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Exam-style practice

Measuring and managing biodiversity answer explanations

Review worked answers and explanations for Measuring and managing biodiversity. Aligned to Cambridge IGCSE Environmental Management.

Answer explanations

Question 1 of 2

Review the answer support, then move sideways through the set.

Paper 1 structured question: Measuring and managing biodiversity

Paper 1TheoryPractical5 marks

Method

Pitfall Trap Sampling Method

The student places 10 pitfall traps randomly across the woodland. Each trap is a small container sunk into the ground to catch beetles moving on the surface. Traps are left open for 24 hours before counting the beetles caught.

  1. a

    Identify the independent variable in this investigation.

    [1]
  2. b

    Suggest one control variable that should be kept constant to ensure a fair test.

    [1]
  3. c

    Explain why the student should repeat the sampling at each location.

    [2]
  4. d

    Describe one safety consideration when setting pitfall traps in the woodland.

    [1]