Question

Phoebe is taking samples from a lake to determine how the populations of aquatic life change during the summer. What should Phoebe change about her methodology to better address her question?

A) Provide details about other creatures in the "other" category.
B) Take samples from the same location each time.
C) Collect samples from a different habitat.
D) Use a more sophisticated net to collect smaller creatures.

Answer 1

Phoebe should take samples from the same location each time to ensure consistency and accurate comparisons of aquatic life populations over the summer.

Step-by-step explanation:

Improving Methodology in Population Sampling

To better address the question of how populations of aquatic life change during the summer, Phoebe should consider option B: Take samples from the same location each time. This approach ensures consistency and allows for accurate comparisons over time. Sampling at the same location reduces variability in the data that may result from differences in habitat conditions, thereby enhancing the reliability of the findings regarding population changes.

Other methods like using a more sophisticated net or changing the sampling habitat may also contribute to a more thorough investigation, but consistency in sampling location is fundamental for monitoring changes over a specific timeframe. If Phoebe is noticing a high number of 'other' category creatures, she might refine her methodology to better identify and categorize these species, as per option A.