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Background

Biology: Investigation 4

Experiment to Observe the Abundance and Variation of Plants Along an Interrupted Belt Transect and the Effect of Light Intensity
Criteria: Pl (a), Pl (b), DC, DPP, CE

The candidate is asked to plan and perform an investigation to assess the effect of abiotic factor(s) on plant distribution.

Assessment

Criterion Achievement level awarded Achievement of aspects

Pl (a) 1 p, p, p

Pl (b) 2 c, p, c

DC 2 c, p

DPP 1 c, n

CE 1 p, p, p

Planning (a)

Defining the problem or research question The scope of the investigation is defined, even if it is not phrased as a question, but it should be more focused (for example, indicating where the study was made). The level of achievement is partial. Formulating a hypothesis or prediction The hypothesis is not explained. The level of achievement is partial. Selecting variables A number of important variables are identified, but there is no distinction between the independent variable or the dependent variable, and those that need controlling (for example, trampling). The level of achievement is partial.

Planning (b)

Selecting appropriate apparatus or materials Appropriate materials are selected. The level of achievement is complete. Designing a method for the control of variables There is insufficient information on how the sites are to be selected, and how the trampling variable is to be controlled. It is not stated that the arbitrary abundance recorded is based on percentages and there is no mention that measurements can vary from one observer to another. The level of achievement is partial. Designing a method for the collection of sufficient relevant data Enough data is collected to meet the aim of the investigation. The level of achievement is complete.

Data Collection

Collecting and recording raw data The raw data is recorded appropriately with the correct units. The degree of accuracy for the measurements of distance and light intensity could be indicated. The level of achievement is complete. Organizing and presenting raw data The fact that letters are used to identify the species is not clear in the data table. The method for recording species does not allow for easy interpretation: it would be better to list the species and to record their abundance. The level of achievement is partial.

Diploma Programme Experimental Sciences Teacher Support Material IBO 2003

B4:1

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Data Processing and Presentation

Experiment to Observe the Abundance and Variation of Plants Along an Interrupted Belt Transect and the Effect of Light Intensity

Processing raw data The method used for the presentation of the ACFOR data is not clear. Although the method is inappropriate and the graph is hardly comprehensible, the data appears to be processed correctly as there are no inconsistencies between the table, or raw data, and the graph. The level of achievement is complete. Presenting processed data It is very difficult to make sense of the processed data. More carefully laid out kite diagrams or histograms would be more effective. There is no scale on the bottom axis of the graph. Annotations of changes in the environment (for example, gaps in the tree canopy, the presence of a path, or the proximity of a river) would aid interpretation. The level of achievement is not at all.

Conclusion and Evaluation

Drawing conclusions Conclusions that have some validity are stated but they are vague. Validity probably suffers from the difficulty in interpreting the data as it is presented. There is no attempt to consult literature values. The level of achievement is partial. Evaluating procedure(s) and results A number of valid criticisms are made, but the problems of trampling and sampling are not discussed. The level of achievement is partial. Improving the investigation The improvements suggested are rather vague and should be more precise. The level of achievement is partial.

Diploma Programme Experimental Sciences Teacher Support Material IBO 2003

B4:2

Experiment to Observe the Abundance and Variation of Plants Along an Interrupted Belt Transect and the Effect of Light Intensity

Diploma Programme Experimental Sciences Teacher Support Material IBO 2003

B4:3

Experiment to Observe the Abundance and Variation of Plants Along an Interrupted Belt Transect and the Effect of Light Intensity

Diploma Programme Experimental Sciences Teacher Support Material IBO 2003

B4:4

Experiment to Observe the Abundance and Variation of Plants Along an Interrupted Belt Transect and the Effect of Light Intensity

Diploma Programme Experimental Sciences Teacher Support Material IBO 2003

B4:5

Experiment to Observe the Abundance and Variation of Plants Along an Interrupted Belt Transect and the Effect of Light Intensity

Diploma Programme Experimental Sciences Teacher Support Material IBO 2003

B4:6