population in ecosystems

Question 1

Answer 1

1. Significant increase in species richness on Islay and Colonsay and(significant) fall on Harris;
2. Change in diversity on Islay not significant;
3. Greater than 0.05 / 5% probability of getting this change / difference by chance (on Islay)

OR(For other differences) less than 0.001 / 0.1% probability of getting this change / difference by chance (for species richness on Colonsay, Harris, Islay)

ORLess than 0.01/1% probability of getting this change/difference by chance (for diversity index on Colonsay, Harris);

Question 2

Explain the advantage of showing the data using standard deviations rather than ranges.

Answer 2

standard deviation is the spread of data around the mean

standard dedication also reduces the effect of anomalies/ outliers

Question 3

Answer 3

Question 4

Explain how these data has led to succession from points A to E along the transect

Answer 4

1. Decrease in (percentage cover) of bare ground / water linked to more plants / species / increase in plant coverage;Allow one maximum markfor answers which describe all three changes withouta suitable explanation for any changeMust be idea of more / increase not just change in species / plants
2. Change in diversity / number of plant / species / named (species) as abiotic conditions altered / due to competition/ more soil / less hostile;Accept pioneer species replaced due to competitionAccept description of change in speciesAccept ‘more suitable’ = less hostile
3. Increase in depth of soil as plants die / humus formed;