Environmental

Science
Internal Assessment

Name of Candidates: Brianna Simpson & Janoy King

Registration Numbers:
Year of Examination: 2023
Teacher: Ms. S. Muir
Topic: Ecology

1
 Table of Contents
Contents Page No.

Acknowledgement…………………………………………………….. 3

Conclusion of the Journal Entry

Problem Statement

Purpose of Project

Methodology

Literature Review

Presentation of Data

Analysis of Findings

Discussion of Findings

Conclusion

Recommendation

APPENDIX 1

Site Visit #1…………………………………………………......

Site Visit #2……………………………………………………..

Site Visit #3………………………………………………….......

Site Visit #4……………………………………………………...

Lab #1

Lab #2

Lab #3

Lab #4

References

APPENDIX 2

2
 Acknowledgement

The researchers would like to thank Miss Stacy-Ann Muir, our teacher, for assisting and
guiding us as we completed our Internal Assessment and for equipping us with resources that
were helpful along the journey.

3
 Conclusion of Journal

Problem Statement
A study to ascertain how biotic and abiotic factors affect the species diversity and density of
freshwater and coastal ecosystems. There are a number of biotic and abiotic factors that
influence the growth and development of the flora and fauna that live in many terrestrial and
coastal ecosystems. These influences appear to be related because they affect which species
can survive in these ecosystems, which in turn affects species diversity and ecosystem
stability in these regions. Us as the researchers investigated how species diversity may be
impacted by abiotic and biotic variables in the Guts River, Sea Riv, Parottee Fishing Beach,
and Black River Safari for the year 2023.

Purpose of Project
This internal assessment's goals include to evaluate how abiotic and biotic factors can
influence the species diversity biodiversity in ecosystems. This research informs readers and
the researcher about the abiotic and biotic factors that influence species, helps them
understand why certain species of plants and animals must only live in specific environments
in order to survive, and gives insight into why some regions have a higher species diversity
than others. This study will be helpful to other earth science students because it will inform
them about the various abiotic and biotic elements that have an influence on species variety
and enable readers to draw conclusions about why particular habitats support particular
species. As it highlights the state of the variables that affect species diversity in the four sites
found in both St. Elizabeth and Manchester, this research can also be helpful for the
organizations in charge of ensuring the sustainability of the environment. This enables them
to understand how these areas are being impacted and come up with potential strategies.
Additionally, the air, soil and water's temperature will be measured and well as the water’s
salinity and pH.

4
 Method of Data Collection

The information was gathered using a thermometer to record the temperatures of the air,
water, and soil, as well as images of the various animal organisms that were present at sites 1
through 4. In order to assess the pH and salinity of water in the school lab, water samples
were gathered in bottles. Secondary sources from the internet were used to gather data to
bolster the conclusions.

5
 Literature Review

Libre Text defines ecology as the study of how living organisms interact with their
surroundings. The number of distinct species and their relative abundance in a given area are
both considered to be indicators of species diversity, according to Libre Text. A habitat, a
biome, or the entire biosphere could be the place under concern. As it keeps the food supply
of an ecosystem from collapsing, this diversification encourages ecosystem stability. As a
result, it follows that ecosystems with a wide range of distinct plant and animal species will
have higher species diversity as well as more stability within it. However, a number of biotic
and abiotic factors have a significant impact on how many diverse species can endure
coexisting in an ecosystem.

Habit Size: The smaller the environment, the lower the species richness will be, according to
the link between habitat size and species diversity. Relatively small "islands" allow for less
organisms to exist there, smaller populations, and greater susceptibility to further disturbance
or climatic change.

Temperature: Since more species can flourish in a warmer climate than in a cold one, the
diversity of species in the ecosystem will increase as the temperature rises. "The significance
of temperature for explaining biodiversity increases with the number of kinds of animals and
plants you explore in parallel, while the significance of all other variables falls
proportionately.”

Acidification: Since most creatures cannot thrive in acidic settings, an ecosystem's species
variety tends to decline with acidification. Acidification, which is the oceans' pH dropping, is
primarily caused by human activity. Since it destroys live organisms that can only thrive at
preindustrial marine pHs, it lowers diversity.

The hydrodynamic population, which is based in water, as well as the terrestrial ecosystem,
which is based on land, are both affected by biotic variables. The location of where humans
participate in specific activities is determined by biotic factors, which are crucial in
population regulation. For each species to reproduce and to meet basic needs like food, the
interactions between numerous biotic variables are vital.

Biotic Factors include:

6
Facilitation: Whenever a species coexists with each other without harming it, it facilitates the
growth and establishment of the latter, hence affecting species diversity.

Competition: The population of a species that is less capable of competing with other
creatures will be selected out by competition and forced to migrate to a different ecosystem.
The less adept species will have to leave the community as a result, reducing the diversity,
which has an impact on species diversity

7
 Presentation of Data

A BAR GRAPH SHOWING THE PH TAKEN AT THE FOUR

SITES
9

8.5

7.5

6.5
r v h t) ) )
ve Ri ac ar dl
e nd
Ri a Be (S
t id r(
E
uts Se g r ( M ve
G in i ve r i
si h
kR ive kR
F
ac kR ac
tte
e
Bl ac Bl
rro Bl
Pa

Figure 1: A Bar Graph showing the pH taken at Guts River, Sea Riv, Parrotee Fishing Beach
and Black River Safari.

