Population Size

Question 1

Write a method to estimate the number of plants in an area.

Answer 1

1. Generate 2 random numbers for coordinates
2. Use the numbers and the tape measures to locate the first position for your quadrat.
3. Lay the quadrat on the floor
4. Count and record the number of the chosen plant species inside the quadrat.
5. Repeat steps 1–4 until you have recorded the numbers of chosen plant species in ten quadrats.
6. Estimate the population of plantain using the equation:
   estimated population size = total area
   /area sampled× number of plantain counted

Question 2

Write a method to find how an abiotic factor affects plant growth.

Answer 2

1. Put the 30 m tape measure in a line from the base of a tree to an open area of ground.
2. Put the quadrat against the transect line. One corner of the quadrat should touch the 0 m mark on the tape measure.
3. Count the number of plants inside the quadrat.
4. Use the light meter to measure the light intensity at this position.
5. Record your results in a table
6. Move the quadrat 5 m up the transect line and count the number of plants again. Measure the light intensity at this position. Record your results in your table.
7. Continue to place the quadrat at 5 m intervals up the transect line. Count the number of plants and measure the light intensity in each quadrat.

Question 3

What is meant by abundance?

Answer 3

It is the amount of something. Such as a large abundance of daisies in a field

Question 4

What is random sampling and why is it used?

Answer 4

Random sampling is when a sample is chosen without the researcher choosing the sample. This reduces bias and allows you to get a representative
sample

Question 5

What can you do to increase accuracy of data?

Answer 5

Take more samples

Question 6

Why would you use systematic sampling?

Answer 6

If we want to find out if the distribution of a species is affected by an abiotic factor