TEST OF PRACTICAL KNOWLEDGE QUESTION Study specimens A, B, C, E and F and answer questions 1(a) to 1(e). (a) Name one branch of Biology D which involves the...

(a) The branch of Biology is Ecology.

(b) Functions of the specimens

1. Thermometer: used to measure temperature, that is, the degree of hotness or coldness of an object, air, water or soil.
2. Rain gauge: used to measure the amount of rainfall received in an area.
3. Metre rule: used to measure length, distance or depth.
4. Sweep net: used to catch or collect flying insects and insects living among grasses.
5. Wind vane: used to determine the direction from which the wind blows.
6. Quadrat: used for population studies of small plants, sessile organisms and slow-moving animals in a habitat.

(c) Use of specimens B and D

Specimen B, rain gauge:

1. Place the rain gauge in an open area, away from trees and buildings.
2. Mount it slightly above the ground to prevent splash water and surface run-off from entering it.
3. After rainfall, pour the collected water into the graduated measuring cylinder.
4. Read and record the volume or depth of water collected as the rainfall for that period.

Specimen D, sweep net:

1. Select the habitat to be sampled, such as a grassland.
2. Hold the sweep net firmly by its handle.
3. Sweep the net through the air or through the vegetation in steady strokes.
4. Transfer the insects caught in the net into a collecting container.
5. Identify, count and record the organisms collected.

(d) Drawing of specimen D

Make a neat, large drawing of the sweep net, 10 cm to 12 cm long. The drawing carries the following labels:

• handle
• wire rim or circular hoop
• netting or mesh bag
• tapering end of net

(e) Organisms associated with the specimens