A BAR GRAPH SHOWING THE RESULTS OF PH TAKEN

WITH THE UNIVERSAL INDICATOR SOLUTION
12
10
10
8
8 8 8
6 7 7
6
4
2
0
er v h ri
iv Ri ac fa
t s R
Se
a Be S a
Gu in
g
v er
sh Ri
Fi k
te
e l ac
ro B
r
Pa

Start Middle End

Figure 2: A Bar Graph showing the results of the PH taken with the Universal Indicator
Solution.

8
 TABLE SHOWING THE pH OF THE FOUR SITES

Sites pH results
Guts River 8
Sea Riv Start: 8
End: 10
Parrotee Fishing Beach Start: 8 (Using Universal Indicator)
Black River Safari Start: 7
Middle: 7
End: 6

Table 1: A Table showing the results of the pH of the four sites.

A BAR GRAPH SHOWING THE TEMPERATURE

TAKEN AT GUTS RIVER

Soil 30

Air 33

Water 26

0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40

Figure 3: A Bar Graph showing the Temperature of Soil, Water and Air taken at Guts River.

9
 A BAR GRAPH SHOWING THE TEMPERATURE TAKE AT SEA
RIV

Water 28

Air 32

Soil 34

0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40

Figure 4: A Bar Graph showing the Temperature of Soil, Air and Water taken at Sea Riv.

A BAR GRAPH SHOWING THE TEMPERATURE

TAKE AT PAROTEE FISHING BEACH

Water 32

Air 32

Soil 31

30.4 30.6 30.8 31 31.2 31.4 31.6 31.8 32 32.2

Figure 5: A Bar Graph showing the Temperature of Soil, Air and Water taken at Parrottee
Fishing Beach.

10
 A BAR GRAPH SHOWING THE TEMPERATURE
TAKEN AT BLACK RIVER SAFARI

Start
Water 21 29
Middle
End

Air 31 29 31

Soil 35

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100

Figure 6: A Bar Graph showing the Temperature of Soil, Air and Water taken at the Black
River Safari.

TABLE SHOWING THE SALINTY LEVEL OF THE FOUR SITES

SITES SALANITY LEVEL
Guts River High
Sea Riv Start: High
End: Low
Parrotee Fishing Beach High
Black River Safari Start: Low
Middle: Low
End: High

Table 2: A table showing the salinity level for Guts River, Sea Riv, Parotee Fishing Beach
and Black River Safari

11
 A PIE CHART SHOWING THE
SPECIE DIVERSITY AT GUTS RIVER

Flora

Fauna

Figure 7: Species diversity for the Fauna and Flora at Guts River.

A PIE CHART SHOwING THE SPECIE DIVERSITY

AT SEA RIV
Flora

Fauna

Figure 8: Species diversity for the Fauna and Flora at Sea Riv.

12
 A PIE CHART SHOWING THE SPECIE DIVERSITY
AT PAROTEE FISHING BEACH

Fauna

Flora

Figure 9: Species diversity for the Fauna and Flora at Parotee fishing beach

A PIE CHART SHOWING THE SPECIE DIVERSITY AT BLACK

RIVER SAFARI
Fauna

Flora

Figure 10: Species Diversity for Fauna and Flora at Black River Safari.

13
 Analysis of Data

The pH measurements made at the four sites using a pH meter are shown in Figure 1. The
graph shows that the middle of Black River has the greatest pH, whereas Guts River has the
lowest. This is likely a result of its location along Manchester's shoreline. A weak carbonic
acid is created in the ocean water when carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and rocks at the
river's bottom and border are both absorbed by the body of water. The results is that this then
washed up on the shoreline, somewhat acidifying the water nearby. Since the water is
extremely dense with flora that absorbs the majority of the CO2 in the atmosphere as well as
in the water, the three sections of the river that were tested for pH at the Black River Safari
had a neutral value. Similar results are shown in table 1, which shows the pH test. Table 1
shows that all tests were conducted, with the range remaining between 6 and 10.
Figure 2 demonstrates that, when the test is performed using the Universal Indicator
Solution, the results for each sample vary. Temperatures of the water, air, and soil were also
measured at the four distinct sites. Figures 3, 4, 5, and 6 display bar graphs for the
temperature at the Guts River, Sea Riv, Parottee Fishing Beach, and Black River Safari,
respectively, for these three abiotic factors.
The graphs show that the soil is 30 oC at Guts River, 34 oC at Sea River, 31 oC at Parottee,
and 35 oC at Black River. Black River has a high and simple energy absorption ratio,
whereas Guts River has a low temperature due to its low absorption ratio. As for the air
temperature, it is shown in the four sites that the temperature is recorded as 33, 32, 32, and
31 for Guts River, Sea Riv, Parrotee Fishing Beach, and Black River Safari (start, middle,
and end), respectively. Last but not least, the temperature of the water is also represented in
figures 3- 6. It is shown as 26 at Gits River, 28 at Sea Riv, 32 at Parrotee Fishing Beach, and
21, 29, and 31 at the beginning, middle, and finish of the Black River Safari, respectively.
The water in the Guts River is the coldest since it takes more energy to heat up.
According to Table 2, the salinity for the four sites is as follows: Guts River has a high
salinity; Sea Riv's start has a high salinity while the end has a low salinity; Parrotee's salinity
is high; and Black River's end has a higher salinity than the middle and start of the river. The
high salinity of each river may be due the fact that the coasts of the ocean wash over it.
Additionally, based on their flora and fauna, figures 7–10 demonstrate the richness of the
two ecosystems. Figure 7 shows a pie chart of the species diversity for the Guts River; there
is greater diversity in the flora, which has 394 species overall, than in the fauna, which has
36 species. Figure 8 shows a pie chart showing the species diversity of Sea Riv; the graph
shows that there is more variety in the flora, which has 280 species overall, than there is in
the animals, which only have 31. Figure 9 shows a pie chart of the species diversity at
Parrotee Fishing Beach. Flora has a greater variety, with a total of 64 species, compared to
fauna, which has 20 species. Figure 10 shows a pie chart of the species diversity for the
Black River Safari. There is more variety in the flora, which has a total of 2599 species, than
the fauna, which has 51 species.
These locations have the right temperature, salinity, and pH for vegetation to thrive, which
would explain the richness of plant species. These three abiotic factors were also noted.

