The sundew is a small flowering plant, growing in wet habitats such as bogs and marshes - AQA - A-Level Biology - Question 9 - 2019 - Paper 1
Question 9
The sundew is a small flowering plant, growing in wet habitats such as bogs and marshes. The soil in bogs and marshes is acidic and has very low concentrations of so... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:The sundew is a small flowering plant, growing in wet habitats such as bogs and marshes - AQA - A-Level Biology - Question 9 - 2019 - Paper 1
Step 1
Use a grid
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Answer
To estimate the size of a population of sundews in a small marsh, one effective method is to use a grid. This involves dividing the marsh area into squares or sections to create a sampling frame.
Step 2
Method of obtaining random coordinates
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Next, obtain random coordinates or numbers to select specific quadrats within the grid. This could be done using a random number generator or a pre-prepared random numbers table.
Step 3
Count number/frequency in a quadrat/section
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Answer
For each selected quadrat, count and record the number of sundews present. It's important to ensure that the sample size is sufficient to represent the population accurately.
Step 4
Large sample and calculate mean/average number
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Once the counts are obtained, calculate the mean or average number of sundews per quadrat, which will provide a better estimate of the population density.
Step 5
Valid method of calculating total number of sundews
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Finally, use the average number of sundews per quadrat and multiply by the total number of quadrats in the marsh to estimate the total population size. This gives a clearer picture of the sundew population in the marsh.
Step 6
Digestion/breakdown of proteins
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The sundew digests insects which allows it to break down proteins and absorb essential nutrients, aiding its growth in nutrient-poor soil.
Step 7
Provides amino acids
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By digesting insects, the sundew obtains amino acids that are crucial for its development and overall health, making it more adaptable to its low nutrient environment.
