Epping Forest Fieldwork: Biodiversity, Light, and Soil Methods & Evaluation

What is a strength of the biodiversity quadrat method?

It was undertaken consistently, with quadrat squares counted in the same order each time.

What was a weakness of the biodiversity quadrat data collection?

The data did not provide the proportion of each species observed, leading to potentially misleading conclusions.

How can the biodiversity quadrat method be improved?

more time for percentage estimates and photographing the quadrats for further analysis.

What is a strength of the light intensity measurement method?

It was undertaken consistently, using a luxmeter placed at a consistent height.

What was a weakness of the light intensity data collection?

Data was collected in the afternoon in late October, which may not represent light levels throughout the year.

How can the light intensity measurement method be improved?

By collecting data in the morning and at different times of the year.

What elements should be included in a 9 mark evaluation question?

Aims of the enquiry, understanding of methods, data collected, conclusions drawn

What is the purpose of describing methods in fieldwork?

To provide a step-by-step guide for conducting each data collection method.

Why is justification important in fieldwork methods?

It explains why and how the data was collected, linking it to the investigation's enquiry question.

What type of chart is used to show biodiversity quadrat measurements?

A divided bar chart.

What is the advantage of using a divided bar chart?

It shows the proportion of each piece of data relative to the total at that site.

What is the purpose of a scattergraph in data presentation?

To identify the relationship or correlation between two sets of data.

What should be plotted on the x-axis of a scattergraph?

The independent variable.

What should be plotted on the y-axis of a scattergraph?

The dependent variable.

What is the role of the line of best fit in a scattergraph?

It indicates the strength of the correlation between the two variables.

What is a common exam question type related to data presentation?

Justifying the use of a specific data presentation technique.

What is the first step in answering a data presentation justification question?

Provide a reason for why a particular technique was used.

How can detailed references to results enhance evaluation?

They demonstrate the strength or issue highlighted in the data.

What should be included in the explanation part of the PEE technique?

how the method could be improved

What is the main finding regarding biodiversity between Rushey Plain and Beech Hill?

Rushey Plain has more biodiversity than Beech Hill, with fewer quadrats featuring only leaf litter or exposed topsoil.

What percentage of trees sampled at Beech Hill were beech trees?

66.6%

What unexpected pattern was observed regarding light intensity and biodiversity?

REALITY; Higher light intensity correlated with lower biodiversity ,EXPECTATION ; more light would support greater biodiversity

What was the light intensity at Beech Hill and its effect on moss coverage?

the light intensity was 212 lux, resulting in only 1% moss coverage.

What was the light intensity at Rushey Plain and its effect on moss coverage?

the light intensity was lower at 111 lux, with 84 squares containing moss.

How did canopy cover affect light intensity at Rushey Plain?

lower canopy cover (50%) corresponded to higher light intensity (268 lux), higher canopy cover (99%) resulted in lower light intensity (186 lux).

What conclusion can be drawn about the relationship between biodiversity and tree species present?

Variations in biodiversity are influenced by the main tree species present in different areas of Epping Forest.

What conclusion is less confident regarding light intensity and biodiversity?

The data suggests biodiversity is lower when light intensity is higher, but this may not be accurate based on ecological knowledge.

What should be reviewed if data analysis highlights anomalies?

The methods of data collection to improve accuracy and reliability.

What is the size and location of Epping Forest?

2,400-hectare forest located on the border between Essex and London.

Why was Epping Forest chosen as a suitable location for the fieldwork investigation?

It is large enough for multiple study sites and is accessible within one hour from CCHS.

What types of biotic methods were used in the data collection?

biodiversity quadrats, canopy cover quadrats, species height measurements, and tree age and height calculations.

What abiotic method was used to measure light intensity?

using a luxmeter.

What was the purpose of the dynamic risk assessment during data collection?

To ensure safety by assessing risks such as falling branches and uneven ground.

What is the enquiry question for the Epping Forest fieldwork investigation?

How do biotic and abiotic features interact in a temperate deciduous forest?

What is the significance of understanding both biotic and abiotic components in the ecosystem?

It allows investigation of how the ecosystem functions as a system through the interlinking of different components.

What is one risk associated with public access during fieldwork?

Risk of stranger danger, requiring students to stay in groups and report unusual behavior.

What should be done to minimize the risk of allergic reactions during fieldwork?

Students should wash hands before eating and be briefed on potentially harmful flora and fauna.

What anomaly was noted regarding canopy cover and light intensity?

lower canopy cover resulted in higher light intensity than expected.

What percentage of quadrats at Beech Hill featured only leaf litter or exposed topsoil?

50%

What is the role of the Field Studies Centre (FSC) in the investigation?

provided access to specialist equipment and in-depth knowledge of the forest.

Tourism

People travel away from home for leisure

Tertiary sector

Businesses and individuals that provide services instead of producing physical goods

Diversified economy

Economic system that includes a wide variety of industries and sectors

Income distribution effect

How money earned in a country is shared among it’s population, and the impact this uneven spread has on people’s quality of life, access to services and opportunities

Positive multiplier effect

Economic process where an initial investment or development (eg. a factory) creates jobs, increasing local income and spending

Volatility

Rapid and unpredictable fluctuation in price and supply of energy resources

Seasonal employment

A form of temporary, short-term work that only occurs during specific times of the year