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Date November 2018 Marks available 3 Reference code 18N.1.SL.TZ0.6
Level Standard Level Paper Paper 1 Time zone Time zone 0
Command term Suggest Question number 6 Adapted from N/A

Question

The resource booklet provides information on Algonquin Provincial Park in Canada. Use the resource booklet and your own studies to answer the following.

Suggest how an ecologist might measure the changes in one abiotic factor along a transect from a beaver marsh, through beaver meadow to the adjoining forest.

Markscheme

This question requires “Resource Booklet - Nov 2018 SL paper 1”, available under the "your tests" tab > supplemental materials.

use appropriate method/sampling device for identified abiotic factor eg use of thermometer to measure soil or air temperature / pH probe to measure pH value of soil / light sensor to measure light intensity / soil test kits to measure concentration of nutrients/nitrates/phosphates / hygrometer to measure humidity / use of soil moisture sensor/tensiometer / soil texture using different mesh size sieves;
use systematic sampling/interrupted belt transect/ take readings at regular intervals along transect;
repeat readings to obtain averages/increase reliability /take multiple readings to obtain average/increase reliability.

Examiners report

Candidates generally performed poorly on this question and a substantial number did not attempt it. A significant number of responses discussed the measurement of a biotic factor instead of an abiotic factor. Very few candidates included how an abiotic factor could be measured, the importance of taking samples at regular intervals or the value of taking replicate samples or repeated readings.

Syllabus sections

Topic 2: Ecosystems and ecology » 2.5 Investigating ecosystems
Topic 2: Ecosystems and ecology

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