Unit 1 – The Living Environment (Woodlands)

Investigations of a woodland ecosystem are carried out through the use of quadrats to gain data on species distribution and densities of flora. This is coupled with a consideration of the structure of different types of woodland, including native broadleaf and plantation woodland.

Unit 1 – The Living Environment (Terrestrial Ecology)

This skill based study concentrates on techniques used to assess the abundance and distribution of organisms within terrestrial ecosystems. Students will be introduced to a range of fieldwork techniques including different types of quadrats and the use of random and systematic sampling in a grassland habitat. Sampling invertebrates will also be considered including the use and limitations of the mark-release-recapture technique to assess population size.

Unit 1 – The Living Environment (Succession)

Students investigate the process of psammosere succession using quadrats and transects. This study provides the opportunity to develop a range of skills and to consider the how abiotic factors affect the distribution of species.