SAMPLING

Objectives:

1. Discuss the importance of sampling.

2. Differentiate between random and systematic sampling.
3. Demonstrate how quadrats and line transects are used to sample an area.
4. Determine a species density, frequency and percentage coverage using data from a quadrat.
5. Identify and discuss other sampling techniques that may be used to sample species in a given
area.

What is sampling?

A sample is a small proportion or quantity that is representative of a whole. (Has to be taken from all
areas within the whole not one selected area). The more samples taken the more representative and
reliable the results will be.

Sampling

Random Systematic

line
quadrat
transect

It is almost impossible to measure or account for every individual within a population (esp. with motile
organisms) when conducting an ecological study.

Several areas that represent the whole, are studied and this is usually repeated several times at
different locations within the area. This increases the reliability when the results are used to make
generalizations about the populations.

Sampling areas selected should be determined randomly to avoid bias.

Information from sampling can be used to determine species density, species frequency, percentage
cover and overall size of the population.
Species density

How many of the organisms are present in a particular area? The average number of a particular species
within a given area is the species density.

Species density = Number of individuals /number of throws (quadrats)

Species frequency

Is the organism present or not present in an area? How often do the species appear during sample?
How many times was it present?

Species frequency (%) = (the number of times seen/ number of throws) x 100 (answer is a percentage)

Percentage cover:

What portion of the environment is covered by the species? This is a measure of the proportion of the
ground coverage occupied by a given species.

From these three we can determine the overall population size.

There are two main types of sampling: random sampling and systematic sampling.

Random sampling

Random sampling is usually carried out when the area under study is fairly uniform, very large and/or
there are limited time available.

When using random sampling techniques, large numbers of samples records are taken to make the
results more representative.

The QUADRAT is a random sampling tool.

This is a square frame or grid that is
usually 1m² or 0.25m².

They are randomly thrown over the

shoulder (not looking at where it is being
thrown) to decrease chances of bias and
all the organisms within each square are
counted, (do not estimate the number).

Quadrats are used to sample vegetation,

slow moving organisms or sessile
organisms.
Information from the quadrats can be used to calculate species density, frequency and percentage cover
can be estimated.

Identify the different species and count each

Note the size of the quadrat used

Draw a table with the species and the different numbers found for each throw.

Specie Number of throws

s 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
A

Limitations when using a quadrat:

 Time consuming and tedious

 It may be hard to distinguish between or identify different species. (esp. grass)
 Moving organisms may move out of the grid
 Organisms may get hurt or damaged when the quadrat is thrown
 Miscounting makes the results less reliable
 Some amount of bias may be introduced when throwing the quadrat.

Systematic sampling

Systematic sampling is when samples are taken at fixed intervals, usually along a line. This normally
involves doing transects where a sampling line is set up across areas where there are clear
environmental gradients (gradual change/ transition in conditions e.g. you might use a transect to show
the changes of plant species as you move from grassland to woodland.

In using a line transect a measured calibrated line is laid across the area in the direction of the
environmental gradient. Species touching the line are to be recorded along the whole length of the line
or at specific points along the line. Record where they are touching the line (e.g. 10m mark) and also
record the height of the plant if it is elevated (some plants are runners and run along the ground).

The researcher can also obtain information on the presence or absence of species.

The height of trees and or slopes in the area are taken, then profile diagrams can be constructed.

Line transects are easy to set up and use and useful information on the species can be generated such as
the number and kinds of species present as the environment changes (zonation).
Belt transect: this is similar to the line transect method but gives information on species density and
abundance (profile diagrams can be done as well). It may be considered as a widening of the line
transect to form a continuous belt, or series of quadrats. The tansect line in laid out in the area to be
surveyed and a quadrat is placed below the first marked point on the line. The plants and or animals
inside each quadrat are then identified and counted.

Other sampling techniques:

1. Mark release recapture

This involves the sampling of animals. They are captured (e.g. using pitfall trap), counted, tagged
and released. After a period of time another capture occurs. Previously tagged animals are
counted and unmarked organisms are counted. The population size is estimated using the
formula:
1st sample x 2nd sample
nd
2 sample previously marked

e.g. 10 animals trapped, marked and released. 1 week later 20 animals were trapped, 5 of these
were found to be marked.
Population size = (10 x 20)/5
= 200/5
= 40 animals

Assumptions:
 no death, immigration, emigration
 sampling methods used are identical
 marking has not affected the survival rate of the animals

2. Pitfall traps
Used to capture larger animals for study. These traps may also be used to estimate species
richness (i.e. the number of species present) and abundance (number of individuals).

3. Sweep nets
This is a funnel-shaped net attached to a long-handled frame that is swept back and forth
through the foliage to capture insects and other small, motile organisms. Once captured they
are counted.

Home work: write up notes on use of

 Pooters
 Bottles/jars
 Sieves