This IA talks about research is to compare Simpson Diversity of four areas of Mahendrapur village based on the amount of sunlight received and the amount of nutrients found near the place where they are located (near the water body or away from the water body).

1. 1
INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE
ENVIRONMENTAL SYSTEMS AND SOCITIES
INTERNAL ASSESSMENT
To examine the effect of low and high sunlight intensity and the availability of
nutrients in four different areas in Mahendrapur village recorded near the
water body and away from the water body.
Word count: 2100

2. 2
Tables of Content
Serial
Number Topic Page Number
1) Cover sheet 1
2) Tables of content 2
3) Aim 3
4) Research Question 3
5) Introduction 3
6) Environmental Context 4-6
7) Planning 6-8
8) Hypothesis 8-9
9) Variables and procedure 10-15
10) Data collection and Processing 16-30
11) Discussion 30-32
12) Evaluation 33
13) Application 34-35
14) Conclusion 35-36
15) Published source 36
16) Reference 37
Criteria 1: Identifying the context

3. 3
Aim:
The aim of the research is to compare Simpson Diversity of four areas of Mahendrapur
village based on the amount of sunlight received and the amount of nutrients found
near the place where they are located (near the water body or away from the water
body).
Research Question:
To what extend sunlight (Independent variable) and nutrients found in the
Mahendrapur village affects the diversity and density of plant species, one near the
water body and the other away from the water body calculated using Simpson
diversity index (dependent variable).
Introduction:
The main focus of the investigation is to find the difference in diversity and density of
varied species both near the water body and away from the water body, keeping the
data collected to be from the same altitude. This research will also take into
consideration the effect of abiotic factors that further creates the variation in
abundance and diversity of flora in four regions.
Sunlight is important for the growth of a plant as green plants transform carbon dioxide
(Co2) and water (H2 O) into biomass and oxygen (O2) in the presence of sunlight. This
process is known as Photosynthesis. If there is lack of sunlight plant would not be able
to produce its food to its optimum and will thus die
As said that sunlight and water are essential, However, these essential minerals and
rays are inadequately met in real life to produce more diverse variety of plant species,
because of the human disturbances like mining and logging.
Environmental context:
GLOBAL:
Dehradun being located in the state of Uttarakhand is the 10th
state of the country with
the total of 24,240 km2
of area covered with forests that is rich in flora and diversity of
plants.

4. 4
Total Forest cover in different states of India
1
Figure 1
But due to the increase in urbanization and industrialization in the developing India,
many forests have been cleared in search for more resources like coal, Hydel power.
And all these activities affect the sunlight and water availability to plants, thus causinh
them to die out.
1
States having largest forest cover in India. N.p., n.d. Web. 05 May 2017.

5. 5
LOCAL:
Human set-up Industries which disturbed forest land (in km2
)
2
Figure 2
The above graph clearly depicts the major forest clearing is due to the mining activity
which has also spread its roots in the state of Uttarakhand thus affecting the richness
and abundance of plant species found in the Maldevta.
Thus, linking with my research question of examining the richness and abundance of
species in different areas which have different nutrients availability.
Criteria 2: Planning
Planning:
For the experiment, 4 areas where selected. Area 1 was near the water body and
exposed to high sunlight intensity, Area 2 was away from the water body with high
sunlight intensity, Area 3 was near the water body with low or no sunlight intensity and
the last Area 4 is away from the water body with low or no sunlight intensity. Therefore,
by the use of Simpson diversity index we will be able to compare the variation of
richness and abundance in all the regions.
Background Information
Simpson Diversity Index
2
Ghosh, IndiaSpend.com Himadri. "In just 30 years, India has lost large forests to 23,716
industrial projects." Scroll.in. Http://scroll.in, 03 Jan. 2017. Web. 05 May 2017.

