Biology

12. Investigation into biodiversity in a habitat

  • 00:27 Why do you use a random number generator to select the quadrat to be sampled?
  • 00:35 Which species did you identify in the quadrat?
  • 00:46 What was the Simpson’s index for the area?
  • 00:56 Why do you agitate the stream bottom?
  • 01:13 What species did you collect?
  • 01:26 What was the Simpson’s index for the area?
  • What do the values of Simpson’s index tell you about biodiversity in each habitat? 

  • assessing biodiversity of ground flora

    • quadrat
    • identification key for selected species
    • random number generator or 20 sided dice
    • 2 x 20 metre tape

  • assessing biodiversity of invertebrates

    • flat bottomed net
    • quadrat
    • identification key for selected species
Hazard Risk Control measure

Plant allergy

Allergic response

Minimise plant handling or wear disposable gloves

Working in stream

Risk of slipping

Wear wellington boots / waterproof footwear