B2 - Organisms and their Environment

Question 1

What is the difference between qualative and quantative data?

Answer 1

Quantative data includes numerical data (eg. there are 20 fish in a pond)

Qualative data is a general description with no numbers (eg. there are lots of fish in a pond)

Question 2

What can the data be used for?

Answer 2

It can be used to compare the distribution of the same organism in different habitats or compare the variety in the same habitat.

Question 3

What are some ways of collecting population data on animals and plants?

Answer 3

Quadrats
Electronic Tagging
Motion Sensors and Photography
Satellite Imagery

Question 4

What factors affect the distribution of organisms?

Answer 4

Amount of water
Amount of nutrients
Amount of light
Amount of oxygen and carbon dioxide.

Question 5

Why is using a quadrat good?

Answer 5

It gives us a CONSTANT SAMPLE AREA.

Question 6

How do you use a quadrat to collect plant population data?

Answer 6

You need to use random sampling. Close your eyes, spin around, walk 5 steps and throw the quadrat.

The results you get will be more valid and reproducible the more times you use the quadrat.

Control variables when using a quadrat are the time of day samples are taken and the time of year samples are taken.

Question 7

How would you use a transect?

Answer 7

Stretch the tape measure along or across your sample area to produce a transect. At regular intervals place the quadrat down and count the organisms. Repeat it 3 times.