NSC Marine Sciences Sustainable Marine Resource Management: Research was done along a sectio

Question

Research was done along a section of South Africa's coast to determine a baseline of the numbers of four fish species observed in and around kelp forests.

Counting procedure:

- Researchers entered the water at the same time of day and at the same site to swim the same transect for each dive.
- They wore wetsuits as the water temperature ranged between 9°C and 15°C.
- They were in the water for 30 minutes per session.
- They worked in pairs.
- Each pair was allocated a fish species to count.

The results of the study are presented in the table below.

THE TOTAL NUMBER OF INDIVIDUALS OF FISH SPECIES COUNTED BY PAIRS OF RESEARCHERS

Count 1
| Species counted | Total number of individuals of each fish species counted per session |
|------------------|------------------------------------------------------------|
| Hottentot        | 39                                                         |
| Galjoen          | 22                                                         |
| Strepie          | 20                                                         |
| Blacktail        | 18                                                         |

Count 2
| Species counted | Total number of individuals of each fish species counted per session |
|------------------|------------------------------------------------------------|
| Hottentot        | 35                                                         |
| Galjoen          | 27                                                         |
| Strepie          | 18                                                         |
| Blacktail        | 17                                                         |

Count 3
| Species counted | Total number of individuals of each fish species counted per session |
|------------------|------------------------------------------------------------|
| Hottentot        | 37                                                         |
| Galjoen          | 30                                                         |
| Strepie          | 19                                                         |
| Blacktail        | 16                                                         |

2.1.1 State the dependent variable for the investigation.
2.1.2 For the results of the study:
(a) Calculate the average number of individuals of each fish species over the three counts.
(b) Draw a pie chart to present the average number for each fish species counted over the three counts. When drawing, round the degrees for each pie chart angle to the nearest whole number.
2.1.3 Name TWO constant variables of this study.
2.1.4 The investigation was done in a kelp forest situated in an MPA.
(a) Along which coast of South Africa was this investigation done?
(b) Discuss the environmental conditions that allow the kelp forest to thrive along the coast identified in QUESTION 2.1.4(a).
2.1.5 Which species of fish was seen as most abundant?
2.1.6 Give THREE potential reasons why the species named in QUESTION 2.1.5 was most abundant in this area.
2.1.7 Is the procedure followed during this research project a suitable method to determine the fish populations along the South African coastline? Motivate your answer.

Research was done along a section of South Africa's coast to determine a baseline of the numbers of four fish species observed in and around kelp forests - NSC Marine Sciences - Question 2 - 2024 - Paper 2

Worked Solution & Example Answer:Research was done along a section of South Africa's coast to determine a baseline of the numbers of four fish species observed in and around kelp forests - NSC Marine Sciences - Question 2 - 2024 - Paper 2

2.1.1 State the dependent variable for the investigation.

2.1.2 (a) Calculate the average number of individuals of each fish species over the three counts.

2.1.2 (b) Draw a pie chart to present the average number for each fish species counted over the three counts.

2.1.3 Name TWO constant variables of this study.

2.1.4 (a) Along which coast of South Africa was this investigation done?

2.1.4 (b) Discuss the environmental conditions that allow the kelp forest to thrive along the coast identified in QUESTION 2.1.4(a).

2.1.5 Which species of fish was seen as most abundant?

2.1.6 Give THREE potential reasons why the species named in QUESTION 2.1.5 was most abundant in this area.

2.1.7 Is the procedure followed during this research project a suitable method to determine the fish populations along the South African coastline? Motivate your answer.

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