When an ecologist ( or any scientist) makes a hypothesis, we need to test it. Since most of the studies in ecological sciences rely on field work, correct imaging of the subject is really important. Depending on the subject, it could be anything from microscopy to photo-capturing. There are a few examples I can give about imaging methods for different studies. The first one is deep sea research, which is incredibly difficult to observe due to the lack of light and the intense amount of pressure. The Ocean Floor Observatory and Bathymetry system (OFOBS) is one thing used for these studies. It’s basically a camera and sonar radar, which could map out the ocean and species living in it.

Another example is different bird studies. Birds are avian beings, which makes it hard to capture their behaviour in flight. Depending on the traits wanted to study, imaging methods widely differ. If we want to look at brain activity for flight and not the flying itself, we could use MRI and PET scans on birds just like human patients. On the other hand, if what we need is the flying itself, thermal cameras, having a bird with a tag so we can track, or remote controlling via satellite imagery are some of the ways we can use.

With the advancement of technology every day, I believe we will have more ways to study our planet, or even better, these observation methods could be more available to the general public and everyday science enthusiasts and not just to institutions to use.