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(a) (i) What is meant in ecology by a quantitative survey? Quantitative surveys in ecology refer to methods that collect numerical data regarding organisms, species, or communities in a specific area - Leaving Cert Biology - Question 8 - 2006
Question 8
(a) (i) What is meant in ecology by a quantitative survey? Quantitative surveys in ecology refer to methods that collect numerical data regarding organisms, speci... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:(a) (i) What is meant in ecology by a quantitative survey? Quantitative surveys in ecology refer to methods that collect numerical data regarding organisms, species, or communities in a specific area - Leaving Cert Biology - Question 8 - 2006
Step 1
What is meant in ecology by a quantitative survey?
Answer
Quantitative surveys in ecology refer to methods that collect numerical data regarding organisms, species, or communities in a specific area. The primary objective is to quantify the abundance and distribution of the species being studied.
Step 2
Step 3
In the case of a named plant describe how you would carry out a quantitative survey in the ecosystem that you have studied.
Answer
To carry out a quantitative survey of a specific plant, such as Trifolium repens (white clover), I would first select a suitable area in the ecosystem, ensuring it represents the habitat of the plant. I would position a number of quadrats randomly within this area to minimize bias. Each quadrat would be used to count the number of Trifolium repens plants present. This could involve estimating the cover percentage as well, determining how much of the quadrat is occupied by this species. Replicating this across several quadrats would give an average coverage, allowing for statistical analysis.
Step 4
Describe how you recorded the results of your survey.
Answer
Results of the survey would be recorded in a systematic manner, often in a data spreadsheet. Each quadrat’s observations would include the quadrat number, the count of Trifolium repens seen, and estimated cover percentages, if applicable. This allows for easy tracking and referencing of findings for further analysis.
Step 5
Suggest a possible source of error in your study.
Answer
A possible source of error in this study could be the lack of randomness in selecting quadrat locations. If quadrats are placed in areas where Trifolium repens is particularly dense or sparse, the results may not accurately reflect the plant's overall distribution in the ecosystem. Additionally, human error in identifying species or counting individuals could lead to inaccuracies.