A group of scientists did a study to determine the effect of exposure time on the mass of two mollusc species found on a rocky shore - NSC Marine Sciences - Question 2 - 2021 - Paper 1
Question 2
A group of scientists did a study to determine the effect of exposure time on the mass of two mollusc species found on a rocky shore.
The scientists used the follow... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:A group of scientists did a study to determine the effect of exposure time on the mass of two mollusc species found on a rocky shore - NSC Marine Sciences - Question 2 - 2021 - Paper 1
Step 1
Identify the dependent variable.
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Answer
The dependent variable is the average percentage change in mass.
Step 2
Give a suitable hypothesis for this investigation.
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The hypothesis could be: "The longer the exposure time, the greater the average percentage change in mass for both Species A and Species B, or vice versa."
Step 3
Draw a bar graph to illustrate the data for both species as provided in the table above.
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To create a bar graph:
Title the graph: "Effect of Exposure Time on Average Percentage Weight Loss"
Label the x-axis as "Exposure Time (Hours)" and the y-axis as "Average Percentage Change in Mass (%)".
Use distinct bars for Species A and Species B, ensuring a clear legend.
Plot the average percentage change in mass for each exposure time (2, 4, and 6 hours) for both species.
Step 4
(a) Identify the species that would likely be found in the Middle eulittoral zone.
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Species B is more adapted to withstand desiccation and would likely be found in the Middle eulittoral zone.
Step 5
(b) Identify the species that would likely be found in the Lower eulittoral zone.
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Species A would likely be found in the Lower eulittoral zone due to its higher moisture retention.
Step 6
Explain your answers to QUESTION 2.1.4(a) and (b) above.
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Species B, being more resistant to desiccation, can thrive in areas that experience greater exposure to air, like the Middle eulittoral zone. In contrast, Species A, with its lower average percentage change in mass, indicates it is not as adapted to prolonged desiccation, hence its preferred habitat in the Lower eulittoral zone which is less exposed.
