Observation

In this question, many candidates were unable to neither identify the ecological tools nor state the functions of the handle of sweep net, the suction tube, wire mesh and container in the pooter and the frame of the quadrat.
Most candidates could not describe how each of the ecological tools are used.

The expected answers are:

• (a) (i)   Identification of diagrams D, E and F

D – Sweep net/butterfly net/ insect net/ hand net;
E – Pooter;
F – Quadrat.                                                                                       

      (ii) Names of labelled parts

I- Handle (of Sweep net/butterfly net);      V- Specimen container/tube;

II- Net;                              VI- Collecting/ tube;

III- Suction tube;                        VII- Frame;

IV- Wire mesh/gauze/cotton;              VIII- Thin wire/string

.                                                                                                   
(iii) Function of parts labelled I, III, IV, V and VII
I - Handle of Sweep net/butterfly net: for holding the instrument in place for use; 
III - Suction tube: to apply suction pressure to draw in the insect;               
IV - Wire mesh/gauze/cotton/sieve: prevents the insect /dirt from entering the/suction tube/ 
        mouth;
V - Specimen container/tube; for keeping the sucked insect (temporarily);  
VII - Frame; to demarcate the area of study/ sample area.         

 (b) Use of tools labelled D, E and F
D - Sweep net/butterfly net: to catch flying insects
E - Pooter: to collect tiny invertebrates from leaves /litter/crevices
F - Quadrat: to determine the population of small, slow-crawling organisms/ small plants within  the restricted area                                           

  (c) Description of use of
(i) D/Sweep net/butterfly net

• the handle of the net is swung towards the organisms when sighted;
• when the organisms are caught;
•  the middle part of the net is held closed to prevent the escape of the organisms.                                                                                                      

       (ii) E/Pooter

• the collecting tube is pointed to the organism when sighted;
• And the suction tube is placed in the mouth and sucked;
• The insect is drawn into the specimen tube/container.        

      (iii) F/Quadrat

• The quadrat is thrown randomly;
• Wherever the quadrat lands, the number of selected/targeted/determined species enclosed within the quadrat is counted;
• The number is recorded. /;
• This procedure is repeated several times/ at least ten times;
• Average number of species per throw/toss is calculated;
• The frequency/ total number/ density / percentage covered is then determined.