6. 6
Simpson's Diversity Index is a measure of diversity.
𝐷 =
𝑁(𝑁 − 1)
∑ 𝑛(𝑛 − 1)
Where, D= Diversity Index (no units, only a number)
N=Total number of organisms of all species found
n= Total number of individuals found of the species.
Location:
3
Figure 3
The map is of Mahendrapur village, near Dehradun city, Uttarakhand, India. AREA 1,
2, 3, 4 depict the region where the practical was conducted using quadrats and random
sampling.
HYPOTHESIS:
As shown water (independent variable) and sunlight (independent variable) play a
vital role in a plant growth. Therefore, it is hypothesized that the area located near the
water body and receiving high sunlight will have high plant diversity and density
(dependent variable). While the area which is also near the water body but receiving
low or no sunlight will have low diversity but high density. However, the area which is
away from the water body but receiving high sunlight will also have low diversity and
high density whereas the area which is away from the water body and is receiving low
or no sunlight will have low diversity and low density of plant species.
3
Google Maps. N.p., n.d. Web. 06 May 2017.

7. 7
SCIENTIFIC JUSTIFICATION:
Plants require sunlight, water and nutrients to grow, even if one requirement lacks
there is loss of variety (diversity) of plant species and can also affect the density or
number of individual plant species found. As clearly depicted in this image.
4
The image’s result completely matches with the hypothesis presented above and this
image is from an experiment and analysis done by Jason D. Fridley on the Diversity
effect on production in different light and fertility environments: an experiment with
communities of annual plants.5
Therefore, the analysis and result of the experiment
clearly states that nutrients and light intensity are vital in plant species abundance and
diversity.
Connection between the environmental issue and the research question
As established above that sunlight and water are essential for plant diversity and
density to take place, However, these essential minerals and rays are inadequately
met in real life to produce more diverse variety of plant species, because of the human
disturbances like mining and logging which takes place in forests and hills.
4
citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.512.7601&rep=rep1&type=pdf.
5
citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.512.7601&rep=rep1&type=pdf.

8. 8
VARIABLES:
Independent variables:
Variables Units Impact
Sunlight Intensities bright and shade Sunlight help a plant
growth, as plants convert
solar energy into chemical
energy to produce food.
Area fertile and barren
unfertile land
Plants in the area of fertile
land will show more
diversity and growth.
Climate Rainfall, humidity,
temperature, air and wind
These factors individually
affect the plant growth in
many ways for example:
good precipitation means
more nutrients, whereas
high temperature can
decrease the level of
survival for plants.
Dependent variables:
Variables Units Impact
Growth of plants Fast or slow Presence of factors
such as sunlight, water,
nutrients can increase
plant growth whereas
lack of these factors will
slow it.
Diversity of plant species High or low Plant diversity heavily
depends on the fertility
of the land and the
availability of nutrients

9. 9
Density of plant species High or low Density of plant species
is dependent on the
growing conditions.
Controlled variable:
VARIABLES UNITS
WHY AND HOW TO
CONTROL IT?
Quadrat size 5 rows and 5
columns, total 5X5= 25
small squares
Difference in quadrat
size can lead to
inaccurate results and to
avoid it, the same
quadrat is used as to
ensure the data
collected is accurate.
No. of samples 3 trials per area using the
same quadrat, total 12
samples
The more the trials the
more accurate the data.
Time during which the
experiment was
conducted
Same day Experiment is
conducted on the same
day as to avoid any type
of further plant growth,
which will create
variation in the data.
Uncontrolled variables:
Sunlight received
Nutrients found near the region
rainfall
Mining activity
Apparatus:
Serial
Number
Material Required Quantity
1) Quadrat of 5 rows and 5 columns 1
2) Field trip guide 1
3) Notebook to note the readings 1
4) Pens 2
5) Camera for evidences 1

10. 10
Procedure:
1) Do a recee to find proper locations for the experiment both near the water body
receiving high and low or no sunlight intensities and away from the water body
receiving high and low or no sunlight intensities.
2) In the location of near the water body find one receiving high sunlight and other
receiving low or no sunlight.
3) Do the same for away from the water body, locate the region with high sunlight
and the other with low or no sunlight intensity
4) Identify three spots in the area selected in which you would like to conduct your
experiment.
5) Place your quadrat and count the no. of species and plants that are there in
each block. And thus, note the reading in the notebook.
6) Repeat the same step in area 1, 2, 3, 4
7) Gather data of 3 trails per area as to get accurate results
8) Simpson diversity index will be used to find the richness and abundance of plant
species found.
Sampling strategy justification:
The samples were located from 4 different locations (Random sampling), to
get a varied and most out of the research. Moreover, a minimum of 3 trials
and a quadrat of 5 x 5 was done to get accurate results, thus, leaving no
chance of error or outliers. Therefore, getting the results with minimal error.
Risk Assessment:
Serial
number
Risk Faced
1) Experiment was conducted 435 meters above the sea level.
2) No knowledge of the flora and fauna of the area.
3) High temperature and no water availability in the area.

