ES 3.5 LESSON Studying Ecosystems

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• Scientists learn about ecosystems by:

– Using field and laboratory research
- Field research is done in the ecosystem. Scientists
can take samples make observations.
- Lab research allows scientists to make simplified
models and narrow their research to a few variables.

– Designing controlled experiments

– Developing mathematical and statistical models

3.5 How Do Scientists Study Ecosystems?

Multiple Select

What are 3 ways that scientists learn about ecosystems?

• Research

• Controlled Experiments

• Making Models

• Uncontrolled Experiments

Drag and Drop

The advantage of ​

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is that scientists can take samples and make observations in an ecosystem's natural setting.

The advantage of ​

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is that scientists can create simplified systems on a smaller scale to better isolate cause and effect relationships.

Drag these tiles and drop them in the correct blank above

field research

lab research

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• Make direct observations and take samples,

measurements of ecosystems in the field

• Carry out controlled experiments
• Use satellites, aircraft, drones equipped with

cameras

• Use GIS software to collect/analyze data
• Use radio transmitters and GPS to track

organisms

Ecologists Study Ecosystems Directly

Multiple Select

What forms of technology do ecologists use study ecosystems in the field?

Choose 3

• satellite pictures

• drones with cameras

• GPS to track organisms

• a greenhouse chamber

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• Ecologists conduct research in laboratories.

– Use culture tubes, aquariums, greenhouses,

indoor/outdoor chambers with controlled variables
(light, temperature, etc.)

– Pros: allow for control of variables, study of

cause-and-effect relationships

– Cons: experiments may not reflect what actually

takes place in real ecosystem

• Mathematical modeling for large, complex

systems with many variables/large data sets

Ecologists Study Ecosystems Indirectly

Multiple Choice

How do ecologists study or experiment with large complex systems with many variables and lots of data?

• controlled experiments

• mathematical modeling

• culture tubes

• greenhouses

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• Holocene

– period (10,000 years) of relatively stable climate
and other environmental conditions

– stability has allowed humans to develop \
agriculture and expand populations

– most geologists think we're still in the holocene

• Anthropocene

Science Focus: Testing Planetary Boundaries

– some geologists think that humans are exceeding
too many ecological boundaries.

– the Anthropocene began with the Industrial Revolution

– the fear is humans are altering the planets ability
to support life.

Categorize

Options (6)

10,000 years

stable climate

most geologists say we're in it

100 years

pushing ecological boundaries

some geologists say it has begun

Organize these options into the right categories

Holocene

Anthropocene