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Field Studies - Quadrat Sampling

Quadrat sampling is a method used to estimate population characteristics like abundance, density, frequency, and distribution by directly counting organisms within randomly placed quadrats of a standard size within a habitat. Quadrats are placed randomly or along transect lines crossing a community. The estimated average density is calculated by dividing the total number of individuals counted by the number of quadrats times the area of each quadrat. Species within each quadrat must be identifiable and enough samples must be taken to provide representative results of the total population.

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Sachin Shrivastav
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488 views1 page

Field Studies - Quadrat Sampling

Quadrat sampling is a method used to estimate population characteristics like abundance, density, frequency, and distribution by directly counting organisms within randomly placed quadrats of a standard size within a habitat. Quadrats are placed randomly or along transect lines crossing a community. The estimated average density is calculated by dividing the total number of individuals counted by the number of quadrats times the area of each quadrat. Species within each quadrat must be identifiable and enough samples must be taken to provide representative results of the total population.

Uploaded by

Sachin Shrivastav
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Field studies - Quadrat sampling

Quadrat sampling is a method by which organisms in a certain proportion (sample) of the


habitat are counted directly.
It is used to estimate population abundance (number), density, frequency and
distribution…
The quadrat position are chosen randomly or they are placed along a transect.
A transect is a line placed across a community of organisms.

Total number if individuals counted


Estimated average density =
Number of quadrats X area of each quadrat

The population of each quadrat must be known


exactly. Species must be distinguishable from each
other, even if they have to be identified at a later
date.

Enough quadrat samples must be taken to provide


results that are representative of the total
population.

Examples: Mapping

Quadrats and transects perpendicular-to-shore can


be used to quantify habitat types:
- substrate type (cobble, pebble, gravel, sand) ;
- algae (brown, red, green) ;
- shells…
- plants

Quadrats sampling can be also used to evaluate the


impact of weathering, trampling or erosion in an
ecosystem or at a cliff or rock face…

Caroline Prevot, Lycée POTHIER, Orléans, INRP ACCES, Formaterre 2010

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