11. 11
ETHICAL CONSIDERATION:
Serial
Number
Considerations
1) 1) This investigation didn’t harm any plant species and habitat, as
no plant species and organism should be disturbed while recording
the data.
2) There should be no noise pollution in the area, as organisms in the
area may get frightened.
3) Special concern should be given when touching any plant, as there
is a possibility of infection.

12. 12
CRITERIA 3: RESULTS, ANALYSIS AND
CONCLUSION
Data collection and processing:
Simpson Diversity Index
Raw Data:
Plant species Symbol
A $
B #
C ♣
D *
E ^
F ♦
G ♠
AREA-1 (Near water body with high sunlight)
TRAIL 1.1
$# ♣ $ * ♣
- - # - $#
#* $#♣* - ♣ -
- - * # *
$* #** - $♣ -
Species
Found
symbol Total no. of
each
species(n)
n-1 n(n-1)
A $ 6 6-1=5 6X5=30
B # 7 7-1=6 7X6=42
C ♣ 5 5-1=4 5X4=20

13. 13
D * 7 7-1=6 7X6=42
Recalling Simpson diversity formula:
𝐷 =
𝑁(𝑁 − 1)
∑ 𝑛(𝑛 − 1)
Where, D= Diversity Index (no units, only a number)
N=Total number of organisms of all species found
n= Total number of individuals found of the species.
Total no. of all species found (N)=6+7+5+7=25
N(N-1) =25(25-1) =25X24=600
𝐷 =
𝑁(𝑁 − 1)
Σ𝑛(𝑛 − 1)
Σn(n-1) = 30+42+20+42=134
D =600/134 =4.47
Diversity index=4.47
TRAIL 1.2:
* ♣ - $ #♣
- - ♣ * - -
♣ $ - - *
- * - $♣ -
# - - ♣ -
Species
Found
Symbol Total no.
of each
species(n)
n-1 n(n-1)
A $ 3 3-1=2 3X2=6
B # 2 2-1=1 2X1=2
C ♣ 6 6-1=5 6X5=30
D * 4 4-1=3 4X3=12
Total no. of all species found (N) =3+2+6+4=15

14. 14
N(N-1) =15 X (15-1)=15X14=210
𝐷 =
𝑁(𝑁 − 1)
Σ𝑛(𝑛 − 1)
Σn(n-1) =6+2+30+12=50
D =210/50 =4.20
Diversity index= 4.20
TRAIL 1.3:
$ # - ♣ -
- $ - - $#
* - $ - -
- * - # -
♣ - - $ -
Species
Found
Symbol Total no.
of each
species
(n)
n-1 n(n-1)
A $ 5 5-1=4 5X4=20
B # 3 3-1=2 3X2=6
C ♣ 2 2-1=1 2X1=2
D * 2 2-1=1 2X1=2
Total no. of all species found (N)= 5+3+2+2=12
N(N-1)= 12(12-1)=12X11=132
𝐷 =
𝑁(𝑁 − 1)
Σ𝑛(𝑛 − 1)
Σn(n-1) = 20+6+2+2=30
D=132/30 = 4.40

15. 15
Diversity index=4.40
AREA 2(Away from the water body but with high sunlight
intensity)
TRAIL 2.1:
♣ ♦ ♦
$ ♦
♦$
♦ ♦
♦ ♦
Species
Found
Symbol Total no. of
each species
(n)
n-1 n(n-1)
A $ 2 2-1=1 2X1=2
C ♣ 1 1-1=0 1X0=0
F ♦ 8 8-1=7 8X7=56
Total no. of all species found (N)=2+1+8=11
N(N-1) =11(11-1) =11X10=110
𝐷 =
𝑁(𝑁 − 1)
Σ𝑛(𝑛 − 1)
Σn(n-1) =2+0+56=58
D=110/58=1.89
Diversity index=1.89

