This program covers the mandatory practicals for Describing Biodiversity and Ecosystem Classification (Syllabus 4.3, Topic 1) and Ecosystem Dynamics (Syllabus 4.4, Topic 2) from the Biology General Senior Syllabus 2019: Syllabus Version 1.3.
See below for Resources and Risk Assessments.
Program details
Venue: Irongate Conservation Park, Wallingford Rd near Pittsworth
Duration: 5 hours
Program overview
Note: A detailed Teacher Manual is available from Amaroo EEC on request. Amaroo can also provide a student field workbook with appropriate data capture tables.
TOPIC 1 - Describing Biodiversity - Mandatory Practical 1
(Species diversity)
Determine species diversity of a group of organisms based on a given index. (Syllabus 4.3, Topic 1)
- Plant diversity: using transects and quadrats students could sample plant species, providing data for analysis using Simpson’s Diversity Index as well as enabling determinations on species frequency and density.
- Invertebrate diversity: invertebrates could be sampled, providing data for analysis using Simpson’s Diversity Index.
TOPIC 1 - Describing Biodiversity - Mandatory Practical 2
(Ecosystem classification)
Use the process of stratified sampling to collect and analyse primary biotic and abiotic field data to classify an ecosystem. (Syllabus 4.3, Topic 1)
- Amaroo can provide a data capture table using a modified version of Specht's classification system. This could be completed using a general area or transect samples, and would involve recording dominant vegetation life-forms and species, height category, % canopy cover, subdominant (understory) type/s and soil type.
- Sampling could be stratified vertically by using a line or belt transect to record heights as well as species type, providing data for constructing a side elevation profile of the transect showing vegetation layers.
- Further abiotic data can be collected if required (wind speed, temperature etc.)
TOPIC 2 - Ecosystem dynamics - Mandatory Practical 3
(Changing ecosystems)
Select and appraise an ecological surveying technique to analyse species diversity between two spatially variant ecosystems of the same classification (e.g. a disturbed and undisturbed dry sclerophyll forest). (Syllabus 4.4, Topic 2)
- ‘Core’ and ‘edge’ habitat areas within the Brigalow/Belah woodland would be suitable for this kind of analysis. Students could choose from a number of surveying techniques to acquire data for analysis of species diversity:
- Plant diversity – for simplicity this could be focused on a particular layer, (e.g. ground layer plants or shrub species), sampled using line or belt transects with or without quadrats.
- Invertebrate diversity - invertebrates could be sampled using a number of sampling techniques.
- Amaroo can assist with activities to analyse ecological condition of the two chosen areas. These activities generate a score as a snapshot of ecosystem condition to compare with a biocondition benchmark score for the relevant regional ecosystem from Qld's Regional Ecosystem Condition Assessments.
Resources for mandatory pracs + exam
Amaroo EEC can supply materials, including a site-specific plant identification key, for the activities listed above.
The PowerPoint presentations below are useful for
- preparing students for fieldwork before the event;
- for consolidation after the day; and
- for revision prior to the external exam.
FOR CONTEXT
SPECIES DIVERSITY, SAMPLING METHODS & APPRAISING TECHNIQUES
- Assessing Species Diversity (PPSX, 6.53 MB - what, why, how + Simpson's Diversity Index)
- Sampling Vegetation (PPSX, 2.49 MB - overview of sampling methods + frequency, density, species richness, evenness etc.)
- Sampling Terrestrial Invertebrates (PPSX, 6.59 MB - why, how)
- Sampling Fauna (PPSX, 15.84 MB - why, how, considerations)
CLASSIFYING ECOSYSTEMS
- Classifying Ecosystems (PPSX, 11.90 MB - what, why, how, stratified sampling)
- Assessing Canopy Cover (PPSX, 11.87 MB - what, why, how)
- Effective Ecosystem Management (PPSX, 16.92 MB - why, key factors, stakeholders)
- Soil Testing - Texture (PPSX, 1.28 MB)
OF PARTICULAR RELEVANCE FOR THE EXTERNAL EXAM
Please note
There are basic toilet facilities at Irongate CP. Visiting schools should provide drinking water. Water bottles, sunscreen and insect protection are recommended for students. A pop-up shade shelter can be provided by Amaroo.
Curriculum Activity Risk Assessments (CARAs)
Because the activities associated with Amaroo's Exploring Ecosystem programs are rated at a low or medium inherent risk level, specific curriculum risk assessment documents for this program are not required. The general risk assessment document below has, however, been prepared by Amaroo staff if you would like to use it. CARAs that are required for any specific activities will need to be developed by the visiting school; these should be approved by your school principal and filed for your records.