Quiz Environmental research and data collection

Unit 2 Environmental research and data collection

1 / 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 has more complex food webs compared to ecosystem B

Ecosystem B has more complex food webs compared to ecosystem A

Ecosystem B has greater species evenness than A

Ecosystem B has significantly greater biodiversity than ecosystem A

Ecosystem B is more resistant to environmental changes

Ecosystem A has significantly greater biodiversity compared to ecosystem B

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

Ecosystem A is more complex than ecosystem B

2 / 13

State two ways to improve an investigation. [2]

Increase number of replicates

Use more precise equipment

Remove control group

Reduce sample size

Change the dependent variable

3 / 13

Using the data in Table 1.1 calculate the mean biomass for 15 mg/L. [2]

6.1

9.9

7.9

9.7

4 / 13

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

Selects data supporting a viewpoint

Increases reliability

Improves objectivity

Ignores contradictory evidence

5 / 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]

290

260

300

250

6 / 13

Identify limitations of climate data. [2]

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

Complete global coverage of all climate systems

Limited historical records

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

7 / 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]

Light intensity should be controlled

Increasing fertilizer likely increases algal growth

Temperature does not need to be controlled

Algal biomass is the independent variable

Results prove fertilizer is the only factor affecting growth

Algal biomass is the dependent variable

Fertilizer concentration is the independent variable

8 / 13

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

Grassland is likely more stable and resilient to environmental change

Tundra may still require conservation due to specialized species

Higher Simpson’s Index indicates greater species diversity

Grassland should not be conserved because it is stable

Tundra ecosystems are always more stable than grasslands

Lower Simpson’s Index means greater biodiversity

Tundra has higher biodiversity than grassland

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

9 / 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]

0.49

0.51

0.59

0.37

10 / 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]

include the anomalous result in your average calculation

Have three more trials

Use more concentration intervals

reduce the number of trials

11 / 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

No pattern can be identified

Systematic sampling is used

This is random sampling

Data cannot be graphed

12 / 13

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

trial 3, fertilizer concentration 20 mg/L – 12.5

trial 3, fertilizer concentration 0 mg/L – 2.2

trial 2, fertilizer concentration 5 mg/L – 3.7

trial 1, fertilizer concentration 20 mg/L – 8.1

13 / 13

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

Identify the independent variable. [1]

Temperature

Algal biomass

Biomass

Fertilizer concentration

Your score is

The average score is 54%

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