B4 09 plants and places

IB4.9.4 Different plants, different places

© Oxford University Press 2011

Different plants, different places



investigate the effect of light on the distribution of plants in an environment

perform a practical investigation using a light meter, quadrat, and identification key

B4 Lesson 9 Fieldwork investigation

Learning Outcomes

Keywords- quadrat, light intensity, lux, key, distribution



On a whiteboard, in pairs, suggest some factors that will influence the ability of plants to grow in different areas

Meadow flowers



Why do different plants grow in different places?

Because we put them there!



Light intensity for photosynthesis,

Soil composition (nitrates and pH)

The effect of other organisms (grazing, trampling).

Amount of water



Some flowers can even

indicate the pH of the soil

(hydrangea)



Reeds grow in ponds. How do

you think they are adapted to

survive in water?

Trees, bushes, and grass grow

in open land. What adaptations

do you think these plants have

to survive here?



Plants grow naturally in different conditions

Weeds can grow in the gaps or cracks in a pavement.

How do you think these weeds are adapted to survive here?



Ivy grows on forest floors where there is very little light.

Ivy has broad leaves to catch as much light as possible.



Dandelion from an area that is cut with a mower.

Dandelion from an uncut area, shaded by a tree.

Spot the difference



Dandelion from an area that is cut with a mower.

Dandelion from an uncut area, shaded by a tree.

Can you explain why?

Tall flower stalk.

Short flower stalk.

Big leaves that stand upright.

Small leaves close to the ground.



The shading effect of trees determines the types of plant that can grow and

survive in woodland.



This scientist is using a quadrat to record the plants growing in a square metre.



We carried out a field work investigation to sample different types of plant and whether they grew in the shady parts of the garden,

or the more sun lit areas. We used: QuadratTransect

Meter ruleLight meter to measure light intensity (lux)

Plant key



Shady woodland



Middle of field



The results should be drawn in a kite graph like this one. The measurements for the independent variable distance (m), your graph will have more ground/plant species so needs to be taller.



*You should be able to read a graph with two ‘Y’ axes such as this, but should not have to draw a kite graphBe sure you know the independent and dependant variables and can describe the data using individual values

B4 09 plants and places

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