14
 Discussion of Findings

The physical concept of temperature indicates in numerical form how hot or cold something
is. The temperatures of the three abiotic factors—soil, air, and water—were measured at the
four locations that were visited. Of these three abiotic factors, the soil temperature at Black
River Safari gave the highest reading of 35 o C, and the air temperature at Guts River gave
the highest reading of 33 o C. At the Black River Safari, soil particles continuously absorbed
energy from the sun throughout the day, capturing the warmth into the land surface and
raising the soil's temperature. As the sun's viewpoint in the sky changes, so does the amount
of insolation that the soil particles are capable of absorbing also raising the soil's
temperature. Since insolation is continually hitting surfaces as it radiates towards the earth
and absorbs by various absorbent substances, the energy from their surfaces will rise and be
absorbed by the air particles, obviously igniting the air particles above it and raising the air
temperature.
Water has a high specific heat, which means it requires more energy to raise its temperature
compared to other substances; this accounts for why the water's temperatures for Guts River,
Sea Riv, Parotee Fishing Beach, and Black River Safari’s start, middle and end are,
respectively, 26, 28, 32, and 21, 29, 31. It is crucial for aquatic life because it prevents water
from being easily evaporated by the sun, allowing them to survive in aquatic settings. The
alkalinity or acidity of the sample is determined using hydrogen ions from the water sample.
A pH scale is used to measure alkalinity and acidity. It has a range of 0 to 14, with 0 to 6
representing acidity, 8 to 14 representing alkalinity, and 7 representing neutrality.
A pH meter was used to measure the pH of the water samples collected from the four sites,
and the results of the two tests produced readings of 8 for the Guts River, 8 for the Sea Riv
(start), 10 for the Sea Riv (end), 8 for Parrottee Fishing Beach, 7 for the start and middle of
the Black River, and 6 for the end of the Black River. Neutrality was present at Guts River,
Sea Riv (start), Parrottee Fishing Beach, and Black Riveer's beginning, middle, and end. The
bottom of Sea Riv was acidic.
Aquatic organisms and the vegetation that grows in these aquatic environments can be
affected by the pH of the water; if the pH is too low, the water would be too acidic to support
life, and likewise if the pH is too high. For these reasons, aquatic organisms typically
flourish in water with pH levels that are close to neutral.
The saltiness or concentration of salt in a water source is referred to as salinity. The silver
nitrate (AgNO 3) will react with the chloride ions (Cl -) from the salt in the water (NaCl) to
generate a white precipitate when measuring the salinity of a sample water.
For all four places that were visited, the reaction resulted in a white precipitate for the water
samples, suggesting that the sampled water were saline. However, the salinity of the water
will determine the types of aquatic organisms that can survive there. This is significant
because the majority of aquatic organisms have adapted to live in a range of saline
environments; if they are exposed to salinities that are too high, they will shrivel and die as a
result of dehydration brought on by water diffusing out of their cells.

15
 Conclusion

It may be deduced that both biotic and abiotic factors, consiting pH, temperature, and
competition, contribute to species diversity in an ecosystem. This is because different
organisms will need different conditions to survive and prosper, such as an ideal temperature,
a neutral pH, and an ideal level of salinity. Along with other elements like competition or
mutual trust between species for development and progress.

Recommendations

The right disposal of trash must be considered in order to have a robust and developed
ecosystem. The improper disposal of rubbish, such as laundry detergent, plastic baths, and
old wheelbarrows, was seen during the site inspections at Site 1 and it is advised that the
local residents start installing receptacles on the beach where garbage can be properly
disposed of. You can accomplish this by using an iron bin or by using trash bags.

