Describe how you could estimate the size of a population of sundews in a small marsh.
- AQA - A-Level Biology - Question 9 - 2019 - Paper 2
Question 9
Describe how you could estimate the size of a population of sundews in a small marsh.
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Describe how you could estimate the size of a population of sundews in a small marsh.
- AQA - A-Level Biology - Question 9 - 2019 - Paper 2
Step 1
Use a grid
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Answer
To estimate the size of the sundew population, first, divide the marsh area into a grid of squares or sections to facilitate sampling.
Step 2
Method of obtaining random coordinates/numbers
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Answer
Utilize a random number generator or a calculator to select random coordinates within each grid section for unbiased sampling.
Step 3
Count number/frequency in a quadrat/section
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Answer
Place a quadrat in the randomly selected sections and count the number of sundews present. This method allows you to gather data on plant density.
Step 4
Calculate mean/average number
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Answer
Calculate the average number of sundews per quadrat by dividing the total number of sundews counted by the number of quadrats sampled.
Step 5
Valid method for total number estimation
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Answer
Multiply the average number of sundews per quadrat by the total number of quadrats in the marsh to estimate the total population size.
