An ecological study investigates the relationship between the area of a woodland zone and the age of its boundary hedges. The age of a boundary hedge can be estimated using the species diversity index with the following formula:
Age (years)=D×95+40 \text{Age (years)} = D \times 95 + 40 Age (years)=D×95+40where DDD is the mean species diversity index per 10-meter stretch.
The scientists recorded data for five distinct woodland zones, as shown in the table below:
| Zone | Area of Zone (m2\text{m}^2m2) | Mean species diversity index (DDD) |
|---|---|---|
| A | 2500 | 2.4 |
| B | 4500 | 1.8 |
| C | 6000 | 1.5 |
| D | 1200 | 3.2 |
| E | 8000 | 1.1 |
Calculate the estimated age of the hedges in Zone D.
Modern forestry practices favor larger zone sizes. Does the data support the claim that older woodland zones tend to be smaller in area? Explain your answer with reference to the calculated ages or indices of the largest and smallest zones.
67 exam-style questions on OCR GCSE Biology 4.1 Ecosystems, covering 4.1.1 Cycling of materials in ecosystems, 4.1.2 Microorganisms in cycling materials, 4.1.3 The carbon and water cycles, 4.1.4 Factors affecting decomposition, 4.1.5 Levels of organisation in an ecosystem, 4.1.6 Abiotic and biotic factors affecting communities, 4.1.7 Interdependence and competition, 4.1.8 Trophic levels, 4.1.9 Pyramids of biomass, and 4.1.10 Efficiency of biomass transfers. Each one has a worked solution and a mark scheme showing where the marks go.