Ecologists studying peatland restoration use an empirical formula to estimate the depth of the water table (in cm below the surface) based on the species diversity of soil micro-organisms:
Estimated depth (cm)=(mean number of testate amoebae species per 10 cm3)×4.25+8.6\text{Estimated depth (cm)} = (\text{mean number of testate amoebae species per } 10\text{ cm}^3) \times 4.25 + 8.6Estimated depth (cm)=(mean number of testate amoebae species per 10 cm3)×4.25+8.6
The table below shows the data collected from five different restoration plots:
| Plot | Mean number of testate amoebae species per 10 cm310\text{ cm}^310 cm3 |
|---|---|
| Alpha | 3.2 |
| Beta | 5.6 |
| Gamma | 4.8 |
| Delta | 7.4 |
| Epsilon | 6.1 |
Calculate the estimated water table depth in Plot Gamma.