IB Biology IA idea · Behaviour of invertebrates (ethical only)
IB Biology IA idea: why do pollinators choose one flower patch over another?
Pollinators visit some flower patches far more than others. Count visits and test what matters.
These ideas are starting points, not an IA to copy. Never copy an idea blindly: make the question, method and analysis your own, and check your plan with your teacher.
Example research question
How does the number of open flowers in a patch (5, 10, 20, 40, 70 and 100) affect insect visits per flower in 10 minutes, watched from a fixed distance at five patches of each size?
Change the system, the range or the method so the question is yours. Check it against the research question checklist in our Biology IA guide.
Variables
- You change
- number of open flowers in the patch, 6 or more patch sizes from 5 to 100 flowers
- You measure
- visits by insects per patch in 10 minutes, per flower
- You keep the same
- same flower species
- same time of day and weather
- same observer distance
- same visit definition
Method
Choose patches of one flowering plant of different sizes and watch from a fixed distance. Count insect visits in set time blocks and note the type of visitor from a simple key.
Data analysis
Visit rate per flower against patch size with a scatter graph and Spearman correlation; mean and standard deviation over several blocks; compare insect groups. Count uncertainty.
How it works
You change Open flowers per patch and measure Visits per flower (visits per 10 min) in Flowers of one plant species, keeping Observation time, Time of day, Weather, Flower species the same. Expect a graph of Visits per flower / 10 min against Open flowers in patch: Bigger patches may draw more insects, up to a limit.
Make it yours
Compare flower colours or heights in a mixed bed.
Extended Essay angle
Extend to a season-long survey of pollinators with a diversity index and weather data.
Safety
Take care with: work outdoors, animals.
Observe only, from a distance; no handling of insects. Check for allergies to stings.
More Biology IA ideas in Behaviour of invertebrates (ethical only)
- How fast do ants run on a hot path?In the Photon IA Guide
Ants are cold-blooded, so speed depends on how warm the ground is. Watch a trail and time them.
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- Woodlice and damp: how strong is the pull?In the Photon IA Guide
Woodlice crowd into damp spots. How much does a small change in humidity shift their choice?
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