The sundew is a small flowering plant, growing in wet habitats such as bogs and marshes - AQA - A-Level Biology - Question 9 - 2019 - Paper 1
Question 9
The sundew is a small flowering plant, growing in wet habitats such as bogs and marshes. The soil in bogs and marshes is acidic and has very low concentrations of so... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:The sundew is a small flowering plant, growing in wet habitats such as bogs and marshes - AQA - A-Level Biology - Question 9 - 2019 - Paper 1
Step 1
Use a grid
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Answer
To estimate the size of a population of sundews in a small marsh, one effective method is to use a grid system. Divide the marsh into equal squares or sections.
Step 2
Method of obtaining random coordinates/numbers
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Answer
Next, obtain random coordinates or numbers to avoid bias. This can be done using a random number generator or a map where you randomly select quadrats within the grid.
Step 3
Count number/frequency in a quadrat/section
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Answer
Choose a quadrat at the randomly selected coordinates and count the number of sundews within that section. It is crucial to repeat this process multiple times.
Step 4
Large sample and calculate mean/average number
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Answer
Once you have counted the sundews in several quadrats, calculate the mean number of sundews per quadrat. This provides a more accurate estimate.
Step 5
Valid method of calculating total number of sundews
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Answer
Finally, multiply the average number of sundews per quadrat by the total number of quadrats in the marsh to estimate the total population size:
extEstimatedPopulationSize=extAveragenumberperquadratimesextTotalnumberofquadrats.
Step 6
Digestion/breakdown of proteins
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Answer
Digesting insects helps the sundew to grow in soil with very low nutrient concentrations by breaking down proteins from the insects. This process allows the plant to obtain essential amino acids and nutrients that are otherwise scarce in its environment.
Step 7
Provides amino acids
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Answer
The breakdown of the insects' organic compounds provides the sundew with vital amino acids necessary for its growth and development. This adaptation is crucial for survival in nutrient-poor soils.
