Describes a five year research project in plant ecology by successive teams of students. The aim was to identify environmental factors which were determining the distribution of the vegetation on a pitheap. Includes descriptions of vegetation, soil properties, and computer assisted analysis of results. (Author/CW)

Proposes that leaf yeast serve as quick, inexpensive, and effective techniques for monitoring air quality. Outlines procedures and provides suggestions for data analysis. Includes results from sample school groups who employed this technique. (ML)

Describes an activity (suitable for high school or college) in which the effects of competition in the structuring of ecological communities are examined. The exercise also offers an introduction into species diversity; more advanced classes may be encouraged to seek reasons for differences in insect diversity on different trees. (Author/JN)

Describes a computer program simulating seasonal population growth and decline in a honeybee colony as an ecological teaching aid. Program listing for Pet microcomputers (in BASIC) is included. (JN)

Describes a field exercise which links ecology and taxonomy in the teaching of the species concept. Two common hedgerow plants (red and white campions) are used as a pair of "species" that are normally distinct. Plants of intermediate character can be encountered, and the status of these plants is investigated. (Author/JN)

Describes equipment for recording human breathing (stethographs, tambors, spirometers), construction of pooters (pipettes), field exercise on examining epiphyte distribution on tree bark, and vertebrate skeleton models for teaching locomotion. Includes abstract of student research project examining pH on Colpoda encystment and reviews of…

The shore crab (Carcinus maenas) is an excellent subject for school study, both in the field and the laboratory. It is easily collected and maintained and can be used for a wide range of investigations. Some background details are given and possible areas of investigation suggested. (Author)

Describes a computer program based upon field observations of littoral zonation modified by a small stream. The program employs user-defined color graphic characters to display simulated ecological maps representing the patterning of organisms in response to local values of niche limiting factors. (Author/JN)

Describes a sixth-form field course consisting of written materials for students and a teacher's booklet giving necessary techniques, lists of apparatus, and practical hints. The course aims to estimate energy flows in a woodland ecosystem by means of a series of practical sessions involving field/laboratory investigations and calculations.…

The importance of examining both the natural history of organisms being investigated and numerical data from long-term field experiments is illustrated by describing a long-running field experiment at an English Field Study Council Centre. Sample results are discussed and alternative methods of using field studies in biology instruction are…

Describes collection of quantitative samples of microorganisms and accumulation of physical data from a pond over a year. Provides examples of how final-year degree students have used materials and data for ecological projects (involving mainly algae), including their results/conclusions. Also describes apparatus and reagents used in the student…

While ecology is usually regarded as a subject/topic in six-form biology teaching, it is recommended that it be treated as a joint theme with physiology throughout the course. This involves a full integration of ecological concepts into other topics with the abolition of ecology as a discrete entity. (Author/JN)

The carabid beetle (Notiophilus) preys readily on an easily-cultured collembolan in simple experimental conditions. Some features of this predator-prey system are outlined to emphasize its use in biology instruction. Experiments with another potential collembolan are described in the context of developing the method for more advanced studies.…

Presents a method for calculating age specific expectation of life for human populations by examining obituary entries in newspapers, tombstones, and parish records. Examples are given which illustrate large differences between the sexes, social classes, and dates at a given locality. (Author/CS)

Reviews methods for obtaining accurate and reproducible results in determining zonation patterns on rocky shores. (CS)