensure accuracy

Biotic Factors: Living factors affecting organisms
- Examples: Predation, disease, competition for resources, food availability
Important Note: Disease is a living factor and should be treated as a biotic factor.
Measurement:
- Quadrats: Used to sample plant abundance
  - Important: Placement must be random to avoid bias
- Pitfall Traps: Used to sample small invertebrates
  - Issues: Must be covered to protect from rain and predators like birds

Branching Key: Uses a series of binary (yes/no) questions to identify organisms
Paired Statement Key: Uses descriptive paired statements to identify organisms
Example: Using paired statement keys can help identify organisms based on physical characteristics (legs, segments, etc.)
- Practice these to familiarize with the format

Used to indicate environmental quality or pollution levels based on their presence or absence
- Air Pollution: Lichens (more species indicate cleaner air)
- Water Pollution: Freshwater invertebrates
  - Clean Water: Mayfly nymphs, stonefly nymphs (high oxygen levels)
  - Polluted Water: Sludge worms (indicate high pollution)