In this study I will investigate the length and width of Fucus Serratus fronds found at two different zones on a rocky shore in Abbotsham, Devon, UK. I will look at an upper shore line zone and in comparison to a lower shore line to collect data from

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The investigation into the length and width (morphology) of

Fucus Serratus varies in different zonations from the lower and upper shore

Synopsis

In this study I will investigate the length and width of Fucus Serratus fronds found at two different zones on a rocky shore in Abbotsham, Devon, UK. I will look at an upper shore line zone and in comparison to a lower shore line to collect data from. Using the data that will be collected I will see whether there is a significant difference between the mean lengths and widths.

Introduction

This experiment will be investigating how Fucus Serratus length and width (morphology) varies with respect to different zonations along the upper and lower shore.

          The research will be conducted along Abbotsham rocky shore in Bideford, Devon. This specific location has been allocated as it has varied abiotic conditions such as pH, temperature, humidity and water salinity. These various aspects lead to the belief that there will be a diverse selection of species available.

Null Hypothesis

        

        There will be no significant difference between the different zonations and the width and length (morphology) of Fucus Serratus fronds.

Variables

Dependant variables are the things I will be measuring, such as: – The length and width of Fucus Serratus fronds;

To measure the length of the fronds, a measuring tape will be used. The units for the measurement will be in millimetres (mm).

When measuring the width of the fronds; callipers will be used. These are designed to measure in millimetres to a high degree of accuracy, so the units for measurement will be (mm).

Independent variables are the things that I will be changing throughout the experiment: – The location of the quadrat in each different zone.

I will use a random sampling method of systematic sampling to vary my data. Random numbers will act as the vectors for the quadrat location.

Confounding variables are those things which will have an affect on the dependent variables.  These variables are also referred to as controlled variables as they can be controlled in situations and minimised to certain extent to ensure that conditions remain the same throughout the research.  These variables include:

  • Temperature; to ensure that the same conditions are kept throughout the results will be collected on the same day, around the same time.  A short delay between the measuring times ensures that the temperature remains constant and the results are accurate.  The temperature affects the Fucus Serratus fronds as enzymes and reactions are dependent on the temperature.  
  • The pH (salinity); this can also cause an affect into the size of the fronds and the certain growth patterns of the fronds.  Collecting samples from the same area would ensure that this variable is controlled and the pH is the same in all areas.  Enzyme reactions are changed by pH and also the shapes of the fronds do tend to differ.
  • The wind speed; this is a crucial abiotic factor as the wind could cause the fronds to grow less or not grow at all as they are being exploited to extreme conditions.  By collecting samples from the same area it would ensure that the data I collect would have been exposed to the same conditions so that the morphology of the fronds are similar, and are not affected too much by abiotic factors.  
  • To control these variables it would be best to collect sample data on the same day and time; as abiotic factors such as light, temperature and humidity etc vary from day to day. To reduce any human error, one researcher will measure the fronds in each quadrat whilst the other records the data. This is so that the method of measuring the fronds is a constant one whereas if two different individuals were to do it the data may be collected differently.
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Justification of Investigation

        It is important that the temperature of each shoreline is monitored as it can have a direct influence on the height and width (morphology). Evaporation will occur on the shore as it is highly exposed in the sunlight. This can lead to cooling of the fronds as water is released. This will affect the optimum conditions needed for maximum growth of the Fucus Serratus. Also, with regards to temperature is that fronds within the water will retain heat better than those which are located above water level. This is due to the fact that water acts ...

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**** A good report of a difficult investigation which recognises the wide range of uncontrolled variables. Some errors in the method.