Diversity of Life Field Work Investigation

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Diversity of Life Field Work Investigation By Rebecca Evans Introduction: The aim for this investigation is to find out if there is more density and diversity at the bushland, oval or creek. The hypothesis for this investigation is ‘there is more density and diversity at the creek’. I predict that there is more biodiversity at the creek because the creek has had less ‘human contact’ than the bushland or the oval. This would mean that the organisms (invertebrates) and surrounding habitat (which support the invertebrates) at the creek has been less tampered with than the other locations meaning organisms will be more likely to survive and thrive, resulting in greater invertebrate biodiversity. The variables in this investigation include the independent variable, which is the environment, the dependent variable, which is the density and diversity of invertebrates and the controlled variables which include the number of vials at each location (10), the spaces between vials (5m), the amount of glycol/ethanol solution used (15ml) and how long the vials are left out (3 days). Materials: - 2x Permanent Markers - 30x Vials - Glycol/ethanol solution - Tape measure - Trowel - 15x petri dishes - 15x tweezers - Magnifying glass - Microscope Method: 1. Divide the class into three groups; with each group looking after a different transect line. 2. Pre-label 10 vials per transect (30 in total). Label them with the transect name (bushland, oval and creek) and then the stake number (e.g. Bushland 0m A, Bushland 0m B). These vials will be used as pitfall traps. 3. At each location stake out a 20m transect line, placing a stake every 5 meters. (A scale drawing of this set up is attached). 4. At each stake loosen the soil 25cm on each side and sink a labelled vial (without the lid) into the ground. Make sure the label corresponds to the location. 5. Place 15ml of

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