sources of error in an ecosystem study

Question 1

What are the four headings in which possible errors in studying an ecosystem can occur?

Answer 1

Human error, changing conditions, sample size, accidental discovery

Question 2

Explain human error. How is this possibility increased?

Answer 2

Mistakes in measuring or recording information. This possibility is increased by the work being outdoors, perhaps in poor weather conditions.

Question 3

Explain ‘changing conditions’

Answer 3

Nature is never static or constant.
Ecosystems are subject to changes, both natural (e.g. seasonal) or artificial (e.g. the effects of pollution).
The findings of an ecosystem study may not apply all of the time to that ecosystem.

Question 4

How is the source of error: changing conditions counteracted?

Answer 4

By studying the ecosystem a number of times, e.g. in autumn, winter and spring

Question 5

Explain how accidental discovery works with an example

Answer 5

For example, a rare animal (such as a bird of prey) may be present in the area only on rare occasions or at night (e.g. owls).

Question 6

Is a single habitat a fair representation of an entire ecosystem?

Answer 6

No

Question 7

Why must a number of habitats be studied within each ecosystem? (3)

Answer 7

As a single habitat is not a fair representation of the entire ecosystem.

The larger the number of habitats examined, the more accurately the results will reflect the overall ecosystem.
If the habitat is too small, many plants and animals will be left out of the study.