16. 16
TRAIL 2.2:
♦
$♦ ♦ ♣
♦ ♣ ♦
Species
Found
Symbol Total no. of
each
species (n)
n-1 n(n-1)
A $ 1 1-1=0 1X0=0
C ♣ 2 2-1=1 2X1=2
F ♦ 5 5-1=4 5X4=20
Total no. of all species found (N)=1+2+5=8
N(N-1) =8(8-1) =8X7=56
𝐷 =
𝑁(𝑁 − 1)
Σ𝑛(𝑛 − 1)
Σn(n-1) = 0+2+20=22
D=56/22=2.54
Diversity index=2.54

17. 17
TRAIL 2.3:
♦ ♣ ♣
♣ ♦ ♦
♣♦
♦ ♣ ♦
♣ ♦ ♦
Species
Found
Symbol Total no. of
each
species (n)
n-1 n(n-1)
C ♣ 6 6-1=5 6X5=30
F ♦ 8 8-1=7 8X7=56
Total no. of all species found (N)=6+8=14
N(N-1) = 14(14-1) =14X13=182
𝐷 =
𝑁(𝑁 − 1)
Σ𝑛(𝑛 − 1)
Σn(n-1) = 30+56=86
D=182/86=2.11
Diversity index=2.11

18. 18
AREA 3 (near the water body with low or no sunlight
intensity)
TRAIL 3.1
^♠ ^
* ^ ^
♠ ^♠ ^
^ *^♠
^♠ ^
Species
Found
Symbol Total no. of
each species
(n)
n-1 n(n-1)
D * 2 2-1=1 2X1=2
E ^ 10 10-1=9 10X9=90
G ♠ 5 5-1=4 5X4=20
Total no. of all species found (N)= 2+10+5=17
N(N-1) = 17(17-1) =17X16=272
𝐷 =
𝑁(𝑁 − 1)
Σ𝑛(𝑛 − 1)
Σn(n-1) = 2+90+20=112
D=272/112=2.42
Diversity index=2.42

19. 19
TRAIL 3.2:
♠
♠ ♠* * ♠
*
♠ ♠* ♠
♠ *
Species
Found
Symbol Total no. of
each species
(n)
n-1 n(n-1)
D * 5 5-1=4 5X4=20
G ♠ 8 8-1=7 8X7=56
Total no. of all species found (N)= 8+5= 13
N(N-1) = 13(13-1)= 13X12=156
𝐷 =
𝑁(𝑁 − 1)
Σ𝑛(𝑛 − 1)
Σn(n-1) =20+56=76
D=156/76=2.05
Diversity index=2.05
TRAIL 3.3:

20. 20
♠ ♠ ^
♠
*
^ ♠
♠ ♠
Species
Found
Symbol Total no. of
each species
(n)
n-1 n(n-1)
D * 1 1-1=0 1X0=0
E ^ 2 2-1=1 2X1=2
G ♠ 6 6-1=5 6X5=30
Total no. of all species found (N) =1+2+6=9
N(N-1) = 9(9-1) =9X8=72
𝐷 =
𝑁(𝑁 − 1)
Σ𝑛(𝑛 − 1)
Σn(n-1) =0+2+30=32
D=72/32=2.25
Diversity index=2.25
AREA 4 (away from the water body with low or no sunlight intensity)
TRAIL 4.1:

21. 21
♦
♠ ♦
♦ ♦
Species
Found
Symbol Total no. of
each species
(n)
n-1 n(n-1)
F ♦ 4 4-1=3 4X3=12
G ♠ 1 1-1=0 1X0=0
Total no. of all species found (N)=4+1=5
N(N-1) =5(5-1)=5X4=20
𝐷 =
𝑁(𝑁 − 1)
Σ𝑛(𝑛 − 1)
Σn(n-1) = 12+0=12
D=20/12=1.66
Diversity index=1.66
TRAIL 4.2:
♦