16
Appendix 1

17
 SITE VISIT #1

Entry #1
Date: October 26 2022
Site: Guts River, Manchester
Time: 12:12 pm
Aim: To investigate freshwater and coastal ecosystem.
Objectives: An analysis of the biotic and abiotic factors that impact species diversity in
environmental ecosystems.
•Factors to be observed: 1.The temperature of air, water and soil
2. The water holding capacity of the soil
3. The Salinity
4. The pH of the water

Background:
Guts River is located about five kilometers west of the Canoe Valley Protected Area, or 16
km east along the coast into Manchester from Alligator Pond, the Guts River creates a small
pool as it emerges from the rocks with cool, crystal-clear waters said to have medicinal
qualities. The deserted beach nearby is great for a stroll.

Activities:
Student’s Activities: 1.Took the sample and pH of the water
2. Collected soil samples at the river
3. Took pictures of the environment
4. Recorded air and water temperature
5. Collected the pH of the water using the pH meter.
Observed activities:

18
   Figure 11
Figure 1 shows algae that has accumulated on the river's surface.

   Figure 12.1
Figure 2.1 shows a phosphate-based detergent that can cause eutrophication.

Figure 12.2 
Figure 2.2 depicts a washing container and brush as proof that people washed in the
river, which led to the development of algae (eutrophication).

Figure 13
Figure 3 depicts a crab showing evidence that there is life in Guts River.

19
Observation:
FIGURE 14: TABLE SHOWING THE RECORDING OF THE ABIOTIC FACTORS
IN THE AREA

Abiotic Factors
Temperature Air-33 °C
Water-26 °C
Soil-30 °C
Water pH 7.4

Figure 15.1: TABLE SHOWING THE BIOTIC FACTORS OF FAUNA FOUND IN

THE AREA
Species Tally Number/N n-1 N(n-1)
Dragonflies ||||| ||||| ||||| 15 14 210
Wasps ||||| 5 4 20
Bees || 2 1 2
Fish |||| 4 3 12
Crab || 2 1 2
Butterflies ||||| || 7 6 42
Termites | 1 0 1
Total |||| |||| |||| |||| |||| |||| Σ= 36 Σ= 29 Σ n(n-1)= 289
|||| ||

Figure 15.2: TABLE SHOWING THE BIOTIC FACTORS OF FLORA FOUND IN

THE AREA

Species Tally Number/N n-1 N(n-1)

Wild Cane ||||| ||||| ||||| ||||| ||||| 100 99 9,900
||||| ||||| ||||| ||||| |||||
||||| ||||| ||||| ||||| |||||
||||| ||||| ||||| ||||| |||||
Almond Tree |||| 4 3 12
Purple | 1 0 0
Periwinkle
Flower
Pink Periwinkle ||||| ||||| ||||| |||| ||||| 25 24 600
Flower
White ||||| ||||| ||||| ||||| ||||| 40 39 1,560
Periwinkle ||||| ||||| |||||
Flower

20
 Coconut Trees ||||| ||| 8 7 56
Bull Thatch ||| 3 2 6
Plant
Savannah Grass ||||| ||||| ||||| ||||| ||||| 200 199 39,800
||||| ||||| ||||| ||||| |||||
||||| ||||| ||||| ||||| |||||
||||| ||||| ||||| ||||| |||||
||||| ||||| ||||| ||||| |||||
||||| ||||| ||||| ||||| |||||
||||| ||||| ||||| ||||| |||||
||||| ||||| ||||| ||||| |||||
Black | 1 0 0
Mangrov9es
Sea Grape Tree || 2 1 2
Milkweeds ||| 3 2 6
Plant X ||||| || 7 6 42
Total ||||| ||||| ||||| ||||| ||||| Σ=394 Σ=382 Σ n(n-1)=51,984
||||| ||||| ||||| ||||| |||||
||||| ||||| ||||| ||||| |||||
||||| ||||| ||||| ||||| |||||
||||| ||||| ||||| ||||| |||||
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||||| ||||| ||||| ||||| |||||
||||| ||||| ||||| ||||| |||||
||||| ||||| ||||| ||||| |||||
||||| ||||| ||||| ||||| |||||
||||| ||||| ||||| ||||| |||||
||||| ||||| ||||| ||||| |||||
||||| ||||| ||||| ||||| |||||
||||| ||||| ||||| ||||| |||||
||||| ||||| ||||| ||||

Comments: 1.The area around the river was covered in overgrown plants.
2. The river's bottom was littered with trash and steel.
3. The river serves a variety of functions (swimming, washing etc).

Follow-up Activity:
 Investigated the area around the river.
 Gathered samples for testing.
 Headed to the second site visit.

21
 Site Visit #2

Entry: #2
Date: October 26, 2022
Site: Sea Riv, St. Elizabeth
Time: 1:38pm
Aim: To investigate freshwater and coastal ecosystems.
Objective: An analysis of the biotic and abiotic factors that impact species diversity in
environmental ecosystems.
 Factors to be observed: 1.The temperature of air, water and soil
2. The water holding capacity of the soil
3. The Salinity
4. The pH of the water

Background:
Sea Riv is situated in Alligator Pond, a neighborhood community bordering St. Elizabeth on
Manchester's southernmost point. About 3.2 kilometers (2 miles) west of the settlement, off
the road going to Port Kaiser, is the Alligator Pond River, a popular swimming area. The
river got its name because it empties into the sea.

