Please see the advice given for assignment preparation and analysis on pages 8-12.

DO NOT start collecting data before discussing the method you intend to use with your tutor. Failure to do this will, more often than not, result in having to go back to the field and collect more data or having to start over completely.

ASSIGNMENT 1

A geomorphologist at JCU was heard to say, "Why do coconut trees lean towards the sea?" For two locations, test whether the distribution of coconut trees leaning towards or away from the ocean is significantly different. Make sure that you include possible reasons which may explain the results you obtain.

DUE DATE: MONDAY APRIL 12th by 5.00 PM

ASSIGNMENT 2

Many techniques are used to catch insects. One common type is the use of pan traps. These traps come in a variety of colours and consist of small trays filled with water and detergent. Insects are attracted to the traps, land on the water and drown due to the reduced water tension caused by the addition of the detergent. Determine if colour affects the number of insects caught at the traps. Does time of day (Night or Day) affect the trap catch? Are the effects of colour and time of day independent of each other?

DUE DATE: TUESDAY MAY 10th by 5.00 PM

ASSIGNMENT 3

The Green Tree Ant, Oecophylla smaragdina, is common throughout most of North Queensland. Environmental temperature often affects the behaviour of many invertebrates. Determine whether the speed at which ants travel is correlated with environmental temperature. If it is, calculate the equation that predicts the speed of the ant given the environmental temperature.

DUE DATE: MONDAY MAY 28th by 5.00 PM