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Learning objective

Students should be able to describe and assess various techniques for estimating biodiversity, including the use of pitfall traps, pooters, quadrats, and transects, as well as random and systematic sampling methods. They should apply these sampling techniques to new scenarios and evaluate both national and international strategies for conserving biodiversity and genetic resources, such as sustainable harvesting of wild species, sustainable forestry and agroforestry, national parks, wildlife reserves, extractive reserves, biosphere reserves, seed banks, and the roles of zoos and captive breeding, along with sustainable tourism and ecotourism. Case studies should include the examination of deforestation causes and effects in a specific area, the conservation of a particular species, and the study of a designated biosphere reserve. Additionally, students should be able to formulate aims and hypotheses, design effective questionnaires for data collection, create simple experiments with appropriate controls, and understand the evaluation of sampling techniques. They should also be proficient in mathematical skills, including basic operations, averages, percentages, ratios, and the interpretation of data through tables, charts, and graphs, as well as understanding geometric terms and map scales.

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  • Check key terms.
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Cambridge IGCSE Environmental ManagementNatural ecosystems and human activitiesPractical objective

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Students should be able to describe and assess various techniques for estimating biodiversity, including the use of pitfall traps, pooters, quadrats, and transects, as well as random and systematic sampling methods. They should apply these sampling techniques to new scenarios and evaluate both national and international strategies for conserving biodiversity and genetic resources, such as sustainable harvesting of wild species, sustainable forestry and agroforestry, national parks, wildlife reserves, extractive reserves, biosphere reserves, seed banks, and the roles of zoos and captive breeding, along with sustainable tourism and ecotourism. Case studies should include the examination of deforestation causes and effects in a specific area, the conservation of a particular species, and the study of a designated biosphere reserve. Additionally, students should be able to formulate aims and hypotheses, design effective questionnaires for data collection, create simple experiments with appropriate controls, and understand the evaluation of sampling techniques. They should also be proficient in mathematical skills, including basic operations, averages, percentages, ratios, and the interpretation of data through tables, charts, and graphs, as well as understanding geometric terms and map scales

  • This point belongs to Measuring and managing biodiversity, especially Measuring and managing biodiversity outcomes.
  • You need to be able to students should be able to describe and assess various techniques for estimating biodiversity, including the use of pitfall traps, pooters, quadrats, and transects, as well as random and systematic sampling methods. They should apply these sampling techniques to new scenarios and evaluate both national and international strategies for conserving biodiversity and genetic resources, such as sustainable harvesting of wild species, sustainable forestry and agroforestry, national parks, wildlife reserves, extractive reserves, biosphere reserves, seed banks, and the roles of zoos and captive breeding, along with sustainable tourism and ecotourism. Case studies should include the examination of deforestation causes and effects in a specific area, the conservation of a particular species, and the study of a designated biosphere reserve. Additionally, students should be able to formulate aims and hypotheses, design effective questionnaires for data collection, create simple experiments with appropriate controls, and understand the evaluation of sampling techniques. They should also be proficient in mathematical skills, including basic operations, averages, percentages, ratios, and the interpretation of data through tables, charts, and graphs, as well as understanding geometric terms and map scales.
  • The key ideas to know are Describe, Explain, and Discuss.
  • Use the linked flashcards and practice questions to check recall, then practise applying the idea in an exam-style answer.

Key concepts

DescribeExplainDiscussDetermine

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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.

    Aim for approximately 1 distinct marking point.

    [1]
  2. b

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

    Aim for approximately 1 distinct marking point.

    [1]
  3. c

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

    Aim for approximately 2 distinct marking points.

    [2]
  4. d

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

    Aim for approximately 1 distinct marking point.

    [1]
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