1. Information -investigation

2. Phylum, family, species Adaptations that allow it to survive. ECOLOGICAL NICHE Explain aspects of the ecological niche that are related to the investigation. INTRODUCTION

3. AIM Aim: To determine whether …..

4. Hypothesis: Hypothesis linked to ecological niche.

5. METHOD VARIABLE Controlled variables valid range of the independent variable - valid measurement of dependent variable - how other key variables will be controlled or measured and/or consideration of other factors that might influence the investigation. Data relevant to the purpose, collected, recorded and correctly processed to enable a pattern or trend (or absence) relevant to the purpose of investigation to be determined. Sufficient data

6. Results PROCESSED DATA Sufficient data that is appropriately and accurately processed to show relevant pattern. (raw data is in log book) Statistical analysis of the validity of the conclusion

7. Conclusion: A valid conclusion that is justified by the data and relates to the hypothesis

8. DISCUSSION A comprehensive discussion that considers - the investigation as a whole. - the significance of the results in relation to the ecological niche of the organism and relevant scientific information. - the validity of the investigation in terms of: Either the validity of the conclusion using statistical methods or the reliability of the data by consideration of the method and how factors such as sources of error were eliminated, how limitations were overcome or how the effects of bias were reduced.

9. EVALUATION Critical evaluation - limitations discussed and changes made to the method justified in relation to validity of investigation analysing the validity of the method. You could consider such things as sources of error, limitations, and/or bias

10. Bibliography / References / Acknowledgements

11. Level 3 Practical Investigation Look at the following investigations and suggest why they are inappropriate for a year 13 Biology investigations for Achievement Standard 3.1. That female crabs remain stationary for a shorter period of time than male crabs. Crab density will decrease as distance from a mangrove plant increases. Germination rate of marigold seeds will be less in no sunlight compared to full sunlight. That percentage germination of tomato seeds will decrease as salinity of water increases. Marigold seeds will have a higher percentage germination on potting mix compared with sand and rock soil. The crabs prefer a dimly lit environment over a brightly lit environment.