Lionfish are a type of fish native to the tropical waters of the Indian Ocean and Pacific Ocean. Lionfish were first reported off the south east coast of the USA in the 1980s. Lionfish are an alien species to this area. Their lack of a natural predator in these waters resulted in their numbers increasing dramatically, allowing them to migrate to new areas. They have now become established across the Caribbean. Their numbers are so high that they are now a threat to many native species.
- (a)In one year it was estimated that 5 million prey were consumed by 1000 lionfish. Express these data as a ratio. : 1[1]
- (b)(i)State one variable which was standardised in these surveys.[1]
- (b)(ii)A group of students read an article stating that local people were being encouraged to catch and eat lionfish in an attempt to reduce their numbers. The students concluded that local people started catching and eating lionfish in 2008. Explain to what extent the data in Fig. 2.1 supports their conclusion.[3]
- (c)Some local communities hold annual fishing trips where they are encouraged to catch as many lionfish as possible. In 2010 and 2011, 16 boats took part in these fishing trips. The mean number of lionfish per boat and the 95% confidence intervals were calculated. Fig. 2.2 shows the results. [Figure 2.2] The 95% confidence intervals are calculated from 2 × SM . Standard deviation can be calculated by rearranging the equation for standard error shown in Fig. 2.3. SM = s / sqrt(n) where SM = standard error, s = standard deviation, n = number of boats Fig. 2.3 Use the data in Fig. 2.2 and the equation in Fig. 2.3 to calculate the standard deviation of the mean number of lionfish caught per boat in 2010. standard deviation for 2010 =[3]
This question uses a diagram from the original paper, which isn't shown here. Open the full paper from the past papers archive to see it.
Mark scheme
Marking points from the official mark scheme (May/June 2018). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.
- 2(a) 5000/5 × 10³ (: 1) ;
- 2(b)(i) one from:
- length of transect;
- number of sites surveyed / number of transects (each year) ;
- geographical area / reef, in which study carried out ;
- direction of, sampling / swimming / transect;
- 2(b)(ii) three from:
- supports
- (mean log) lionfish abundance has decreased (after 2008);
- does not support
- increase in mean abundance decreasing from 2007–2008 so could have started catching lionfish, earlier / in 2007;
- 95% confidence interval bars overlap ;
- therefore no significant difference between means ;
- 2(c) 70;;;
- from graph: 95% confidence interval = 35 ;
- therefore, SM = 35/2 = 17.5
- √n = 4;
- rearranging equation: (17.5 × 4) 70 = s;
- note: correct answer with no working = 3 marks if incorrect answer, then check working
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