Practical Endorsement GCE Biology

PAG3 Sampling Techniques

3.1 The calculation of species diversity

The calculation of species diversity STUDENT

Introduction: This activity makes use of a sampling technique to provide data suitable for processing using
Simpson’s index of diversity. This allows a quantitative comparison of the species diversity at two sample sites.

Aim: To use random sampling methods to determine species diversity of two contrasting areas.

Equipment (per group)

 Frame quadrat (1.0 x 1.0 m)  Key or method of identifying species in area of study
 2 tape measures (20 m long)  Method of generating random numbers e.g.
 Recording sheet with clear folder/plastic bag calculator
to cover it in case of rain

Health and Safety: Suitable clothing and footwear should be worn depending on the area being investigated and
the weather on the day of the fieldwork. Wash your hands at the end of the sampling activity and before handling
food.
Practical Skills What do you need to do? WWW EBI What do I need
(Tick) (Tick) to do better?
1.2.1 (b) Safely and correctly use a range Demonstrate this to your
of practical equipment and materials teacher during class

1.2.1 (c) Follow written instructions Demonstrate this to your

1.2.1 (d) Make and record observations /
measurements
1.2.1 (e) Keep appropriate records of
experimental activities
1.2.1 (f) Present information and data in
a scientific way
1.2.1 (j) Use a wide range of
experimental and practical instruments,
equipment and techniques appropriate
to the knowledge and understanding
included in the specification.
1.2.2 (a) Use of appropriate apparatus to
record a range of quantitative
measurements (to include mass, time,
volume, temp, length and pH)
1.2.2 (e) production of scientific
drawings from observations with
annotations
1.2.2 (k) use of sampling techniques
in fieldwork
teacher during class
Demonstrate this to your
teacher during class; follow the
results table checklist. TAKE
PHOTOS FOR YOUR RECORDS of
any observations made
Demonstrate this to your
teacher during class; Results,
conclusion, evaluation and
extension questions (self-
assessed) completed in PAG
book.
Follow the results table and
graph skills checklists.
Demonstrate this to your
teacher during class; TAKE
PHOTOS FOR YOUR RECORDS
Demonstrate this to your
teacher during class; TAKE
PHOTOS FOR YOUR RECORDS
Demonstrate this to your
teacher during class
Demonstrate this to your
teacher during class; TAKE
PHOTOS FOR YOUR RECORDS

© OCR 2016 Page 1 v2.0 – Feb 2020

 Practical Endorsement GCE Biology
PAG3 Sampling Techniques
3.1 The calculation of species diversity

Procedure
Note: Often the larger the number calculated for species diversity, the more diverse and stable the habitat is
considered to be and the more able to withstand change. It is a habitat where there are many species which
interact together. A smaller number for species diversity indicates fewer species, with some species dominating
the others. It is a habitat where even a small environmental change could potentially harm the habitat
significantly.

1. Your teacher will tell you about the two areas of habitat that you are going to compare.
Area 1 Habitat:………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
Area 2 Habitat:………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

2. Lay down the two tape measures at right angles to each other in
the first area of study as directed by your teacher. The length for
each ‘axis’ should be 20 m.

3. Randomly generate a number between 0 and 20 as an x-coordinate

(read this along the horizontal tape measure) and then one as a y-
coordinate (read this along the vertical tape measure).
4. Carefully place the quadrat so that the left hand corner is
approximately where the coordinates meet.
5. Identify the species present in the quadrat using the key and then count the number of each species
present. Record this information in a suitably designed table.
6. Generate a new set of coordinates and repeat the process at least 9 more times in the first area.
7. Repeat steps 2-6 in the contrasting area.
8. Look at your results. Which species was most abundant in each area?
Area 1 species:…………………………………………. Area 2 species:………………………………………………..
9. Find an example of each of these species again and carefully draw, label and annotate each one.
10. Draw a graph to display the data (total numbers of individual species) from the two contrasting areas.

11. Use Simpson’s index of diversity to calculate the species diversity (D) for each area using the formula:

D = 1 -  (n / N)2

where N = the total number of organisms of all species and

n = the total number of organisms of a particular species.

12. Comment on the species diversity of the two areas you sampled.

Extension questions
1. Why would a climax community such as oak woodland have high species diversity?
2. How does farming reduce species diversity?
3. If farmers plant hedges around their fields, explain what effect this might have on species diversity
around their land.

What to record: As evidence for the Practical Endorsement, you need to have evidence of the data collected from
at least ten quadrats in each of your sampling areas, the calculations of species diversity for each area, your graph
and your drawings. All work should be clearly dated. You also need to have made some comment on the species
diversity of the area sampled and considered the above questions as the answers to these questions will aid you
in preparation for your written examinations.

© OCR 2016 Page 2 v2.0 – Feb 2020