Proposal

Assessment item 1 – Biological Investigation
Proposal

QCAR Essential Learnings
Science Knowledge and Understanding – by the end of year 9
Life and Living

Organisms interact with their environment in order to survive and reproduce

 The diversity of plants and animals can be explained using the theory of evolution through natural selection

 In ecosystems, organisms interact with each other and their surroundings

 Complex organisms depend on interacting body systems to meet their needs internally and with respect to their environment

 Changes in ecosystems have causes and consequences that may be predicted

Investigation

Evaluate and compare the current risks faced by a mangrove system in an area of high human activity with one in an area of low human activity.

At each location a 10m x 10m quadrat will be contructed to identify the following:

 Analyse the pollution, eutrophication and silting to draw conclusion on how this affects long-term survival

 Explain the adaptations of the organisms present and how these help them survive
Location - Mon Repos Beach

Environment Type

Mangrove system

Experimental Methods

Quadrat diagram , quadrat data table, quadrat graph, photographic evidence

Safety Issues
 Heat / sun exposure (long sleeve shirt, hat, sunsceen)
 Sharp objects (closed-in shoes)
 Insects (insect repellent)

Equipment List
 8 pegs
 80m rope
 Measuring tape
 Compass
 Botany book, graph paper, pencils
 Plant identification key