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University of Bristol
Wellcome Trust
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PEEP for Physics & Ethics at GCSE
 

Using Science to support biodiversity

National Parks & Biodiversity on Paths 

 
Stage 5: Using the results

Now assume that the belt-transect method has been accepted and submitted to the National Park conservationists for consideration.

Activity Make up a list of questions that the conservation team might ask themselves when using your set of data. 

Here are some ideas: 

  • Do the results?
    • Show a significant loss in biodiversity across the path?
      • If they do, how do you know when the loss is significant.
      • Does it matter if there is a loss of biodiversity on the path?
    • Show the cause of the observed differences?
  • What might have caused the change – any suggestions?
  • If there is a significant difference across the path, does it matter?
  • If there is a significant difference across the path, who is responsible for any action that needs to take place? 
  • What action needs to take place?
  • What might happen if action is not taken?

Activity Now produce an action list that they might recommend.

Consider the following actions: 

  • Set up a study to find out what might have caused the observed changes in plant species across the path.
  • Widen the investigation to include more of the area sampled.
  • Monitor the area over the next few months to see seasonal changes. Repeat investigation in same area.
  • Monitor the area over the next few years. Repeat investigation in same area.
  • Set up a list of actions to prevent further damage or allow recovery of the path. 
    • Depending on the cause, the list might include –
      • Roping off the area.
      • Providing a proper ‘path’ surface.
      • Restricting access at key times of the year.
  • A list of possible objections from those the actions might affect.

 

Next Acting local

 

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