Syllabus Edition
First teaching 2015
Last exams 2025
Measuring Changes in Ecosystems (DP IB Environmental Systems & Societies (ESS))
Revision Note
Written by: Alistair Marjot
Reviewed by: Bridgette Barrett
Measuring Changes in Ecosystems
Sampling
Sampling is a method of investigating the abundance and distribution of species and populations
There are two different types of sampling
Random
Systematic
In random sampling, the positions of the sampling points are selected at random
This method avoids bias by the person that is carrying out the sampling
Bias can affect the results - for example, a student might choose to carry out samples in a particular location because it looks interesting, and this might give the impression that the habitat contains more species than it really does
In systematic sampling, the positions of the sampling points are located at fixed intervals throughout the sampling site
This avoids accidentally missing out sections of habitat due to chance
Systematic sampling allows researchers to investigate the effect of the presence of certain environmental features on species distribution e.g. by taking samples along a line that extends away from an environmental feature such as a river
A line of this type is known as a transect
Random sampling involves selecting sample sites at random while systematic sampling involves placing sample sites at regular intervals.
Transects
Systematic sampling is used when there is a clear change in the physical conditions across the area being studied
For example, there may be changes in altitude, soil pH or light intensity
Methods using transects can help show how species distribution changes with the different physical conditions in the area
A transect is a line represented by a measuring tape, along which sample are taken
For a line transect:
Lay out a measuring tape in a straight line across the sample area
At equal distances along the tape, record the identity of the organisms that touch the line (e.g. every 2 m)
For a belt transect:
Place quadrats at regular intervals along the tape and record the abundance or percentage cover of each species within each quadrat
A line transect and belt transect is carried out in a habitat
An example of a belt transect on a hillside. A quadrat is placed at regular intervals (every 10m of altitude gained) and the number of individuals (of the species being investigated e.g. buttercups) in each quadrat is recorded
Worked Example
Investigate changes in the distribution of a species along an environmental gradient.
How to investigate the effect of an ecological factor on the number of plants across a survey area
Representing Results
The results of an investigation into the distribution and abundance of organisms can be represented visually using a type of graph known as a kite diagram
Kite diagrams can show both distribution and abundance
The distribution of a species along a transect can be shown by its position along a central horizontal line in each section of a kite diagram
Each section represents a different species
The distance along the transect is given on the x-axis, to which the horizontal line is parallel
The abundance of a species can be shown by the width of the 'kite' around the central horizontal line
The shape is referred to as a kite because it extends an equal distance on each side of the central horizontal line
Additional sections can be added to a kite diagram to show the changes in abiotic factors at different points along a transect e.g. the height above sea level or the pH of soil
Kite diagrams can be used to provide a visual representation of both abundance and distribution of species, as well as changes to abiotic factors such as elevation
Examiner Tips and Tricks
You could be asked to describe or design an investigation that could be used to measure the effect of a specific abiotic factor on species abundance or distribution, so make sure that you know the circumstances in which each sampling technique would be used, and how to use it.
Remember that when describing a practical you should always consider:
How you will change the independent variable
In this context you might be measuring a change in the independent variable, or abiotic factor, rather than causing the change yourself
Note that this might not be relevant if you have just been asked to measure the abundance of a species in one habitat
How you will measure the dependent variable
How you will ensure that your results are valid
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