Activities:

Student’s Activities: 1.Walking along the river’s stretch.

2. Took the sample and pH of the water
3. Collected soil samples at the river
4. Took pictures of the environment
5. Recorded air and water temperature
6. Collected the pH of the water using the pH meter.

Observed Activities:

22
 Figure 16
Figure 7 depicts the mangrove at Sea Riv, which runs along one side.

Figure 17.1
Where the river empties into the sea is depicted in Figure 17.1.

Figure 17.2
Figure 8.2 shows the meeting point of the sea and river from a distance.

23
Figure 18: TABLE SHOWING THE RECORDING OF THE ABIOTIC FACTORS IN
THE AREA

Abiotic Factors
Temperature Air- 32 degrees
Water- 28 degrees
Soil Temperature- 34
degrees
Water Ph 8.1

Figure (19.1): TABLE SHOWING THE BIOTIC FACTORS OF FAUNA FOUND IN

THE AREA

Species Tally Number/N n-1 n(n-1)

Houseflies ||||| 5 4 20
Duck ||||| || 7 6 42
Dog ||||| || 7 6 42
Seagulls ||||| || 7 6 42
Cat ||||| 5 4 20
Total ||||| ||||| ||||| ||||| Σ=31 Σ=26 Σ n(n-1)=166
||||| ||||| |

Figure (19.2): TABLE SHOWING THE BIOTIC FACTORS OF FLORA FOUND IN

THE AREA

Species Tally Number/N n-1 n(n-1)

Coconut Trees ||||| |||| 9 8 72
Wild Cane ||||| ||||| ||||| ||||| ||||| 50 49 2,450
||||| ||||| ||||| ||||| |||||
Sea Grape Trees ||||| | 6 5 30
Almond Trees ||||| ||| 8 7 56
White ||||| ||||| ||||| ||||| ||||| 200 199 39.800
Mangroves ||||| ||||| ||||| ||||| |||||
||||| ||||| ||||| ||||| |||||
||||| ||||| ||||| ||||| |||||
||||| ||||| ||||| ||||| |||||
||||| ||||| ||||| ||||| |||||
||||| ||||| ||||| ||||| |||||
||||| ||||| ||||| ||||| |||||
Weeping ||||| || 7 6 42
Willow
Total ||||| ||||| ||||| ||||| ||||| Σ=280 Σ=274 Σ n(n-1)= 42,450
||||| ||||| ||||| ||||| |||||
||||| ||||| ||||| ||||| |||||

24
 ||||| ||||| ||||| ||||| |||||
||||| ||||| ||||| ||||| |||||
||||| ||||| ||||| ||||| |||||
||||| ||||| ||||| ||||| |||||
||||| ||||| ||||| ||||| |||||
||||| ||||| ||||| ||||| |||||
||||| ||||| ||||| ||||| |||||
||||| ||||| ||||| ||||| |||||
|||||

Comments:
1. Along the side of the river, there were numerous mangrove trees.
2. There was intense wind.
3. The river water was cooler than the sea water.

Follow-up Activity:
 Investigated the area around the river.
 Gathered samples for testing.

25
 Site Visit #3

Entry: #3
Date: November 4, 2022
Site: Parrotte Fishing Beach, St.Elizabeth
Time: 10:54 am
Aim: To investigate freshwater and coastal ecosystems.
Objective: An analysis of the biotic and abiotic factors that impact species diversity in
environmental ecosystems.
 Factors to be observed: 1.The temperature of air, water and soil
2. The water holding capacity of the soil
3. The Salinity
4. The pH of the water
Background:
A little fishing community called Parottee Fishing Beach is located just past Black River. It
is organized along a straight street that follows the coastline. But the sand on the beach isn't
white. It is muddy, brownish material that gives the sea a foggy appearance.

Activities:

Student’s Activities: 1. Walking along the beach’s stretch.

2. Spoke with the local fishermen.
3. Took the sample and pH of the water
4. Collected soil samples at the river
5. Took pictures of the environment
6. Recorded air, soil and water temperature
7. Collected the pH of the water using the pH meter.

Observed Activities:

26
 Figure 11
A part of the beach's stretch is captured in Figure 11.

Figure 12
The image of a sea grape tree.

27
 Figure 13
The image of a shark that was caught by one of the fishermens.

Figure 14
The image of a fisherman’s catch.