22. 22
♦ ♠
♠ ♦
♦ ♦
Species
Found
Symbol Total no. of
each species
(n)
n-1 n(n-1)
F ♦ 5 5-1=4 5X4=20
G ♠ 2 2-1=1 2X1=2
Total no. of all species found (N)= 5+2=7
N(N-1) = 7(7-1) = 7X6=42
𝐷 =
𝑁(𝑁 − 1)
Σ𝑛(𝑛 − 1)
Σn(n-1)= 20+2=22
D=42/22=1.90
Diversity index=1.90
s
TRAIL 4.3:
♦
♦ ♦

23. 23
♦ ♠
♦
Species
Found
Symbol Total no. of
each species
(n)
n-1 n(n-1)
F ♦ 5 5-1=4 5X4=20
G ♠ 1 1-1=0 1X0=0
Total no. of all species found (N)= 5+1=6
N(N-1) = 6(6-1)=6X5=30
𝐷 =
𝑁(𝑁 − 1)
Σ𝑛(𝑛 − 1)
Σn(n-1)= 20+0=20
D=30/20=1.50
Diversity index=1.50
STANDARD DEVIATION
Standard deviation is a measure of the dispersion of a set of data from its mean. 6
Formula:
6
Staff, Investopedia. "Standard Deviation." Investopedia. N.p., 18 Nov. 2016. Web. 07 May
2017.

24. 24
7
By using the above formula, I got the following results:
Standard deviation of area 1: 0.14
Standard deviation of area 2: 0.33
Standard deviation of area 3: 0.18
Standard deviation of area 4: 0.20
LOCATIONS AREA 1 AREA 2 AREA 3 AREA 4
TRAIL 1 4.47 1.89 2.42 1.66
TRAIL 2 4.20 2.54 2.05 1.90
TRAIL 3 4.40 2.11 2.25 1.50
AVERAGE 4.35 2.18 2.24 1.69
STANDARD
DEVIATION
0.14 0.33 0.18 0.20
GRAPHICAL REPRESENTATION OF THE
PROCESSED DATA
Graph 1.0 Bar graph depicting the diversity index of all the
trials (individual species) of the area
7
Standard Deviation Formula - Google Search. N.p., n.d. Web. 07 May 2017.

25. 25
Line Graph 1.1 showing standard deviation of all the 4 areas
where experiment was conducted.
0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 3 3.5 4 4.5
AREA 1
AREA 2
AREA 3
AREA 4
4.47761
1.89655
2.42857
1.66667
4.2
2.54545
2.05263
1.90909
4.4
2.11628
2.25
1.5
Diversity Index
Regions
TRAIL 3 TRAIL 2 TRAIL 1
0.14
0.33
0.18
0.2
0
AREA 1 AREA 2 AREA 3 AREA 4
StandardDeviation
Regions
standard deviation
standard deviation

26. 26
RADAR Graph 1.2 showing mean of all the 4 areas of
experiment
CRITERA 4: DISCUSSION AND EVALUATION
DISCUSSION
As stated the aim of the research is to compare the diversity of plant species of 4
different areas. Also, it was hypothesized that:
Region Diversity Density
Area 1 High High
Area 2 Low High
Area 3 Low High
Area 4 Low Low
Graphical analysis for comparisons
0
0.5
1
1.5
2
2.5
3
3.5
4
4.5
AREA 1
AREA 2
AREA 3
AREA 4

27. 27
GRAPH 1.0: - exactly matches with the hypothesis which depicts that area 1 has the
highest diversity of plant species followed area 2 then area 3 and at last area 4, with
the least plant diversity.
GRAPH 1.1: - The standard deviation of all the areas is different (as shown in graph
1.1) which shows the how varied is the result is, subsequently showing the effect of
sunlight and water nutrients available to the plants in that specific region.
0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 3 3.5 4 4.5
AREA 1
AREA 2
AREA 3
AREA 4
Diversity Index
Regions
TRAIL 3 TRAIL 2 TRAIL 1
0
0.05
0.1
0.15
0.2
0.25
0.3
0.35
area 1 area 2 area 3 area 4
StandardDeviation
Regions
standard deviation
standard deviation

28. 28
GRAPH 1.2: - area 1 has the highest average showing highest diversity and density,
followed by area 3 then area 2 and at last area 4.
As a result, these results and the research paper that was written by Jason D.
Fridley in 2003 is similar to my aim of the research question which is: “To
examine the effect of low and high sunlight intensity and the availability of
nutrients in four different areas in Mahendrapur village recorded near the water
body and away from the water body”.
0
0.5
1
1.5
2
2.5
3
3.5
4
4.5
AREA 1
AREA 2
AREA 3
AREA 4

