Sampling

Question 1

What is essential to record

Answer 1

• Time of visit
• Overall impression of the area
• Measured data, ie abiotic factors
• Species identified
• Place where samples were taken from
• Details of photos taken

Question 2

Distribution map

Answer 2

It is useful to draw a map showing the actual geological distribution of the major species in the area

Question 3

Abiotic factors to record

Answer 3

• Humidity / rainfall
• Temperature
• Air / water movement
• Light availability / day length
• Oxygen levels
• Carbon dioxide levels
• pH of soil
• Salinity of water

Question 4

Qualitative

Answer 4

density and abundance

Question 5

Quadrats

Answer 5

thrown randomly, usually measure 1m x 1m:

Question 6

Formula for Abundance

Answer 6

Abundance= abundance in sample area x total are /sample area (average in one quadrat x total area)

Question 7

Formula for Density

Answer 7

Density= abundance/total area

Question 8

Transects

Answer 8

Transects provide information on the distribution of species across a changing sample area (eg rocky shore, mountain range, forest canopy to edge)

Question 9

Mark release recapture

Answer 9

This is used to estimate the abundance of moving animals in an area. Need to make sure method of tagging does not make the animal more vulnerable to predators its change its behaviour.
number tagged originally x total number in sample /number found tagged in sample