Measuring The Distribution Of Organisms

Question 1

Describe a method a student could use to estimate the number of organisms in a field.

Answer 1

Randomly place quadrat with random number generator

Throw quadrat

Count number of organisms in quadrat

Repeat 10 times

Use formula

Question 2

What is the formula for total population size?

Answer 2

Total area / area sampled x number of organisms of organisms counted in sample

Question 3

How can we improve our results?

Answer 3

Increase the number of quadrats thrown

Question 4

How would you investigate the relationship between light intensity and (named) organism.

Answer 4

Lay tape measure across the floor to act as a transect

Use a light meter to measure the light intensity

Do this at regular intervals along transect

Do at same type of day

Each location, use a ruler to measure (relevant context)

Plot on graph of light intensity and (variable)

See if there is a relationship between both variables