29. 29
Therefore, the results from the research and experiment matches with the hypothesis.
In addition, the mean value of area 1 is the highest whereas area 4 has the lowest
mean out of all.
Thus, from all this data, it can be clearly seen that sunlight and nutrients play a very
important role in plant diversity and density. As sunlight and nutrients help plants to
make their food by the process photosynthesis, and also help plants to grow faster.
Real life situation (Aravali range, India)

30. 30
8
The Aravali mountain range of India in 2000’s faced a huge threat from mining
activities which created a lot of disturbance in the environment, and it caused
significant reduction in the plant diversity and density. Similar results can be seen in
the western Ghats of India, shown at the left bottom side on the Indian map.
EVALUATION
8
Nirman, Shubash Kumar. “Class IX: Chapter 5 (Natural Vegetation & Wildlife) Questions
& Answers.” ATOM,
www.nirmancare.com/blog/index.php?controller=blog&action=view&category=class-ix.
Aravali Range of Hills

31. 31
Weakness Impact on results Improvement
Use of time
(only 8 trials were
possible in a day)
Low number of trials
made it difficult to trace
where exactly the
sampling was left, thus
showing a slight variation
in the data collected.
Use of small flags to spot
the area where left.
Variety of species to
distinguish
A lot of plant species
make it difficult to
distinguish. This resulted
in some species counted
more.
Use of a dichotomous key.
Counting species twice Inaccurate results The plant species should
be marked and then
counted further.
Not all species could be
counted
Uncertainty of data Taking support from
mentors to help distinguish
plant species.
APPLICATIONS:

32. 32
ISSUE SOLUTION STRENGTH WEAKNESS
Use of fertilizers
and pesticides
Organic farming. Organic farming will
not let the land
loose its fertility
Organic farming is
expensive and it’s
very difficult to
persuade farmers
to change their
agricultural
practices.
Mining (dust
clouds)
Controlling mining
activity around a
biodiversity hotspot
and installing air
purifiers around the
site. Also,
conducting a
baseline study to
see effects.
These solutions will
clear the dust
clouds and this will
ensure that sunlight
is reached to
plants.
It takes a lot of
time for the
government to
take action
against any
mining project.
Furthermore, EIA
can give
inaccurate data.
Urbanization Government can
restrict
urbanization by
conducting EIA.
It will keep the
region pollution
free. Moreover, EIA
will help to assess
the biodiversity of
the species
present.
It is very difficult
for the
government to
restrict areas.
Furthermore, a lot
of complexities
are involved in
calculating EIA.
Though all these solutions have strengths and weaknesses but these solutions will
help us to save our environment from the actions of humans.
Conclusion
The aim of the experiment was to investigate the differences between the diversity
and density of plant species in 4 different areas of the maldevta. The purpose was to
check how sunlight and nutrients affect the plant growth and its biodiversity. These all
investigations were proved by calculating Simpson diversity index of all the 4 areas
and by comparing each one with the others. Furthermore, the purpose of the
investigation was accomplished by plotting graphs.
The results of the diversity index clearly support the hypothesis.
Which was found using standard deviation, mean, and Simpson Diversity index.

