Lesson 5: RP Transects and Quadrats

Question 1

What are the 6 steps for estimating the number of daisies (for instance) in a field?

Answer 1

1.) Measure total area of field using tape measure.
2.) Randomly select a section of field ie. generating random co-ordinates using a computer program.
3.) Place a 0.5x 0.5 (this area can be changed dep on Q) quadrat on those random co- ordinates and count number of daisies in that quadrat.
4.) Repeat steps 2-3 until you have counted number of daisies in 10 different qudrats (at different locations of the field.)
5.) Calculate a mean for number of daisies per quadrat.
6.) Estimate how many daisies are in the whole field by doing: total area/ area of quadrat x mean number of daisies per quadrat.

Question 2

What are the 4 steps for investigating the effect of light intensity on the distribution of any plant (ie. daisies) in a field?

Answer 2

1.) Place a tape measure in a line from the base of a tree to an open area.
2.) Put a quadrat on the transect line (start on side closest to the tree.)
3.) Count the number of daisies in that quadrat and record light intensity at that position using a light meter.
4.) Then, move the quadrat 1m down the tape measure and repeat step 3. Continue doing this all down the tape measure.