This chapter discusses the importance of the monitoring process in applied ecology. First, it differentiates types of surveying and monitoring that would be used under the parameters of habitats, species, interactions and ecosystem services, and environmental parameters that influence ecology. Moreover, the chapter considers using direct, indirect, remote, secondary, and primary data for monitoring. It explicates the monitoring of habitats and species as well and uses the Common Standards Monitoring as an example. It lists the main types of monitoring and their main considerations: baseline surveying, spatial surveying, temporal monitoring, compliance monitoring, and mitigation monitoring. The chapter suggests that there is a correlation between monitoring and management. It cites an interview with applied ecologist Elizabeth Pimley.
Chapter
Ecological Surveying and Monitoring
Chapter
Antipredator Behaviour
This chapter looks into antipredator behavior and how animals reduce their
predation risk. Altering habitat use levels and increasing vigilance are two
common antipredator adaptations which involve changing behavior. Since group
size affects the predation scanning rates, animals also lessen predation
risk by living in groups. Recent studies have found that environmental
factors impact the formation and geometry of compact groups. Additionally,
cryptic coloration is a common morphological adaptation wherein an animal
can blend and match the color of the environment. Some species interact
directly with predators by harassing them as this encourages the predator to
leave for another victim.
Chapter
Lepidosaurs
Tuatara, Lizards, and Snakes
This chapter explains how the crown group Lepidosauria is one of the two largest clades of tetrapods. It looks into the diverse groups of lepidosaurs and their body forms and habitats. Extant lepidosaurs branched into two lineages: a single species of rhynchocephalian (also known as the tuatara), and more than 11,000 species of squamates. Mriad specializations have arisen in different groups in regard to feeding and foraging, social behavior, and reproduction. The chapter elaborates on the evolution of lepidosaurs in terms of skull kinesis, feeding, predator avoidance, and social behavior. It mentions that anthropogenic climate change poses major threats to the lineage of lepidosaurs.
Chapter
Origins of Lissamphibia and Amniota
This chapter examines the origins of lissamphibia and amniota. It provides an overview of Paleozoic tetrapods, which includes the taxa on the divergence and diversification of lissamphibians and amniotes. Evolutionary changes in skulls, vertebrae, limb girdles, limbs, and ankles have enabled the tracking of the diversification of Paleozoic tetrapods and the interpretation of aspects of their biology. Meanwhile, the evolution of the amniotic egg in the Carboniferous has allowed amniotes to escape their dependence on water for reproduction. The chapter details the characteristics of amniotes that allowed for greater independence from moist habitats and the ability to grow very large. It explains how studying fossils can result in a greater understanding of the biology, ecology, and functional morphology of amniotes and their subsequent diversification.
Chapter
Microbial Diversity
This chapter explores the notion of microbial diversity. In response to the huge number of living organisms across the planet, the idea of creating taxonomies was developed for the biological classification and grouping together of organisms that share properties. The chapter tackles the main ways of gathering information to determine the classification of an organism: classification taxonomy and molecular taxonomy. The habitats of soil, freshwater, and seawater showcase the incredible diversity of microbial life. The chapter also considers how technologies like sequencing and metagenomics unveiled the expanse of unculturable microbes. It provides an overview of the diversity of bacteria, Archaea, fungi, and protists by detailing their characteristics and features.
Chapter
Microbial Biotechnology in the Art and Built Environment
This chapter looks into microbial biotechnology in built environments. It explains that the built environment is a microbial habitat providing an abundance of substrates. Microorganisms occur naturally in these habitats and can be introduced by humans. Understanding the complex interactions and activities of microbial communities that cause biodeterioration allows for the development and selection of optimal preservation approaches and technologies. The chapter also explains the impact of microorganisms on our cultural, urban, and industrial heritage. It then presents novel sustainable materials and tools based on microorganisms and the technologies that minimize microbial growth and prevent biodeterioration.
Chapter
Microbial Diversity
This chapter explores the notion of microbial diversity. In response to the huge number of living organisms across the planet, the idea of creating taxonomies was developed for the biological classification and grouping together of organisms that share properties. The chapter tackles the main ways of gathering information to determine the classification of an organism: classification taxonomy and molecular taxonomy. The habitats of soil, freshwater, and seawater showcase the incredible diversity of microbial life. The chapter also considers how technologies like sequencing and metagenomics unveiled the expanse of unculturable microbes. It provides an overview of the diversity of bacteria, Archaea, fungi, and protists by detailing their characteristics and features.
Chapter
Antipredator Behavior
This chapter looks into antipredator behavior and how animals reduce their predation risk. Altering habitat use levels and increasing vigilance are two common antipredator adaptations which involve changing behavior. Since group size affects the predation scanning rates, animals also lessen predation risk by living in groups. Recent studies have found that environmental factors impact the formation and geometry of compact groups. Additionally, cryptic coloration is a common morphological adaptation wherein an animal can blend and match the color of the environment. Some species interact directly with predators by harassing them as this encourages the predator to leave for another victim.
Chapter
In Situ Conservation
This chapter focuses on in situ conservation. First, it defines in situ conservation and explains that it covers numerous active management techniques. The chapter looks at the aims of in situ management, which range from creating, restoring, protecting, and maintaining to improving and connecting. Then it lists active management and custodial management as approaches. The chapter explicates the process of managing habitats and species by citing translocations, insurance population, and reintroductions as examples. In addition, in situ conservation is underpinned by policies such as the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, Biodiversity Action Plans, National Biodiversity Strategy Action Plans, and the Convention on Biological Diversity's implications and frameworks. The chapter includes an interview with applied ecologist Gareth Parry.
