Sampling plants

Question 1

what is a quadrat

Answer 1

a quadrat is a small frame used to define the size of the sample area

Question 2

how do you prepare to sample plants

Answer 2

wear-
suitable footwear
suitable clothing

have-
camera to record specimens
clipboard, pen and paper
apparatus needed

Question 3

why must a percentage cover be calculated when sampling plants

Answer 3

Because plants are too small or numerous to be counted individually, therefore it may be best to calculate a percentage ground cover

Question 4

how can a quadrat help students estimate percentage ground cover

Answer 4

some quadrats are divided into small squares with string-

Question 5

describe the structure of a point frame

Answer 5

frame holding a number of long needles

Question 6

how can you use a point frame to help measure percentage cover

Answer 6

lower the point frame into the quadrat.
Any plant touching the needles of the point frame.
each individual plant touching the needle can be seen as a 1% cover, as if the frame has 10 needles and is used 10 times it will have 100 readings.

Question 7

what is a transect

Answer 7

a line taken across a habitat

Question 8

what is the common object used as a transect

Answer 8

Tape measure

Question 9

how do you use a transect

Answer 9

• place the transect
• record plants touching the lines at the set intervals

Question 10

what’s the difference between a belt transect and a interrupted belt transect

Answer 10

a belt transect records what plants touch the line at set intervals

an interrupted belt transect is when you use a quadrat at set intervals along the line

Question 11

what type of data does a belt transect provide

Answer 11

Quantitative data- Numerical data which can be analysed statistically.