BIOL 2600 FINAL EXAM QUESTIONS WITH
CORRECT ACTUAL QUESTIONS AND
CORRECTLY WELL DEFINED ANSWERS
LATEST 2024 – 2025 ALREADY GRADED A+
Bound (area-based) Counting Method
(Bruan-Blaquet, Point/Pin, Percent Cover)
Coverting Bruant Blanquet to Percent Cover
<1% --> +
1-5% --> 1
6-25% --> 2
26-50% --> 3
51-75% --> 4
76-100% --> 5
Unbound; distance counting method (line transect)
- point line
Di = (N1+N2)/2rl x ln(N1+N2/N2)
,- plotless
nearest individual
Di = 1/(2r)^2
ie. randomly select distances on tape measure and measure how far nearest
species of interest is
nearest neighbour
Di = 1/(1.67r)^2
ie. measure from 1st species to nearest neighbour
Precision vs. Accuracy
precision is the consistency of output
(high precision=low variation)
accuracy is alignment with the targeted value or goal
(high accuracy = low systematic bias)
7 steps of experimental ecology
1. formulate a research question
2. formulate stat hypothesis
3. identify stat test
4. define stat replicate
5. sketch null (Ho)
6. Run power analysis/Pilot study
,7. Fieldwork/Data collection
Most common mistake in experimental ecology
post field work and statistical analyses are too often put to the side; without
relevant statistical hypotheses we are unable to determine what kind of data and
how much is required
Type 2 Error
(Beta)
Probability of rejecting the null hypothesis when it is actually true
Type 1 Error
(Alpha)
Probability of rejecting the null hypothesis when it is false
Typically P>0.05 --> Reject Ho
Bar Chart/ Box plot
y axis = continuous
x axis = categorical
--> 2 groups = T-test
--> 2+ groups = ANOVA
, Ho: No Difference
Mosaic Plot
X&Y axis = categorical
--> Chi Square
Ho: No Association
XY Graphs
X&Y axis = continuous
--> Regression
--> Correlation
Ho: No correlation (Y is independent of X)
Logistic Graph
Y-axis = categorical
X-axis = continuous
--> Logistic Regression
Ho: Independent
Ubiquitous Quadrat
(pvc piping in a square)
- easy and cheap method for population counting
CORRECT ACTUAL QUESTIONS AND
CORRECTLY WELL DEFINED ANSWERS
LATEST 2024 – 2025 ALREADY GRADED A+
Bound (area-based) Counting Method
(Bruan-Blaquet, Point/Pin, Percent Cover)
Coverting Bruant Blanquet to Percent Cover
<1% --> +
1-5% --> 1
6-25% --> 2
26-50% --> 3
51-75% --> 4
76-100% --> 5
Unbound; distance counting method (line transect)
- point line
Di = (N1+N2)/2rl x ln(N1+N2/N2)
,- plotless
nearest individual
Di = 1/(2r)^2
ie. randomly select distances on tape measure and measure how far nearest
species of interest is
nearest neighbour
Di = 1/(1.67r)^2
ie. measure from 1st species to nearest neighbour
Precision vs. Accuracy
precision is the consistency of output
(high precision=low variation)
accuracy is alignment with the targeted value or goal
(high accuracy = low systematic bias)
7 steps of experimental ecology
1. formulate a research question
2. formulate stat hypothesis
3. identify stat test
4. define stat replicate
5. sketch null (Ho)
6. Run power analysis/Pilot study
,7. Fieldwork/Data collection
Most common mistake in experimental ecology
post field work and statistical analyses are too often put to the side; without
relevant statistical hypotheses we are unable to determine what kind of data and
how much is required
Type 2 Error
(Beta)
Probability of rejecting the null hypothesis when it is actually true
Type 1 Error
(Alpha)
Probability of rejecting the null hypothesis when it is false
Typically P>0.05 --> Reject Ho
Bar Chart/ Box plot
y axis = continuous
x axis = categorical
--> 2 groups = T-test
--> 2+ groups = ANOVA
, Ho: No Difference
Mosaic Plot
X&Y axis = categorical
--> Chi Square
Ho: No Association
XY Graphs
X&Y axis = continuous
--> Regression
--> Correlation
Ho: No correlation (Y is independent of X)
Logistic Graph
Y-axis = categorical
X-axis = continuous
--> Logistic Regression
Ho: Independent
Ubiquitous Quadrat
(pvc piping in a square)
- easy and cheap method for population counting
