Qualitative Sampling

Question 1

Measuring Biodiversity

Answer 1

Finding out which species live in an ecosystem and the size of the populations requires the identification and cataloguing of all organisms present to build a species list.

Question 2

Sampling Methods

Answer 2

Sampling is a method of investigating the abundance and distribution of species and populations.

Question 3

Quantitative Techniques

Answer 3

These techniques provide information about the number (quantity) of species that live in an area. Data can relate to the abundance, density and coverage of certain species.

Question 4

Qualitative Techniques

Answer 4

These techniques provide information about the different type of species that live in an area. Keys are used to help identify plant and animal species.

Question 5

Reliability

Answer 5

This relates to the sample size and repeating procedures. Results become more reliable if they are repeated more time and averages taken.

Question 6

Validity

Answer 6

This correctly tests the aim of the experiment, so all factors are kept constant aside from those being investigated. Only one variable should be changed at a time.

Question 7

Keys

Answer 7

Keys are qualitative methods used to identify a species. A key can be branching or a series of paired statements. They are based on the physical characteristics of the species to be identified.

Question 8

Branched keys

Answer 8

A branched key is a type of flowchart used to identify organisms.

Question 9

Paired Statement Keys

Answer 9

A paired statement key is a numbered list of statements.