Quadrat-To determine a set area in which to count the number of species found
Pooter-To collect insects in
Methylated Spirits- o kill collected insects
Dish-To collect insects in (part of a pitfall trap)
Leaves/twigs/Rocks-to camouflage the pitfall trap
Pen/Paint/nail Polish-To mark the insects caught
Modern Calculator-To calculate the total population of insects
Trowel-To dig the pitfall trap
Key-To help identify the organisms caught
Pitfall Trap Method:
Select a random location in the field this can be done by turning the field into a grid and using the random number function on a modern calculator in order to create a co-ordinate where you can set up your pitfall trap.
Dig a small hole in the ground in which to fit your dish for your pitfall trap, place your dish in the hole.
Cover your dish with leaves and rocks in order to camouflage it. Mark where it is and leave it for a set amount of time e.g. 5 hours
Return to your trap and record the insects you have collected and identify them using the key. Mark the insects using the pen you brought and release them slightly outside of your trap.
Repeat this the next day in the same location. Count the number of pre-marked insects this can be used to calculate the total population size.
Calculate the total population size by using the follow equation total population size=(number captured on 1st visit*number captured on 2nd visit) ÷ the number recaptured.
Repeat this in the other field.
Sweepnet Method:
Select a random location in the field this can be done by turning the field into a grid and using the random number function on a modern calculator in order to create a co-ordinate where you can use your sweepnet.
Swish your net slowly and gently from side to side, in a figure of eight gesture, above the top of the grass/plants
Once You have caught something turn your net upside-down so it cannot escape
Record the insects you have collected and identify them using the key. Mark the insects using the pen you brought and release them by turning your net upright slowly.
Repeat this the next day in the same location. Count the number of pre-marked insects this can be used to calculate the total population size.
Calculate the total population size by using the follow equation total population size=(number captured on 1st visit*number captured on 2nd visit) ÷ the number recaptured.
Repeat this in the other field.
Quadrat Method:
Select a random location in the field this can be done by turning the field into a grid and using the random number function on a modern calculator in order to create a co-ordinate where you can place your quadrat.
Place your quadrat in the ground gently
Count the number of different species of plant you find within your quadrat
Repeat this in at least 10 random locations
Calculate the average biodiversity by adding up all of your findings and dividing by the number of readings you took.
Repeat this in the other field.
Pooter Method:
Fill the bottom of your pooter with methylated spirits or a suitable replacement
Select a random location in the field this can be done by turning the field into a grid and using the random number function on a modern calculator in order to create a co-ordinate where you can place a quadrat.
Place your quadrat in the ground gently
Using your pooter, place it above any insect you see within your quadrat and suck in gently
Remove the insects from the pooter with gloves
Count the number of different insect you find within your pooter, identifying them with the key
Repeat this in at least 10 random locations
Calculate the average biodiversity by adding up all of your findings and dividing by the number of readings you took.
Repeat this in the other field.
Risk Assessment: There are few risks involved with this experiment. The main risk is the methylated spirits as they are poisonous so shouldn’t be drunk, and should not be in contact with skin. As in all experiments long hair must be tied back, and the proceedings should be taken with care.
