Observing Like a Scientist
Do all scientists wear lab coats?
NO!
What are some identifying features of a christmas fern?
They are once cut leaflets, shiny dark green, the leaflets look like stockings.
Which one is biotic, a grasshopper or a rock?
Grasshopper
True or False: Only 20% of energy moves up each trophic level.
FALSE: Only 10%!
What type of sheep were brought to Vermont?
Merino sheep
What is the difference between an observation and an inference?
Inference = educated guess based on observations
Observation = using your five senses to notice
What is a dichotomous key?
A dichotomous key is a tool used to identify or determine a species by a series of two choices between observations.
True or False: A dichotomous key splits organisms by ecosystems.
False: it separates them by observations
What is the base of a food pyramid?
Producers (plants)
Which one is faster, primary or secondary succession and why?
Secondary, because it starts with the foundation of soil!
Are these an observation or inference?
1. The fern has dark green leaves.
2. The missing leaves are from an animal eating it.
3. The leaves are about as long as my hand.
1. Observation
2. Inference
3. Observation
What is the "trick" to identifying a white pine?
W-H-I-T-E = five letters and the white pine has 5 needles in each bundle
True or False: Bacteria is a biotic factor
True! It is living :)
If only 10% of energy is transferred to the next trophic level, where does the other 90% go?
It is used up for the organism to grow, breathe, move, and lost as heat!
How do lichen break down rocks?
They secrete acid to break down the rocks into soil.
What were some of the scientists names that we learned about that showed us our scientist habits?
1. George Washington Carver
2. Tu Youyou
3. Katalin Kariko
4. Mario Molina
5. Alexander Fleming
Name an example of a fungi other than mushrooms.
Mold or yeast!
What is the "math" equation for ecosystems?
Biotic Factors + Abiotic Factors + Interactions = Ecosystem
What are the main steps of matter cycling?
Plants take in matter — Plants absorb water, carbon dioxide, and nutrients to grow.
Animals eat plants or other animals — Matter moves through the food chains.
Decomposers break down dead organisms — Fungi, bacteria, and other decomposers break down dead matter and waste.
Matter returns to the environment — Nutrients return to the soil
What percent of Vermont is forested today?
78%