Sample interview questions: How do you approach studying the effects of urban pollution on pollinating insects?
Sample answer:
1. Define the Study Area:
– Identify the urban area of interest, considering factors like population density, traffic volume, and industrial activity.
– Select a control site with similar characteristics but less pollution to compare results.
2. Choose Appropriate Pollinating Insect Species:
– Identify common pollinating insects in the study area, such as bees, butterflies, moths, and flies.
– Consider factors like their abundance, diversity, and ecological importance.
3. Collect Baseline Data:
– Conduct a preliminary survey of pollinating insects in both the urban and control sites.
– Establish baseline data on insect diversity, abundance, and community composition.
4. Assess Air and Soil Pollution Levels:
– Measure air pollutants (e.g., particulate matter, ozone, nitrogen oxides) and soil contaminants (e.g., heavy metals, pesticides) at both sites.
– Monitor pollution levels over time to capture variations and trends.
5. Conduct Field Experiments:
– Set up field experiments to directly assess the effects of pollution on pollinating insects.
– Expose insect colonies or individuals to different levels of pollution in controlled conditions.
– Monitor insect behavior, survival, reproduction, and pollination success.
6. Observe Pollination Rates:
– Place flowering plants in both urban and control sites to measure pollination rates.
– Compare the number of flowers visited by pollinators, the amount o… Read full answer