Biology/principles of ecology
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Question
Ecologists may use both descriptive and quantitative methods of research in their studies. Is this true or false?
Thanks for using AllExperts, Ashleigh. This is absolutely true. Examples of quantitative measures are biomass and mathematical descriptions of predator/prey relationships, while a qualitative measure might be the degree to which a particular ecosystem is identified with a biome (e.g., describing an ecosystem as more of a tundra than a taiga, or a temperate forest vs. a rain forest). Trophic levels--that is, who eats what in an ecosystem--are also often described in qualitative fashion.
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John Locke
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I will answer all biology-related questions through the undergraduate level. I will explain unclear concepts and suggest approaches to solving problems, but would prefer not to completely solve homework problems for you. If you are completely stumped on homework, tell me what you already know and I will help you as much as possible. Please do not ask me for ideas on school research projects; part of research is determining a suitable area of investigation, and that's not a task that should be completed by someone else. Please don't simply send me your homework for solutions. If you are having difficulty after you have started an analysis, I will be happy to direct your thinking; in particular, I would prefer to not simply solve pedigrees for students, but I will be happy to assist in solving pedigrees that you have already started. If you don't understand how to analyze a pedigree, I'd highly recommend watching this video, in which a biology professor explains the basic concepts of pedigree analysis: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HbIHjsn5cHo
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I have a BS in Bioengineering with a concentration in Chemical Engineering (which included a heavy focus on biology), and have taught biology, biochemistry, and related subjects for some time now.
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BS Bioengineering, Penn State University
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