Required Practical 12

Question 1

What is the aim of Required Practical 12?

Answer 1

To investigate how an environmental factor affects the distribution of a species.

Question 2

What types of factors determine species distribution?

Answer 2

Abiotic (non-living) and biotic (living) factors.

Question 3

What are examples of abiotic factors?

Answer 3

Light intensity, water, nutrients, and temperature.

Question 4

What are examples of biotic factors?

Answer 4

Competition, predators, and disease.

Question 5

What equipment is needed to measure species distribution?

Answer 5

A quadrat, two tape measures, and equipment to measure the environmental variable.

Question 6

What size should the area for sampling be?

Answer 6

A 5x5 meter area.

Question 7

How are coordinates selected for sampling?

Answer 7

By using a random number generator to select 10 sets of coordinates.

Question 8

How do you create the sampling axes?

Answer 8

Use two tape measures to create perpendicular axes.

Question 9

Where should the quadrat be placed?

Answer 9

The bottom left corner of the quadrat should be placed on each coordinate.

Question 10

What should you do after placing the quadrat on the coordinate?

Answer 10

Record the percentage cover of the species in the quadrat.

Question 11

How do you record percentage cover in the quadrat?

Answer 11

Count how many of the quadrat’s 100 squares contain the species, counting a square if it’s half or more covered.

Question 12

What variable should you measure at each coordinate?

Answer 12

The independent environmental variable (e.g., light intensity, temperature).

Question 13

How can light intensity be measured?

Answer 13

By using a photometer at each coordinate.

Question 14

How long should you spend at each coordinate?

Answer 14

Spend enough time to record the percentage cover and measure the independent variable accurately.

Question 15

What should you do after recording data at one coordinate?

Answer 15

Move to the next coordinate and repeat the process.

Question 16

After collecting all data, what is the next step?

Answer 16

Plot a graph of percentage cover against the chosen environmental variable.

Question 17

What type of graph should be used?

Answer 17

A graph with percentage cover on the y-axis and the environmental variable on the x-axis.

Question 18

What statistical tests can be used to analyze the data?

Answer 18

Spearman’s Rank, T-test, and Chi-Squared.

Question 19

What does the graph show in this practical?

Answer 19

The correlation between species percentage cover and the environmental factor.

Question 20

What should be remembered when interpreting the graph?

Answer 20

Correlation does not imply causation — other factors could also be influencing the results.

Question 21

What is one risk associated with this practical?

Answer 21

Biohazard from soil bacteria and contamination.

Question 22

How should biohazards be handled?

Answer 22

Wash hands after handling soil or plant material to avoid contamination.

Question 23

What is another risk associated with this practical?

Answer 23

Slippery surfaces due to wet conditions.

Question 24

What is a safety precaution for slippery surfaces?

Answer 24

Wear appropriate footwear and avoid running to prevent slipping.

Question 25

What should you do if you slip or fall?

Answer 25

Seek medical attention immediately if injured.

Question 26

What should you do before starting the practical in an area?

Answer 26

Identify and minimize any potential hazards.

Question 27

What should you do after completing the sampling?

Answer 27

Carefully pack up all equipment and ensure any biohazards are disposed of correctly.

Question 28

What is the main goal when recording species distribution data?

Answer 28

To understand how environmental factors (like light, temperature, etc.) affect the species.

Question 29

How is data from the quadrat analyzed?

Answer 29

By calculating the percentage cover of the species in each quadrat.

Question 30

How does random sampling help in this practical?

Answer 30

Random sampling removes bias, ensuring the data is representative of the area.

Question 31

What is the purpose of measuring the independent variable at each coordinate?

Answer 31

To determine if there's a relationship between the environmental factor and species distribution.

Question 32

What does a positive correlation on the graph suggest?

Answer 32

It suggests that as the independent variable increases, the percentage cover of the species increases.

Question 33

What does a negative correlation on the graph suggest?

Answer 33

It suggests that as the independent variable increases, the percentage cover of the species decreases.

Question 34

Why is randomization important in this practical?

Answer 34

To ensure the sample is unbiased and results can be generalized across the area.

Question 35

What can a correlation on the graph imply about the species' preference?

Answer 35

The species may prefer certain environmental conditions (e.g., higher light intensity or moisture).

Question 36

What do statistical tests help to determine in this practical?

Answer 36

They help assess if the observed patterns are statistically significant.

Question 37

What should you do after completing the analysis of your data?

Answer 37

Draw a conclusion about the effect of the environmental factor on species distribution.