Leaf Litter Biodiversity
Example Student
Partners: Student 1, Student 2
October 2, 2015
Abstract
In order to determine the biodiversity of invertebrate species in a local forest ecosystem,
samples of leaf litter were obtained and analyzed. A Simpson’s Index was calculated for the
individual and class samples. It was found that the local forest ecosystem had a biodiversity
index of __________________. This indicates that the biodiversity of the ecosystem was (low,
mid-range, high).
Materials
2-L bottle
dropper pipette
Ring stand with ring clamp
large petri dish
Cup
invertebrate identification key
Alcohol
heat lamp
Stereoscope
Procedure
1) Cut a 2-L bottle in half. Save both halves.
2) Collect leaf litter using the 2-L bottle halves. The bottom part can be used as a scoop.
Scoop leaf litter into the top half of the bottle going from the surface to the soil.
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
Data
Table 1: Group Data
Species
Number of Individuals (n)
Totals (N)
Table 2: Class Data
Species
Number of Individuals (n)
Totals (N)
Data Analysis(Calculations)
The Simpson’s Index was calculated for both the group data & the class data.
Group Simpson’s Index: ∑ n(n-1) ÷ N(N-1)
[use this space to show the math work]
Biodiversity Index= 1-
= _______
Class Simpson’s Index: ∑ n(n-1) ÷ N(N-1)
[use this space to show the math work]
Biodiversity index= 1-
= _______
Discussion
[explain & discuss the results here….see the format sheet for specifics]
Error Analysis
An accepted value for the biodiversity index does not exist; therefore, a percent error cannot be
calculated. However, there is error in your data [no such thing as perfect data] so describe how
the error could be reduced.
Conclusion
[short statement of the lab results…two sentence maximum]
Questions
[answer the lab questions here…do not forget pre-lab questions]
References
Hong, David (2004). Biodiversity of Leaf Litter. In Collegeboard, APES Lab Manual (lab 2). Chapel
Hill, NC: Collegeboard Electronic Publications.