4.1.2 Biodiversity – Sampling PAG

Question 1

Give an example of one type of habitat that would be suitable for a student wanting to investigate biodiversity in a habitat.

Answer 1

Any one from, or another suitable alternative:-
sand dunes, forest, playing field and parkland

Question 2

If a student sampled a playing field, give one factor that they could investigate that may affect the plant species.

Answer 2

• Light intensity
• Water availability
• Soil pH
• Trampling

Question 3

What piece of equipment should be used to sample plants on a playing field?

Answer 3

A quadrat

Question 4

How could a student ensure random sampling was achieved?

Answer 4

By using a random number generator to give coordinates that are then used on a grid reference system.

Question 5

Why is throwing a quadrat over your shoulder not random? .

Answer 5

There would be bias from the person throwing

Question 6

What would be the minimum number of quadrats that should be used in each sample area?

Answer 6

5

Question 6

Which calculation should be used to allow the biodiversity of each area to be compared?

Answer 6

Simpson’s Index of Biodiversity

Question 7

What type of graph should be drawn from sampling data?

Answer 7

A bar chart