Questions: Below are the lognormal distributions that resulted from sampling tadpoles, caddisfly larvae, and algae at the John Heinz Wildlife refuge in Philadelphia. Which of the following statements is correct regarding these data? Caddisfly Larvae The least sampling effort went into sampling algae Tadpoles had the most moderately abundant species sampled The high number of tadpoles resulted in a decrease in the number of caddisfly larvae More rare species of tadpoles were sampled than rare species of caddisfly larvae

Below are the lognormal distributions that resulted from sampling tadpoles, caddisfly larvae, and algae at the John Heinz Wildlife refuge in Philadelphia. Which of the following statements is correct regarding these data?

Caddisfly Larvae
The least sampling effort went into sampling algae
Tadpoles had the most moderately abundant species sampled
The high number of tadpoles resulted in a decrease in the number of caddisfly larvae
More rare species of tadpoles were sampled than rare species of caddisfly larvae

Transcript text: Below are the lognormal distributions that resulted from sampling tadpoles, caddisfly larvae, and algae at the John Heinz Wildlife refuge in Philadelphia. Which of the following statements is correct regarding these data? Caddisfly Larvae The least sampling effort went into sampling algae Tadpoles had the most moderately abundant species sampled The high number of tadpoles resulted in a decrease in the number of caddisfly larvae More rare species of tadpoles were sampled than rare species of caddisfly larvae

Solution

Solution Steps

Step 1: Analyze the graphs

The x-axis represents the log of the number of individuals, and the y-axis represents the number of species. The peak of each curve shows the abundance at which the greatest number of species occurs. Tadpoles have the lowest peak, followed by algae, and then caddisfly larvae. The width of the curve represents the range of abundances observed. Tadpoles have the widest range, followed by algae, and then caddisfly larvae.

Step 2: Evaluate the first statement

The least sampling effort went into sampling algae. This is incorrect. Caddisfly larvae have the narrowest distribution, suggesting the least sampling effort.

Step 3: Evaluate the second statement

Tadpoles had the most moderately abundant species sampled. This is correct. Tadpoles have a lower, wider curve, indicating more species at moderate abundances compared to the other two groups.