Ecology is a broad topic, and selecting an independent research project can be a daunting task. Luckily, ecology can be divided into several subcategories, each with distinct but overlapping questions and methods. To narrow down the possible options for projects, one might first start by asking oneself which subcategory is most interesting. Some of these subcategories and sample questions to be asked in each are:

• What is the sex ratio of this population of species X?
• What is the age distribution of species X?
• What is the geographic distribution (clumped, random, or regular spacing) of species X?
• What is the habitat preference for species X?
• What are the food preferences for species X?

• What are the relative numbers of individuals for the related species in species-group Y?
• What is the Adiversity@ of species in species-group Y?
• What is the body size relationships between the species in species-group Y?
• What are the niche differences/overlaps between species in species-group Y?
• How much competition is there between the species in species-group Y?
• What are the prey items for predatory species P?
• Who are the predators on species C?

• What time of day/night is species B most active?
• What is the home range of species B?
• What kind of communication is used by members of species B?
• How does predator P locate food?
• How does species B avoid predation

Physiological Ecology (can include associated biochemistry and structures)

• What adaptations does species M have for living in a dry environment?
• What adaptations does species M have for living in a hot climate (thermoregulation)?
• What adaptations does species M have for living in a highly variable environment?

In addition to selecting a type of question to address, one must also select a species or species-group (guild). Keeping in mind that one must repeat the same measurements four times (4 different deserts), the species or species-group must be common at each location. Make sure to select a species/group that is of personal interest too. Possible taxa that should be available at the six sites include:

PLANTS
cactus
shrubs
annuals
grasses

INVERTEBRATES
spiders
ants
butterflies & moths
centipedes & millipedes

VERTEBRATES
reptiles -- snakes
            -- lizards
birds
mammals -- bats
            -- rodents