RP09 - Field Investigation

• What is the first step in using random sampling to estimate the population size of a plant species?

  Create a grid of the area
• Why is a random number generator used in random sampling?

  To avoid bias and obtain representative results
• What is random sampling?

  Sampling technique with equal probability for each sample
• What is systematic sampling?

  Sampling technique with fixed, periodic intervals
• What is the first step in using continuous sampling to investigate an abiotic factor's effect on plant distribution?

  Create a hypothesis on the abiotic factor's effect
• How would you set up a transect for continuous sampling?

  Lay tape measure along an area with an ecological gradient
• What should you do after placing the quadrat at the start of the transect?

  Count the number of plants in the quadrat
• How often should you repeat the sampling along the transect?

  At 5m intervals along the transect
• What should you record at each sampling site during continuous sampling?

  The value of the abiotic factor, e.g., light intensity
• What type of graph should you produce after collecting data from continuous sampling?

  A graph of plant numbers against the abiotic factor