Quiz Environmental research and data collection

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Unit 2 Environmental research and data collection

1 / 13

State two ways to improve an investigation. [2]

Reduce sample size

Remove control group

Increase number of replicates

Change the dependent variable

Use more precise equipment

2 / 13

Using the data in Table 1.1 identify the anomalous result. [1]

trial 3, fertilizer concentration 0 mg/L – 2.2

trial 3, fertilizer concentration 20 mg/L – 12.5

trial 1, fertilizer concentration 20 mg/L – 8.1

trial 2, fertilizer concentration 5 mg/L – 3.7

3 / 13

A student investigates the effect of fertilizer concentration on algal growth in water tanks.
They set up 4 tanks with different fertilizer concentrations and measure algal biomass after 7 days.

Identify the variables and valid conclusions. [4]

Algal biomass is the independent variable

Light intensity should be controlled

Temperature does not need to be controlled

Algal biomass is the dependent variable

Fertilizer concentration is the independent variable

Results prove fertilizer is the only factor affecting growth

Increasing fertilizer likely increases algal growth

4 / 13

Identify limitations of climate data. [2]

Accuracy of climate models since the Earth's climate systems are very simple

Short instrumental record, beginning at the end of 19th century

Complete global coverage of all climate systems

Limited historical records

5 / 13

Simpson’s index of diversity for two different ecosystems has been calculated, and the data are presented in the table above. Using the data in the table, describe the difference between the two ecosystems. [4]

Ecosystem A is more complex than ecosystem B

Ecosystem B has greater species evenness

Ecosystem B has significantly greater biodiversity

Ecosystem A has significantly greater biodiversity

Ecosystem A has more complex food webs

Ecosystem A is more resistant to environmental changes compared to ecosystem A

Ecosystem B is more resistant to environmental changes

Ecosystem B has more complex food webs

6 / 13

Students use a line transect to record plant species every 5 meters. Identify the correct statements. [3]

Species presence/abundance is the dependent variable

Distance along transect is the independent variable

This is random sampling

Systematic sampling is used

Data cannot be graphed

No pattern can be identified

7 / 13

A student investigated the effect of fertilizer concentration on algal growth in water samples over 7 days.

Identify the independent variable. [1]

Biomass

Temperature

Algal biomass

Fertilizer concentration

8 / 13

A student investigated the effect of fertilizer concentration on algal growth in water samples over 7 days. Table 1.1 shows the results of the experiment. Suggest two improvements to the investigation. [2]

reduce the number of trials

Have three more trials

Use more concentration intervals

include the anomalous result in your average calculation

9 / 13

Explain which ecosystem should be prioritized for conservation. Use the data provided and your knowledge of biodiversity. [4]

Tundra may still require conservation due to specialized species

Grassland has higher biodiversity than tundra and should be prioritized for conservation.

Tundra has higher biodiversity than grassland

Grassland is likely more stable and resilient to environmental change

Grassland should not be conserved because it is stable

Higher Simpson’s Index indicates greater species diversity

Lower Simpson’s Index means greater biodiversity

Tundra ecosystems are always more stable than grasslands

10 / 13

A group of students conducted a field investigation to assess the biodiversity of a grassland ecosystem. Using quadrats placed randomly across the study area, they recorded the number of individuals of three plant species (A, B, and C).

Use the data to calculate Simpson’s Index of Diversity (D). [3]

0.51

0.59

0.37

0.49

11 / 13

State how cherry-picking affects climate data. [2]

Selects data supporting a viewpoint

Increases reliability

Improves objectivity

Ignores contradictory evidence

12 / 13

A group of students carried out a mark–release–recapture investigation to estimate the population size of fish in a lake.

In the first sample, 35 fish were captured, marked, and released.
In the second sample, 50 fish were captured.
Of these, 7 fish were marked. Estimate the population of fish for this ecosystem. [1]