33. 33
Although, it is clear that the area near the water which receives good amount of
nutrients and receives appropriate sunlight has high plant diversity and high density.
Whereas, the area located away from the water body which has lack of nutrients and
sunlight amount has low diversity and density in the region. Which is similar to the bar
graph, AREA 1’s Simpson diversity index graph is much more than that of AREA 4.
However, AREA 2 and AREA 3 are almost similar as both these regions have high
density but low diversity due to the absence of either nutrients or sunlight. While, a
slight difference can be seen in the bar graph of Simpson diversity index and radar
graph of both the areas.
Hence, these results show that both nutrients and sunlight are essential in a plant
growth as they stimulate photosynthesis process in a plant, thus, creating diversity
and density of plant species in the region. Thus, linking to my research question of
examining the effects of a combination of low and high sunlight and water present in
the area. Moreover, the lab also proves that if environmental problems created by
humans persisted then the plant species will reduce, following the low availability of
sunlight and more of contaminated water in areas such as Aravali and western Ghats
of India.
Note: The results of this exploration are subjected to change in accordance with
the change in the environment it is conducted in. As in some places the plant
species may require less water or may grow in shades.
PUBLISHED SOURCE
According to an annual report on “Range Plant Growth and Development Are
Affected by Environmental Factors” written by Llewellyn L. Manske states that
“Light is the ultimate source of energy and the most important ecological factor
affecting plant growth9
.” Moreover, it states that “The intensity of sunlight (measurable
energy) and duration of sunlight (length of day or photoperiod), however, do vary
sufficiently to affect plant growth.”10
The online published source completely supports the thesis and the results of the
experiment as the sources describe the importance of light and water and other
nutrients for the plant-for photosynthesis and food processing- which is exactly similar
to the hypothesis and research question that was made before carrying out the
experiment.
Therefore, the results from this lab and the other research paper finds Sunlight and
water (nutrients) an essential factor for the plant growth.
Modifications and Alternatives
9
Range Plant Growth and Development Are Affected by Environmental Factors,
www.ag.ndsu.edu/archive/dickinso/research/2000/range00b.htm. Accessed 28 Sept. 2017.
10
Range Plant Growth and Development Are Affected by Environmental Factors,
www.ag.ndsu.edu/archive/dickinso/research/2000/range00b.htm. Accessed 28 Sept. 2017.

34. 34
Alternatives: Apart from Simpson diversity index which is used in this exploration,
there are other methods also to find the plant species diversity, like Shannon-Wiener
Index and Margalef diversity index. Both these methods show us maximum diversity
value, dominance value, evenness value and plant species diversity at once11
.
However, they are calculated differently as Shannon index uses the area of the forest
and the area of individual plant species. Whereas Margalef diversity index can be
calculated using spreadsheets12
and has a formula which is
(+,-)
./ (1)
where S is the
number of Taxa and n is the number of individuals13
. Thus, these methods giving more
information other than species diversity.
Modifications: Simpson diversity index is subject to limitations as the results
produced by Simpson diversity index are not accurate and can be different. The
reason behind this is the difficultly faced by the experimenter in calculating the species
diversity as it may be difficult or distinguish or count smaller plant species. Moreover,
the results produced are limited and do not contain much information. Thus, to
overcome these limitations, a better formula should be formulated and a new method
should be found to calculate plant species as to make sure every plant species is
counted. Therefore, being able to get perfect results and value.
References: Websites
“420 Magazine ®.” 420 Magazine RSS, www.420magazine.com/forums/how-to-
grow-marijuana/71672-what-some-causes-slow-plant-growth-3.html.
citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.512.7601&rep=rep1&type=pdf.
11
www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/21580103.2011.573940.
12
www.researchgate.net/post/What_is_Margalef_Species_Richness_Index.
13
PAST - Simple Statistics, folk.uio.no/ohammer/past/univar.html.

35. 35
“Climatic Factors Affecting Plant Growth.” CropsReview.Com,
www.cropsreview.com/climatic-factors.html.
States having largest forest cover in India. N.p., n.d. Web. 05 May 2017.
The Chemical Equation of Photosynthesis. N.p., n.d. Web. 05 May 2017.
Ghosh, IndiaSpend.com Himadri. "In just 30 years, India has lost large forests to 23,716
industrial projects." Scroll.in. Http://scroll.in, 03 Jan. 2017. Web. 05 May 2017.
"Simpson's Diversity Index." Barcelona Field Studies Centre. N.p., n.d. Web. 06 May 2017.
Copy & Past
1
Simpson Diversity Index - Google Search. N.p., n.d. Web. 06 May 2017.
Google Maps. N.p., n.d. Web. 06 May 2017.
Staff, Investopedia. "Standard Deviation." Investopedia. N.p., 18 Nov. 2016. Web. 07 May
2017
Standard Deviation Formula - Google Search. N.p., n.d. Web. 07 May 2017
PAST - Simple Statistics, folk.uio.no/ohammer/past/univar.html.
www.researchgate.net/post/What_is_Margalef_Species_Richness_Index.
www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/21580103.2011.573940.