4.7.2.1 Distribution of Describe how to carry out 2 Links with 4.7.1.2 and 4.7.1.3. Suggest reasons for the organisms random sampling of organisms distribution of Pleurococcus. Look at distribution of Using a quadrat using a quadrat. Pleurococcus on walls, fences Quantitative data can be found at: or trees. on the distribution Describe when and how a Evaluate method to estimate Abiotic factor: and abundance of transect should be used. Estimate percentage cover cover and modify to estimate sensors organisms can be using diagrams/ photographs Evaluate data gathered by a plant population on the data loggers obtained by: and plastic squares as using a quadrat and transect. school field. ‘mini quadrats random sampling quadrats’. thermometers Calculate area, mean, median, Use quadrats and sensors; with quadrats clipboards. mode and range. or record and analyse results. sampling along a Explain why sample size is Investigate patterns of grass Use a transect to investigate transect. Transect: important to obtain valid the change in type and growth under trees and see if string results. number of plant species it is linked to abiotic factor(s). identification across a changing habitat, eg charts Use transect lines and a footpath. clipboards. quadrats to collect data. Analyse ecological data from Required practical: quadrats and transects. See Practical Handbook Interpret various types of diagrams that illustrate the distribution of organisms in a habitat. Required practical: plan and Required practical: Required practical: plan and carry out a valid method to Required practical. Field investigation carry out a valid method to estimate a plant population. estimate a plant population. Present and analyse the Measure the Present and analyse the results. population size of a results. common species in
4.7.2.1 Distribution of organisms Quantitative data on the distribution and abundance of organisms can be obtained by: random sampling with quadrats sampling along a transect. Required practical: Field investigation Measure the population size of a common species in Describe how to carry out random sampling of organisms using a quadrat. Describe when and how a transect should be used. Evaluate data gathered by using a quadrat and transect. Calculate area, mean, median, mode and range. Explain why sample size is important to obtain valid results. Required practical: plan and carry out a valid method to estimate a plant population. Present and analyse the results. 2 Links with 4.7.1.2 and 4.7.1.3. Look at distribution of Pleurococcus on walls, fences or trees. Estimate percentage cover using diagrams/ photographs and plastic squares as ‘mini quadrats’. or Investigate patterns of grass growth under trees and see if it is linked to abiotic factor(s). Use transect lines and quadrats to collect data. Analyse ecological data from quadrats and transects. Interpret various types of diagrams that illustrate the distribution of organisms in a habitat. Required practical. Suggest reasons for the distribution of Pleurococcus. Evaluate method to estimate cover and modify to estimate a plant population on the school field. Use quadrats and sensors; record and analyse results. Use a transect to investigate the change in type and number of plant species across a changing habitat, eg a footpath. Required practical: plan and carry out a valid method to estimate a plant population. Present and analyse the results. Using a quadrat can be found at: Abiotic factor: sensors data loggers quadrats thermometers clipboards. Transect: string identification charts clipboards. Required practical: See Practical Handbook