PAG 3.3

Question 1

notes

Answer 1

Introduction In this activity you will decide the sampling method to investigate a correlation between the abundance of a named animal species and a biotic and/or abiotic factor.

Aim To use a sampling technique to investigate a correlation between the abundance of a named animal species and a biotic and/or abiotic factor.

Question 2

Equipment

Answer 2

(per group) • Quadrat • Tape measure • Marker pegs • Pitfall traps • Nets suitable for the habitat in which you will be working • White sheet • Light meters • Suitable pots/vials for collecting soil samples • Flow meters • Trays or other containers to hold animals during sampling • Chemical testing kits for water samples • Soil pH kit • Key or method of identifying species in area of study • Recording sheet with clear folder / plastic bag to cover in case of rain • Method of generating random numbers e.g. calculator

Question 3

Procedure

Answer 3

1. Your teacher will tell you about the habitat you are visiting and the animal species you will be investigating.

Habitat…………………………………………… Species…………………………………………………….

2. Decide which biotic and/or abiotic factor you will investigate.
3. Using the equipment available, devise a method of sampling to investigate whether there is a correlation between abundance of the named animal species and the biotic/abiotic factor you have chosen.
4. Check your plan with your teacher and carry out your method recording data in an appropriate table.
5. Make a labelled, annotated drawing of the species you have been investigating
6. Plot a suitable graph(s) of the data you have collected.
7. Using your data, draw a conclusion as to whether you did observe a correlation between the abundance of the named animal species and your chosen biotic and/or abiotic factor.

Question 4

1. What is the binomial name of the animal species you investigated

Answer 4

This will depend on the animal species chosen by the teacher. The teacher should make this available to the students.

Question 5

2. What is the difference between biotic and abiotic factors?

Answer 5

Biotic factors are living organisms in the environment that will have an effect on the species in question e.g. predators or prey. Abiotic factors are non-living factors such as sunlight, humidity and temperature.

Question 6

3. Evaluate the sampling method you carried out. Were there any limitations? Could you improve your procedure if it was to be used again?

Answer 6

This will depend on the methods devised by the students and how well the practical activity went. It is a good opportunity for a class discussion and evaluation.

Question 7

4. What did you do to ensure ethical treatment of the animals you were investigating?

Answer 7

Tried to disrupt the animals as little as possible. Minimal handling and handled with care. Always return the organism to its original habitat.