Neco 2022 Agricultural Science Question 1

A field survey was carried out to assess the biodiversity of weed species in a 1 ha maize field using the 1 m² quadrat method. Five quadrats were randomly placed and the number of individuals of each species recorded is shown in the table below. | Quadrant | Species X | Species Y | Species Z | Species W | |----------|-----------|-----------|-----------|-----------| | 1 | 12 | 5 | 3 | 0 | | 2 | 8 | 7 | 2 | 1 | | 3 | 10 | 4 | 4 | 2 | | 4 | 9 | 6 | 1 | 3 | | 5 | 11 | 5 | 2 | 1 | Using the data, answer the following: (a) Determine the total number of weed individuals recorded across all quadrats. (b) Calculate Simpson’s Diversity Index (D) and express the Simpson’s Index of Diversity (1‑D) to two decimal places. (c) Based on the value of (1‑D), comment on the level of biodiversity in the field and suggest one practical management measure that could improve biodiversity.