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Sampling averages and ecological graph skills

Ecology • Organisation of an ecosystem

Key concepts

What you'll likely be quizzed about

  • Mean is the average of count samples, calculated by summing all counts and dividing by the number of samples.
  • To convert mean values from quadrats smaller than 1 m² to a per m² basis, multiply by the area factor.
  • Median is the middle value from ordered counts, providing a robust measure less influenced by extreme values.
  • Mode signifies the most frequently occurring count in a sample set, indicating the common abundance class.

Flashcards

Test your knowledge with interactive flashcards

Explain how to draw a line of best fit.

Click to reveal answer

First, plot the data points, then draw a straight line or smooth curve representing the general trend, ignoring isolated anomalies.

Key notes

Important points to keep in mind

State units for abundance estimates, e.g., organisms per m².

Convert quadrat counts to per m² before estimating total abundance.

Order data to accurately calculate median.

Mode is better for categorical counts; mean for continuous data.

Random sampling reduces bias; systematic sampling identifies trends.

Plot raw data points before adding lines of best fit.

Identify and explain anomalies in evaluations for analysis.

Predator peaks lag behind prey; interpret lag as numerical response delay.

State potential limiting factors when interpreting population graphs.

Report sample size and methods to indicate reliability of estimates.

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