Field studies are scientific investigations done outside when you want to see how things behave in their natural environment. In contrast, controlled experiments are done inside when you want to see how things behave in a small, controlled environment like a laboratory.

How would it be different studying plants outside in their natural environment, compared to studying them in an enclosed building?

Species = particular kind of __________ thing.

Members of the same species are able to mate with each other and produce fertile offspring (offspring that can make more ___________).

Dogs and cats are two different species of animals.Puppies are the offspring of dogs, kittens are the offspring of cats.

living

offspring

Some species of trees need more water than others. Plan a field study to answer the question in the box. You may use any materials and equipment in your procedure.

Be sure your procedure includes: logical steps to do the field study conditions to be compared data to be collected method for collecting data how often measurements should be taken and recorded environmental conditions

Field Study Question: How does distance from a pond affect the number of different tree species found nearby?

Procedure:

Field Study Question: How does distance from a pond affect the number of different tree species found nearby?

Procedure:

1. Choose random location right next to a pond and mark off a 25 x

25 foot area.2. Count how many different kinds of trees there are in the marked

area and record.3. Mark off another 25 x 25 foot area next to the first one, but

farther from the pond.4. Count how many different kinds of trees in the second area and

record.5. Mark off another 25 x 25 foot area next to the second one, but

still farther from the pond. Count how many different kinds of trees there and record.

6. Repeat steps 1-5 in two other places by the pond.

POND

25 x 25 ft. areas

Q: How does the presence of Himalayan blackberry in a forest ecosystem affect the number of different plant species found there over time?

Field Study Question: How does the presence of Himalayan blackberry in a forest ecosystem affect the number of different plant species found there over time? You may use words and/or labeled diagrams in your answer.

Procedure:

1. Choose three 25 square foot areas in a forest that have blackberry in them.

2. Count how many different species of plants there are in each area and record.

3. Come back every year for 5 years and repeat step 2.

25 x 25 ft. areas

Questions?