Studying Ecosystems Flashcards
(10 cards)
What can you use to find out how many of each species (plant) live in an ecosystem?
Use a quadrat
What method should be used to avoid bias in counting organisms in an area?
Select a random sampling method
Random sampling helps ensure that the data collected is representative of the entire area.
What is the size of the quadrat used in the organism counting method?
1m2
The quadrat is a square frame used to define the area for sampling.
What is counted within the quadrat during the sampling process?
The number of living organisms or percentage cover
This helps assess the density or coverage of organisms in the sampled area.
How many times should the sampling with the quadrat be repeated?
At least twice or until the numbers are consistent
Repeating the sampling ensures reliability and accuracy of the data.
What is done with the numbers counted from each quadrat?
An average is calculated
Averaging helps to smooth out any anomalies in the data collected.
How is the total number of organisms in the whole area calculated?
The average is multiplied by the total area
This extrapolates the sample data to estimate the total population in the larger area.
What can we use a transect for?
How many animals and plants are found in an environment (frequency)
AND
How the animals and plants are distributed (distribution)
What is a transect?
A series of quadrat samples taken in a line
How can we improve the accuracy of sampling?
Larger sampled area
