Lesson Worksheet: Investigating Ecosystems Biology
In this worksheet, we will practice recalling how to sample ecosystems to estimate population sizes and investigate the distribution and abundance of organisms in their environment.
Q1:
Which of the following techniques will ensure that samples with a quadrat are taken randomly? Select all that apply.
- AThe area to be sampled is separated into grids, and the person sampling starts at the first grid and samples all until they reach the end.
- BThe area to be sampled is separated into numbered grids, and a random number generator is used to choose sample areas.
- CThe person sampling identifies the areas of the field where the species being sampled shows the most abundance, and then they place the quadrat there.
Q2:
A student wants to investigate how the abundance of daisies changes from a shaded area to an unshaded one. Which method of sampling should they use?
- ARandom sampling
- BLine transect sampling
Q3:
Which of the following best defines random sampling?
- ARandom sampling is a method of randomly selecting organisms to investigate in an area.
- BRandom sampling is a method of preselecting the samples to ensure only productive areas are chosen.
- CRandom sampling is a method of selecting samples by chance, and every sample has an equal probability of being chosen.
- DRandom sampling is a method of selecting samples to ensure the best results.
Q4:
A general method for using a line transect is outlined below, with some key words removed:
- Lay a tape measure along the ground.
- Place X at the first measurement point.
- Record the Y of your selected organism.
- Repeat at Z intervals.
Which of the following words would correctly replace X?
- AA quadrat
- BA sample
- CA tape measure
- DA student
Which of the following words would correctly replace Y?
- AType
- BColor
- CAbundance
- DAppearance
Which of the following words would correctly replace Z?
- AA few
- BRandom
- CRegular
- DSignificant
Q5:
A student wants to estimate the general abundance of dandelions in a large field. What method of sampling should they use?
- ALine transect sampling
- BRandom sampling
Q6:
The graph provided shows the effect of shade on the number of different plant species in a given area. What is the trend shown by these results?
- AThe more shaded an area is, the more plant species can grow in it.
- BThe less shaded an area is, the more plant species can grow in it.
- CThere is no correlation between shade and number of plant species.
Q7:
Quadrats can be used to estimate the numbers of slow-moving animals. Example results for an investigation into the abundance of slugs in a field are provided in the table.
| Sample | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Slugs | 4 | 3 | 2 | 4 | 3 | 6 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 3 |
Calculate the mean number of slugs per quadrat, giving your answer to one decimal place.
Q8:
A quadrat can be used to estimate the distribution of species in an area. What is meant by distribution?
- ADistribution is how far organisms have to travel to find mates.
- BDistribution is where a species is found within a given area or ecosystem.
- CDistribution is how much space is available between different species in an ecosystem.
- DDistribution is how common a particular species is in a given area or ecosystem.
Q9:
A quadrat can be used to estimate the abundance of a species in a given area. What is meant by abundance?
- AAbundance is how common a particular species is in a given area or ecosystem.
- BAbundance is how well adapted a particular species is for a given area or ecosystem.
- CAbundance is how frequently an organism visits a particular area or ecosystem.
- DAbundance is where a species is found within a given area or ecosystem.
Q10:
A student used a quadrat to sample how many flowers were present in an area of a school field. The student then drew the results, which are provided here. What is the abundance of flowers present in this quadrat?
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