The three main research methods used are observation, modeling, and experimentation.
Explanation:
Observation:
Every experiment requires observation. Ecologists must observe the environment, the species within it, and how those species interact, grow and change. Different research projects different types of assessments and observations.
Ecologists sometimes use a desk-based assessment, or DBA, to collect and summarize information about specific areas of interest. In this scenario, ecologists are using information already collected from other sources.
Oftentimes, however, ecologists rely on observation and fieldwork. This entails going into the habitat of the subject of interest to observe it in its natural state. By doing field surveys, ecologists can track the population growth of species, observe community ecology in action and study the impact of any new species or other introduced phenomena in the environment.
Each field site will differ in nature, shape, or other ways. Ecological methods allow for such differences so that different tools can be used for observations and sampling. It is crucial that sampling be done randomly to combat bias.
Modeling:
Ecological methods rely heavily on statistical and mathematical models. These provide ecologists with a way to predict how an ecosystem will change over time and react to changing conditions in a system.
Modeling also provides another way to decipher ecological information when fieldwork is not practical. There are several drawbacks to relying solely on fieldwork. Because of the typically large scale of fieldwork, it is not possible to replicate experiments exactly. Sometimes even the lifespan of organisms is a rate-limiting factor for fieldwork. Other challenges include time, labor, and space.
Modeling provides a method in which to streamline information more efficiently.
Examples of modeling include equations, simulations, graphs, and statistical analyses. Ecologists use modeling for producing helpful maps as well. Modeling allows for calculations of data to fill in gaps from sampling. Without modeling, ecologists would be hampered by the sheer amount of data that needs to be analyzed and communicated. Computer modeling allows for comparatively rapid analysis of data.
A simulation model, for example, enables the description of systems that would otherwise be extremely difficult and too complex for traditional calculus. Modeling allows scientists to study coexistence, population dynamics, and many other aspects of ecology. Modeling can help predict patterns for crucial planning purposes, such as for climate change.
Humanity’s impact on the environment will continue. It, therefore, becomes ever more crucial for ecologists to use ecological research methods to find ways to mitigate the effects on the environment.
Experimentation:
The overarching purpose of ecological methods for research is to get high-quality data. Experiments must be carefully planned.
Hypothesis: The first step in any experimental design is to come up with a hypothesis or scientific question. Then, researchers can come up with a detailed plan.
Factors that affect fieldwork experiments include the size and shape of an area that needs to be sampled. Field site sizes range from small to very large, depending on what ecological communities are being studied. Experiments in animal ecology must take into account the potential movement and size of animals.
For example, spiders would not require a large field site for study. The same would be true when studying soil chemistry or soil invertebrates. You could use a size of 15 meters by 15 meters.
Herbaceous plants and small mammals might require field sites of up to 30 square meters. Trees and birds might need a couple of hectares. If you are studying large, mobile animals, such as deer or bears, this could mean needing a quite large area of several hectares.
Deciding upon the number of sites is also crucial. Some field studies might require only one site. But if two or more habitats are included in the study, two or more field sites are necessary.
Tools: Tools used for field sites include transects, sampling plots, plotless sampling, the point method, the transect-intercept method, and the point-quarter method. The goal is to get unbiased samples of a high-enough quantity that statistical analyses will be sounder. Recording information on field data sheets aids in the data collection.
A well-designed ecological experiment will have a clear statement of purpose or question. Researchers should take extraordinary care to remove bias by providing both replication and randomization. Knowledge of the species being studied as well as the organisms within them is paramount.
Results: Upon completion, collected ecological data should be analyzed with a computer. There are three types of ecological experiments that can be made: manipulative, natural, and observational.
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