Figure 15: TABLE SHOWING THE RECORDING OF THE ABIOTIC FACTORS IN

THE AREA

28
 Abiotic Factors
Temperature Air-32 degrees
Water-32 degrees
Soil Temperature-31
Water pH 8.2

Figure 16.1: TABLE SHOWING THE BIOTIC FACTORS OF FAUNA FOUNF IN

THE AREA
Species Tally Number/N n-1 n(n-1)
Butterfly | 1 0 0
Lobster ||||| ||||| 10 9 90
Goat | 1 0 0
Sea gull | 1 0 0
Dogs ||||| || 7 6 42
Total ||||| ||||| ||||| ||||| Σ= 20 Σ= 15 Σ n(n-1)= 133

Figure 16.2: TABLE SHOWING THE BIOTUC FACTORS OF FLORA FOUND IN

THE AREA

Species Tally Number/N n-1 n(n-1)

Gwangua Tree | 1 0 0
Cassava Tree | 1 0 0
Milkweed || 2 1 2
Walnut Tree | 1 0 0
Sea Grape Tree | 1 0 0
Sea wiss Tree |||| 4 3 12
Costal Bermuda ||||| | 6 5 30
Tree
Cerasee Tree ||| 3 2 6
Akosha (maka) ||||| 5 4 20
White Perwinkle | 1 0 0
Tree
Ackee Tree | 1 0 0
Bull Thatch Tree || 2 1 2
Tulip Tree ||||| ||||| 10 9 90
Breadfruit Tree | 1 0 0
Total ||||| ||||| ||||| ||||| Σ= 64 Σ= 40 Σ n(n-1)= 402
||||| ||||| ||||| |||||
|||| ||||| ||||| ||||||
||||

Comments:
1. The air was quite windy and smelt like fish.

29
2. A jellyfish washed up on the beach.
3. Pelican bar could be seen from the shore.

Follow-up Activity:

 Investigated the area around the beach.

 Gathered samples for testing.
 Headed to the second site visit.

30
 Site Visit #4
Entry: #4
Date: November 4, 2022
Site: Black River Safari, St Elizabeth
Time: 11:50 am
Aim: To investigate freshwater and coastal ecosystems.
Objective: An analysis of the biotic and abiotic factors that impact species diversity in
environmental ecosystems.
• Factors to be observed: 1.The temperature of air, water and soil
2. The water holding capacity of the soil
3. The Salinity
4. The pH of the water

Background:
One of Jamaica's longest rivers is the Black River. With a 53.4 kilometer length (33miles).
Its name alludes to the gloomy appearance of the riverbed brought on by dense
accumulations of rotting plants. The Black River morass and Crocodiles has been home to
more than 100 different bird species.

Activities:
Student’s Activities:
1. Asked the captain to collect the sample and pH of the water
2. Collected soil samples at the bank of the river.
3. Took pictures of the environment
4. Recorded air and water temperature
5. Collected the pH of the water using the pH meter.
6. Asked questions about the river and its inhabitants.
7. Recorded the animal and plants seen while on the boat ride.

Observed Activities:

31
 Figure 17
One of the many mangroves that line the banks of the river is depicted in this image.

Figure 18
A crocodile in a trance digesting food.

Figure 19
A crocodile at the safari, one of several.

32
 Figure 20
Rescued crocodiles at the facility's infirmary.

Figure 21
Water Pancakes Lilies

Figure (22): TABLE SHOWING THE RECORDING OF THE ABIOTIC FACTORS

IN THE AREA

Abiotic Factors
Temperature (Start)
Air- 31 degrees Celsius
Water- 21 degrees Celsius
Soil - 35 degrees Celsius

33
 (Middle)
Air - 29 degrees Celsius
Water - 29 degrees Celsius

(End)
Air -31 degrees Celsius
Water - 31 degrees Celsius

Water pH (Start)
8.2

(Middle)
8.5

(End)
8.3

Figure 23: TABLE SHOWING THE BIOTIC FACTORS OF FAUNA FOUNF IN THE
AREA

Species Tally Number/N n-1 N(n-1)

Sea Gulls || 2 1 2
Egrets ||||| 5 4 20
Dragon Flies || 2 1 2
Crocodiles ||||| ||||| ||||| ||||| ||||| 33 32 1056
||||| |||
Turtles ||||| ||| 8 7
Great Blue | 1 0 0
Heron
Total ||||| ||||| ||||| ||||| ||||| Σ=51 Σ=45 Σn(n-1)= 1080
||||| ||||| |||| ||||| ||||| |

Figure 24: TABLE SHOWING THE BIOTIC FACTORS OF FLORA FOUND IN

THE AREA

Species Tally Number/N n-1 N(n-1)

