9.6 - Fieldwork and Counting Organisms

Question 1

What techniques can be used to determine the number of organisms in a given area?

Answer 1

Fieldwork techniques and tools such as quadrats and transects.

Question 2

What is the purpose of estimating the number of 3-leaf clover in a field?

Answer 2

To determine the biodiversity of an area.

Question 3

What are the two methods to estimate the number of 3-leaf clover?

Answer 3

a) Measure every single 3-leaf clover in the field.
b) Take a sample of 3-leaf clover from a small area to estimate the entire population.

Question 4

Which method is more time-consuming and likely to have a higher error rate?

Answer 4

Method a) measuring every single 3-leaf clover.

Question 5

What is the advantage of method b) for estimating clover population?

Answer 5

It takes significantly less time and has less risk of error.

Question 6

How can we carry out the estimate for the number of clover?

Answer 6

1. Divide the field into 100 equal 1m x 1m squares.
2. Use a random number generator to select a square.
3. Place a 1m x 1m quadrat in the selected square.
4. Count the number of clover in the square.
5. Repeat with a different square 4 times and average the results.
6. Multiply the average by 100 to estimate the total number of clover.