4.7 - Investigating diversity

Question 1

The genetic diversity of species is measured by comparing differences in the base sequence of DNA or differences in the base sequence of mRNA. Give two other ways in which genetic diversity between species is measured. (2)

Answer 1

• Comparing (measurable/observable) features/characteristics
• Comparing amino acid sequences/primary structures (of a/named/the same protein)

Question 2

Outline a method the ecologists could have used to determine the plant species richness at one site. (3)

Answer 2

• A method of selecting sampling sites at random
• Use of quadrat
• Identify (plant) species (at site / in each quadrat)
• Count number of (different plant) species (at site / in each quadrat)

Question 3

Describe how you would investigate the effect of an invasion by a non-native species of plant (a biotic environmental factor) over many years on the abundance of a native species of plant in a community. (3)

Answer 3

• Set up grid system with coordinates
• Place large number of quadrats (at coordinates) selected at random
• Count number of / estimate percentage cover of native plant in quadrats
• Repeat at same time each year (for many years)