10. (a) (i) Distinguish between biotic and abiotic factors - Leaving Cert Biology - Question 10 - 2009
Question 10
10. (a) (i) Distinguish between biotic and abiotic factors.
(ii) An edaphic factor is an example of an abiotic factor. Explain the underlined term.
(b) (i) Disting... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:10. (a) (i) Distinguish between biotic and abiotic factors - Leaving Cert Biology - Question 10 - 2009
Step 1
Distinguish between biotic and abiotic factors.
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Answer
Biotic factors refer to living components of an ecosystem, such as plants, animals, and microorganisms. In contrast, abiotic factors are non-living elements, which include water, soil, temperature, and sunlight.
Step 2
Explain the underlined term.
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Answer
An edaphic factor refers specifically to soil-related conditions that affect living organisms within an ecosystem. It encompasses aspects like soil texture, pH, and nutrients, which can significantly influence vegetation and habitat.
Step 3
Distinguish between quantitative and qualitative surveys in an ecosystem.
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Quantitative surveys aim to enumerate the number of organisms, focusing on data such as population size and density. Qualitative surveys, on the other hand, assess the types of organisms present and their characteristics, providing insight into the diversity of species.
Step 4
Name the piece of equipment shown above which is used in a quantitative study of an ecosystem.
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Answer
The piece of equipment is a quadrat.
Step 5
Why is the above piece of apparatus unsuitable for studying most animal populations?
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The quadrat is unsuitable for studying most animal populations because many animals are mobile and do not remain within the confines of a fixed area, making it difficult to accurately estimate their populations.
Step 6
Suggest a plant that would not be suitable to survey using the above apparatus.
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A very large plant, such as a tree, would not be suitable for surveying with a quadrat, as its size and structure would exceed the area measured by the quadrat.
Step 7
Outline how this piece of apparatus is used for studying plant populations.
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The quadrat is placed randomly within the study area, and the plants within the quadrat are recorded. This can help estimate the density and types of plant species present, allowing for comparison between different areas.
Step 8
How did you present your results?
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Results are often presented using charts or tables that summarize the data collected from quadrat sampling, showing species frequency, density, and diversity.
Step 9
State one possible source of error in a survey of an ecosystem.
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One possible source of error could be human error, such as miscounting the number of plants within the quadrat or incorrectly identifying species.
Step 10
What is meant by the term species?
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Species refers to a group of organisms that can interbreed and produce fertile offspring. They share common characteristics and genetic makeup.
Step 11
Name one country that has been affected by this invasion.
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Spain has been affected by the jellyfish invasion.
Step 12
Give two ways in which jellyfish can harm a person.
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Jellyfish can cause swelling and redness at the sting site, and they can also induce an allergic reaction in some individuals.
Step 13
Suggest why jellyfish are usually found in tropical waters. Suggest one reason for their recent occurrence in temperate regions.
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Jellyfish thrive in warm temperatures and nutrient-rich waters typically found in tropical regions. Their recent appearance in temperate regions may be attributed to climate change and human activities such as overfishing, which disrupts their natural predators.
Step 14
What do you think is meant by the phrase "Jellyfish have no autonomy of movement?"
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This phrase means that jellyfish cannot control their movements and are dependent on ocean currents and tides to move through the water.
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