B7- Using Transects Flashcards
What is the first step in using transects to study the distribution of organisms?
Mark out a line in the area you want to study using a tape measure
What is the purpose of collecting data along a transect line?
To count all the organisms you’re interested in that touch the line
What are quadrats used for in studying organism distribution?
To collect data by placing them next to each other along the transect or at intervals
Fill in the blank: You can estimate the percentage cover of a quadrat if it’s difficult to count all the individual _______.
organisms
What does estimating percentage cover involve?
Estimating the percentage area of the quadrat covered by a particular organism
How do you calculate the percentage cover of an organism in a quadrat?
Divide the number of squares covered by the organism by the total number of squares in the quadrat, then multiply by 100
True or False: You count a square if it’s more than half covered by an organism.
True
What is the total number of squares in the quadrat used for calculating percentage cover?
100
What is the calculated percentage cover for Organism Type A if 42 squares are covered?
42%
What is the calculated percentage cover for Organism Type B if 47 squares are covered?
47%
What is the significance of using transects in ecology?
To study the distribution of organisms in a systematic manner
