Biology Paper 2: Organism Distribution Practical

What is the focus of the required practicals in Biology Paper 2 for higher tier students?

• Organism distribution

• Photosynthesis

• Genetic inheritance

• Cell division

Why is random sampling used in estimating population size?

• To ensure every organism is counted

• To avoid bias in sampling

• To make the process faster

• To focus on specific areas

How is the mean number of organisms per quadrat used in calculations?

• To calculate the growth rate of the organisms

• To find the average size of the organisms

• To estimate the total number of organisms in the field

• To determine the total area of the field

What is a key factor in increasing the reliability of population size estimates?

• Using larger quadrats

• Increasing the number of squares sampled

• Counting only visible organisms

• Sampling only during the day

When is calculating percentage cover more appropriate than counting individual organisms?

• When organisms are too small to count individually

• When the field is too large

• When organisms are evenly distributed

• When the weather is unfavorable

How is percentage cover calculated for organisms like lichen?

• By estimating the weight of the organisms

• By dividing the number of squares covered by the total number of squares and multiplying by 100

• By measuring the height of the organisms

• By counting the total number of organisms

What is a transect used for in sampling organism distribution?

• To identify the species of organisms present

• To measure the temperature of the environment

• To sample organisms at regular intervals along a line

• To count the number of organisms in a specific area

How can light intensity affect organism distribution in a transect study?

• It has no effect on distribution

• It causes organisms to grow larger

• It influences where organisms are more likely to be found

• It changes the color of the organisms

What should be done if the transect line is placed over long grass?

• Ignore the grass and place the quadrat on top

• Count only the plants touching the transect line

• Use a larger quadrat

• Skip that section of the transect

How should vertical transects be approached?

• By using a different method than horizontal transects

• By measuring the height of the organisms

• By applying the same process as horizontal transects

• By only sampling at the base of the structure