Jan 2011 Unit 6 Q3

c) My answer:

The independent variable for this experiment is the light intensity, which can be measured using a light
meter or data logger. The dependent variable is the percentage cover of primrose plants at different light
intensities. This can be measured using a 0.5x0.5m quadrat and calculating percentage cover for primrose
plants within this area.
A belt transect should be set up from an area of woodland with high light intensity to an area of low light
intensity. Quadrats should be placed every metre and measurements taken along a 10m transect (i.e. 11
sets of results). The transect should be repeated in a similar location at least three times, with the same
number of quadrats being placed. Light intensity measurements should be taken at each quadrat location.
It is important that variables such as soil pH and temperature are controlled or monitored along the length
of the transect. Soil pH can be controlled by ensuring that the soil is the same type and can be monitored
using a soil pH meter. Temperature can be controlled by ensuring that each quadrat is placed at the same
time, when the temperature is the same, as monitored by a digital thermometer. Repeat transect
experiments should be carried out at similar times of the day and in similar seasons and, ideally, when
temperatures are the same.
Mark scheme:

1. clear statement of dependent variable i.e. exactly what is to be measured stated e.g. percentage
ground cover of primroses / eq ;
2. identification of one other variable that could affect growth of primroses e.g. gradient of slope, mineral
content of soil, other surrounding vegetation, trampling, grazing ;
3. description of how this variable can be {controlled/ minimized} e.g. through choice of site ;
4. identification of second variable that could affect growth of primroses ;
5. description of how this second variable can be {controlled / minimized} ;
6. justification of choice of size of quadrat;
7. method described for placement of quadrat e.g. mark 100m x 100m grid and use random number
tables / ref to transect method described ;
8. mark each plot for sampling and measure light intensity several times during the day / eq ;
9. light intensity sampling in all plots should be measured as close to the same time as possible ;
10. select suitable equipment to measure light intensity e.g. light meter, light probe and data logger,
camera with light meter ;
11. stated number of measurements matched to statistical test chosen ;
12. clear reference to need for repeats ;
8 marks for the content of your answer
Up to 2 marks for writing in continuous prose (no bullet points); good use of scientific vocabulary; good
spelling and grammar; logical order
d) My answer:
Recording data:
Table of results
Transect
position / m
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

Light
intensity / lux
or arbitrary
units

% cover of primrose plants / %

1

Mean

Presenting data:
Line graph
Mean % cover of
primrose plants / %

Light intensity / lux or

arbitrary units

Analysing data:
Use a Spearman Rank Correlation test to see if there is a significant correlation between the light intensity
and the % cover of primrose plants.
Mark scheme:
1. clear table which matches method description with headings and units ;
2. means calculated from {repeat light intensity data/ eq } ;
3. graph format appropriate to data, with correctly labelled axes e.g. scatter / line / bar ;
4. statistical test appropriate to data e.g. use of correlation test (Spearmans rank / eq) / suitable test to
compare numbers (t- test/ Mann-Whitney U test/ eq) ;
5. statistical test justified/eq;