Difference between revisions of "GCSE Biology Required Practical: Measuring Population in a Habitat"
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Estimate the size of a [[population]] of a [[species]] within a [[habitat]] using [[Sampling (Biology)|sampling]] techniques and investigate a factor affecting [[population]] size. | Estimate the size of a [[population]] of a [[species]] within a [[habitat]] using [[Sampling (Biology)|sampling]] techniques and investigate a factor affecting [[population]] size. | ||
===Method=== | ===Method=== | ||
− | + | Estimate the population of a species within a habitat using random sampling. | |
#Gently throw a quadrat to fall in a random position on a field of grass. | #Gently throw a quadrat to fall in a random position on a field of grass. | ||
#Count the number of daisies within the quadrat. | #Count the number of daisies within the quadrat. | ||
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#Use the following equation to estimate the number of daisies in the field: | #Use the following equation to estimate the number of daisies in the field: | ||
: Estimated population = <math>\tfrac{area sampled}{total area}</math> x number of daisies | : Estimated population = <math>\tfrac{area sampled}{total area}</math> x number of daisies | ||
+ | |||
+ | Investigate the effect of a factor on plant distribution using a transect. | ||
+ | #Stretch a 30m tape from the base of a tree out into an open area of field. This will be the transect. | ||
+ | #Place a quadrat at 0m on the transect and count the number of daisies within the quadrat. | ||
+ | #Repeat step 2 six times moving the quadrat 5m further along the transect each time. | ||
+ | #At each location you may measure the light intensity, soil hydration or soil [[pH]] to determine if this factor affects the abundance of daisies. |
Revision as of 17:12, 22 November 2018
Key Stage 4
Meaning
Estimate the size of a population of a species within a habitat using sampling techniques and investigate a factor affecting population size.
Method
Estimate the population of a species within a habitat using random sampling.
- Gently throw a quadrat to fall in a random position on a field of grass.
- Count the number of daisies within the quadrat.
- Repeat steps 1 and 2 ten times.
- Calculate the mean number of daisies.
- Use the following equation to estimate the number of daisies in the field:
- Estimated population = \(\tfrac{area sampled}{total area}\) x number of daisies
Investigate the effect of a factor on plant distribution using a transect.
- Stretch a 30m tape from the base of a tree out into an open area of field. This will be the transect.
- Place a quadrat at 0m on the transect and count the number of daisies within the quadrat.
- Repeat step 2 six times moving the quadrat 5m further along the transect each time.
- At each location you may measure the light intensity, soil hydration or soil pH to determine if this factor affects the abundance of daisies.