5.1.6

Quadrats

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Quadrats

The population size of immobile (e.g. plants) or slow-moving organisms (e.g. limpets) can be estimated using random samples of quadrats.

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Quadrat

  • Quadrats are normally 1m2 square frame divided into 100 squares.
  • Each square represents 1% of the total area of the quadrat.
  • If an individual covers more than half of a square, it is counted as representing 1% of the quadrat.
  • Quadrats are used to count the population size within a large area.
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Sampling

  • If you wanted to investigate the size of a population, it would take hours to count every individual.
  • Taking samples (a small section of the total area) allows the population size to be estimated.
  • It is important that the samples accurately represent the total population size.
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Random sampling

  • Random sampling can be applied by dividing the area of interest into a grid and labelling the grid with coordinates.
  • A random number generator provides a set of random coordinates.
  • The quadrats can be placed using the coordinates.
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Transects

  • Quadrats could also be placed at regular intervals along a transect.
    • A transect is a line across a habitat, usually placed using a tape measure.
  • Transects are used when there is a change, or gradient, in abiotic conditions across the habitat.
  • Transects are used when looking for changes in the abundance or distribution of a species across the environment (e.g. how abundance changes from open field to forest).
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Line transect

  • A line transect records the species that makes contact with the tape measure at regular intervals along the transect.
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Belt transect

  • A belt transect uses quadrats.
  • Quadrats are placed at regular intervals along the transect.
  • An abundance of different species in the quadrat can be measured by:
    • Percentage cover – estimate how much of the quadrat is covered by a particular species
    • Frequency – count how many individuals of a particular species are present in the quadrat.

Jump to other topics

1The Nature & Variety of Living Organisms

2Structure & Functions in Living Organisms

3Organism Functions

3.1Respiration

3.2Gas Exchange

3.3Transport

3.4Excretion

3.5Coordination & Response

4Reproduction & Inheritance

5Ecology

6Biological Resources

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