Joseph Coat | 1 0 0
Plant

34
Palm Trees ||||| ||||| || 12 11
Guava Trees || 2 1 2
Mango Trees || 2 1 2
Giant Fern Tress ||||| ||||| ||||| ||||| ||||| 600 599
||||| ||||| ||||| ||||| |||||
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||||| ||||| ||||| ||||| |||||
||||| ||||| ||||| ||||| |||||
Willow Tree || 2 1 2
Wild Cane ||||| ||||| ||||| ||||| ||||| 200 199
||||| ||||| ||||| ||||| |||||
||||| ||||| ||||| ||||| |||||
||||| ||||| ||||| ||||| |||||
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||||| ||||| ||||| ||||| |||||
||||| ||||| ||||| ||||| |||||
Red Mangroves ||||| ||||| ||||| ||||| ||||| 500 499
||||| ||||| ||||| ||||| |||||
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35
 ||||| ||||| ||||| ||||| |||||
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||||| ||||| ||||| ||||| |||||
||||| ||||| ||||| ||||| |||||
||||| ||||| ||||| ||||| |||||
White ||||| ||||| ||||| ||||| ||||| 500 499
Mangroves ||||| ||||| ||||| ||||| |||||
||||| ||||| ||||| ||||| |||||
||||| ||||| ||||| ||||| |||||
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||||| ||||| ||||| ||||| |||||
||||| ||||| ||||| ||||| |||||
Black ||||| ||||| ||||| ||||| ||||| 300 299
Mangroves ||||| ||||| ||||| ||||| |||||
||||| ||||| ||||| ||||| |||||
||||| ||||| ||||| ||||| |||||
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36
 ||||| ||||| ||||| ||||| |||||
||||| ||||| ||||| ||||| |||||
Water Hyacinths ||||| ||||| ||||| ||||| ||||| 30 29
||||
Logwood Trees ||||| ||||| ||||| ||||| ||||| 100 99
|||| ||||| ||||| ||||| |||||
||||| ||||| ||||| ||||| |||||
|||| ||||| ||||| ||||| |||||
Bull Rush Grass ||||| ||||| ||||| ||||| ||||| 300 299
|||| ||||| ||||| ||||| |||||
||||| ||||| ||||| ||||| |||||
|||| ||||| ||||| ||||| |||||
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||||| ||||| ||||| ||||| |||||
|||| ||||| ||||| ||||| |||||
Water Pancakes ||||| ||||| ||||| ||||| ||||| 50 49
Lilies |||| ||||| ||||| ||||| |||||
Total ||||| ||||| ||||| ||||| ||||| 2,599 2,585 1,001,258
||||| ||||| ||||| ||||| |||||
||||| ||||| ||||| ||||| |||||
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37
||||| ||||| ||||| ||||| |||||
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38
Comments:
1. The air was quite windy.
2. The scenery was beautiful
3. The river’s banks were lined with different forms of mangroves and grass.

Follow-up Activity:
• Investigated the area around the beach.
• Gathered samples for testing.

39
Plan and Design Lab
Problem Statement: It was observed by students of DeCarteret College that alga is growing
in Guts River. They also observed various brands of soap powder paper of the banks of the
river. Students wondered if it is the use of pf laundry detergent (soap powder) would cause
the growth in the river.
Plan and Design an experiment to investigate a possible reason for the growth.

Date: December 16, 2022

Title: Plan and Design
Aim: To investigate whether pf washing detergent can result in algal development
Apparatus/Materials: 2 large jars, a pf laundry detergent, measuring cup and a bottle
containing the water sample with alga from Guts River
Method:
1. Write "TEST" across one jar and "CONTROL" on the other.
2. Divide the water sample in half and put one half in one jar and the other in another.
3. The test jar should contain half a cup of liquid laundry detergent, whereas the control jar
should remain chemical-free.
4. Leave the jars in the sun alone for two weeks.
5. Collect data.

40
 Lab #1
Date:
Title: Water-Holding Capacity

Aim: To determine the water holding capacity of four (4) soil samples: Guts River, Sea Riv,
Parrotee Fishing Beach, Black River Safari

Material/Apparatus: beaker, measuring cylinder, filter funnels, filter paper, spatulas, petri
dish, electronic scale, samples of water

Method:

1. The beakers and measuring cylinders were measured.

2. The filter funnel was placed in the measuring cylinder and the folded filter paper was
placed the filter funnel.
3. The soil was placed to dry on a hot plate for two hours.
4. 30 grams of the soil from Guts River was weighed into a petri dish.
5. 80 ml of water was measured using a measuring cylinder.
6. The 80 ml of water was poured into the beaker with 30 grams of soil and then mixed
with a spatula.
7. The mixture was poured into the filter funnel.
8. The soil was left to drain and the amount of water left in the cylinder was measured.
9. Step 1-7 was repeated using samples for Sea Riv, Parrotee Fishing Beach and Black
River Safari.

Results:
Water Holing Capacity
1. Guts River- 64 ml
2. Sea Riv- 67 ml
3. Parrotee Fishing Beach- 68 ml
4. Black River Safari- 52 ml

Calculations:
Formula = Amount of water drained – Filtrate
1. Guts River-

80ml – 64ml = 16ml

41
 2. Sea Riv-

80ml – 67ml = 13ml

3. Parrotee Fishing Beach-

80ml – 68ml = 12 ml

4. Black River Safari-

80 ml – 52 ml = 28 ml

Discussion:
Different outcomes were found when the water retention capacity of the four soil samples
was evaluated. The holding capacity of the Guts River sample was 16 ml, the Sea Riv was 13
ml, the Parrottee Fishing Beach was 12 ml, and the Black River Safari was 28 ml. The soils
tested have small sized particles and will have a bigger surface area, soil can retain more
water in between the fine particles, which may explain why the samples with low water
holding contain a low percentage of silt and clay particles. The amount of water that can be
saved for plant survival will be impacted by the soil samples' low water retention capacity.

Conclusion:
All four sites have adequate water retention to support the growth of plants.

42
 Lab #2
Date:
Title: Salinity
Aim: To determine the salinity of four (4) water samples. Guts River, Sea Riv, Parrotee
Fishing Beach and Black River Safari
Materials/Apparatus: dropper, measuring cylinder, silver nitrate, water samples, test-tube,
test-tube holder
Method:
1. The water sample was diluted by 2ml and placed into a measuring container.
2. To each sample in the test tube, 4 droplets of silver nitrate were administered.
3. After giving the combination a vigorous shake, it was given some time to settle.
4. The outcomes were noted and then reviewed.

Results:
Guts River- (Start)

A whitish, foggy solvent was produced. In addition, a white precipitate developed.

Sea River- (At the start of the river)

There wasn't much white precipitation that was overcast.

(At the end of the river)

It turned into a very gloomy, white precipitation.

Parrottee Fishing Beach

A white, very hazy precipitation developed.

Black River Safari- (At the end)

A cloudier white precipitate was formed.

(At the start)

White Precipitate formed

43
(At the middle)
White Precipitate formed

Discussion:
Salinity is the measure of how much salt has been dissolved in a body of water. Most
aquatic organisms are adapted to survive in specific saline conditions, the salinity of the
water is crucial for all living things. Organisms that are in saline surroundings that are too
salinous for them would shrivel and die as a result of the higher concentration of salt in the
water.

Conclusion:
The fauna that lives or thrives in Guts River would not survive in Black River Safari,
Parrottee Fishing Brach, or Sea Riv due to the body of water's high salinity/salt
concentration.

44
 Lab #3
Date:
Title: pH
Aim: To determine the pH of four water samples. Guts River, Sea Riv, Parrotee Fishing
Beach and Black River Safari
Material/Apparatus:
Method:
Usig the pH Meter
1. A beaker was filled with 6ml of filtered water.
2. A pH meter was properly calibrated and inserted into the beaker.
3. To determine the pH level of the water, the pH meter was submerged in the Guts River,
and the machine's readings were examined and recorded.
4. The first three steps were recorded for Sea Riv, Parrottee Fishing Beach, and Black River
Safari.
Method using Universal Indicator:
1. 4 ml of Guts River water sample was placed into a test tube.
2. 2. The water sample received 2 drops of universal indicator solution.
3. 3. The mixture was examined, and the outcomes were noted.
4. 4. Repeat steps 1 through 3 for Black River Safari, Parrottee Bay Beach, and Sea Riv.

Results:
Guts River- pH 8
Sea Riv (start) - pH 8
Sea Riv (end) - pH 10
Parrottee Fishing Beach - pH of 8 (using universal indicator)
Black River Safari (middle) - pH 7
(Start) – pH 7
(End )- pH 6

Discussion:

45
The hydrogen ion concentration in a sample is measured to determine whether it is alkaline
or acidic. A pH scale has a range ranging from zero to 14, with 0 to 6 considered acidic, 8 to
14, and 7 representing neutral. Aquatic plants and animals that have adapted to specific pH
levels in their environment may be affected by the pH of the water. The environment would
be too acidic to support life if the pH was too low, and the opposite would be true if the
water was too alkaline.

Conclusion:
It can be concluded that the pH levels for all the sites are neutral.

46
 Lab #4
Date:
Title: Lead
Aim: To determine the lead of four water samples. Guts River, Sea Riv, Parrotee Fishing
Beach and Black River Safari
Materials/Apparatus: water samples, potassium iodine, test tube

Method:
1. 2ml of water sample was measured from Guts River
2. The water sample was poured into a test tube
3. A small amount of KI (potassium iodide) was added to the test tube
4. The test tube was then shook vigorously, observed and recorded the results.
5. Step 1 to 4 were repeated for Sea Riv, Parrottee and Black River.

Results:
Sea Riv (end) – No change
Sea Riv (start) - No change
Guts River – No change
Parrottee Fishing Beach – No change
Black River Safari (Start) - No change
(Middle) - No change
(End) - No change

Discussion:
Lead is a cumulative toxicant that affects multiple body systems. None of the samples that
were examined revealed any indications that lead was present in the water.

Conclusion:
There is no lead present in the water samples taken from the four sites visited.

47
 Lab # 5
Date:
Title: Temperature
Aim: To determine the temperature for Black River Safari, Sea Riv and Parrottee Bay Beach
Materials/Apparatus: Thermometer

Method:
1. A portion of the Guts River was located.
2. The water's temperature was recorded by submerging the thermometer in the liquid.
3. The air’s temperature was recorded by holding the thermometer was held in the air.
4. After observing the thermometer, the temperature was noted.
5. The soil’s temperature was measured by placing a thermometer in a hole in the ground
6. A measurement of the thermometer was made.
7. Steps 1 through 6 were repeated at Black River Safari, Parrottee Bay Beach, and Sea Riv.

Discussion:

Conclusion:

48
49
Appendix 2

50
51
52
 Reference
Definitions:
https://bio.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Ecology
https://www.usgs.gov/media/images/ph-scale-0#:~:text=pH%20is%20a%20measure
%20of,hydroxyl%20ions%20in%20the%20water
https://www.water.wa.gov.au/water-topics/water-quality/managing-water-quality/
understanding-salinity#:~:text=The%20term%20%22salinity%22%20refers%20to,(also
%20called%20irrigation%20salinity)
https://www.britannica.com/science/temperature

53