Reflections:

, through this experiment, I learned that a quadrat is a sampling technique that involves
using a defined area to estimate the abundance and distribution of species within a larger
habitat. The experiment was well-designed and easy to follow, The instructions provided
clear guidance on how to set up the quadrats, collect data on the organisms within them,
and analyze the results. This hands-on experience allowed me to understand the process
of ecological sampling and how it contributes to our understanding of biodiversity.

Initially, I believed that a quadrat was simply a tool used to determine the different organisms in an
area. However, through this experiment, I learned that a quadrat is a sampling technique that involves
using a defined area to estimate the abundance and distribution of species within a larger habitat. It is
a valuable tool for ecologists to study and monitor biodiversity.The experiment was well-
designed and easy to follow, which made it manageable for me as a student. The
instructions provided clear guidance on how to set up the quadrats, collect data on the
organisms within them, and analyze the results. Additionally, the materials and
equipment needed for the experiment were readily available and easy to use. The
combination of clear instructions and accessible resources made the experiment
understandable and enjoyable. It allowed me to focus on learning the concepts and
techniques rather than being overwhelmed by the logistics of the experiment. This hands-
on experience allowed me to understand the process of ecological sampling and how it contributes to
our understanding of biodiversity. As someone who is interested in pursuing a career in conservation
biology, this experiment gave me valuable insights into the methods used to assess and monitor the
health of ecosystems.

Discussion:
We were given two areas for the experiment which was inland on the land and the shoreline which is
near to the beach. The "throw number" was the total number of tosses made on land and along the
beach. Quadrats were chosen as the sampling method for this experiment because they provide a
standardized area for data collection and allow for comparisons between different areas. The quadrats
were randomly placed in both the inland and shoreline areas to ensure unbiased sampling. This
random selection of quadrats helps to capture the variability in species distribution and abundance
within each area.We made throws 5 times imes inland and 5 times on the beach for a total of 10
throws. For this experiment, we were told to hunt for ants because of the soil and the nutrients and
water they acquire from it, as well as because they were nearly the only species in the area. We made
the random throws counted how many ants we found and placed it on the table under the "chosen
animal" heading. If new species were discovered in the quadrat alongside ants, they would fall into the
"new animals" category. In the inland area, we observed a total of 30 ants across the 5 throws, with an
average of 5 ants per throw. Along the shoreline, we observed a total of 26 ants across the 5 throws,
with an average of 3 ants per throw. This suggests that ants are more abundant in the inland area
compared to the shoreline. In addition to ants, we also discovered four new species in the quadrats: a
bee fly and a grasshopper . This indicates that there is a greater diversity of animals in the inland area
compared to the shoreline The main plant for the experiment was sesuvium, a blooming plant that
thrives predominantly in damp sandy regions. Because of the sandy soil, more sesuvian was
discovered inland rather than along the coast. If any new plants were discovered in the quadrats, the

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same method was applied. Then there's % coverage. This refers to an estimate of the perxentage of
sesuvian coverge in the quadrat.

Limitations:
Throught the exoeriment there were sources of error that affect our results. When
calculating the percentage cover of sesuvium there were patched of grass in the quadrat
and part of sesuvium in other other part of the quadrat. This made it confusing as with
sesuvium in different areas of the quadrat and not in a bunch. made it difficult to make a
proper estim

The presence of patches of grass within the quadrat used to calculate the percentage cover
of sesuvium had an effect on our results. Additionally, there were instances where parts
of the sesuvium were found in other parts of the quadrat, rather than being concentrated
in one area. These factors made it difficult to obtain an accurate estimate of the
percentage cover of sesuvium in the quadrat.

Conclusion:
. Finally, the quadrat is the most successful and simple method of sampling species. Overall, the use of
quadrat sampling has proven to be highly effective and efficient in gathering data on species
abundance. It was discovered that the greater abundance of ants in the inland area shows that the soil
and nutrients in this area are more appropriate for ant populations.

Observations : The environment within the quadrat was alive with the sounds of buzzing
insects, chirping crickets, and occasional bird calls from nearby trees. The vegetation
varied in texture, from the soft leaves of certain plants to the roughness of sesuvium. The
quadrat revealed a variety of plant species, each occupying a specific niche within the
designated area.

Line transect:
Discussion:

Generally, a line transect is a measuring tape or string with markings spaced at regular intervals, such
10 cm or
25 centimeters. It is positioned across the ecosystem in a straight line, with the plant species and
stationary or
animals moving slowly and coming into contact with the line, or touching it at each mark,
are documented.A line transect is drawing a straight line through a habitat and noting every
plant species that the line crosses.In ecological studies, line transects are an essential tool,
especially for figuring out the distribution of plant species. by carefully drawing a straight
line through an area and noting the fusion of plant species. The approach is standardized
by this method, which makes it easier to compare various ecosystems or monitor changes

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in plant composition over time. Each plant species found was given its own symbol.

Canopy start reffered to the where the plant started along the transect while canopy end reffered
to the end of the plant along the transect. Height of each plant was also recorded.

Limitations:
: Line transects cover a specific path, potentially missing plant species that exist away
from the line. Line transects primarily focus on the horizontal distribution of plant
species. The method may overlook differences in plant distribution in the vertical
dimension, such as different canopy layers.

Source Of error: : Ensure that the placement of the transect line is random or
systematically distributed to minimize bias in the selected path.

Observations:
noted the species names and quantity of plants that crossed the transect
line.Measurements of plant height or canopy cover were used to estimate the
vegetation's structure.
Recorded the names and abundance of plant species intersecting the transect line.
Took measurements of plant height or canopy cover to quantify the structure of the
vegetation.
: Observed variations in plant height, density, and structure, ouched and felt the
textures of plant surfaces, ranging from soft leaves to the rough thick sesuviu. ,
providing a sensory understanding of the vegetation.

Conclusion: The line transect provided valuable insights into the distribution patterns of
plant species within the studied habitat. Clusters and gaps along the transect line
indicated variations in species abundance and density.

Aim: The primary aim of a line transect experiment is to systematically assess and
quantify the distribution of plant species within a specific habitat or ecological area
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Physics Lab #1

Aim: To determine the mass of an object by applying the principle of moments.

Method: Find the center of gravity of the ruler by balancing it on the pivot. Place the x
weight on the 60 cm mark then balance the ruler using the unknow weight ( the ruler will
be balanced or unbalanced) . Measure the distance weight from the pivot. Record the
results in a table of results. Repeat at the 60 70 75 80 90.

Apparatus: 100g weight meter ruler battery and pivot.

Precaution:
Dont make the ruler shift. Center of gravity must be on the pivot.

Limitations:
The ruler of example does not have the same thickness on both sides.

Assumption:
- The weights given we assume its the same.
- The cm mark is in the middle so we assume the COG ( center of gravity )

Source Of error:
Parallax error refers to the apparant shift or displacement in the position of an object when it is
viewed from different angles. It occurs due to incorrect positioning of the eyes or an observer
while taking a reading on a measuring cycle.

Moments of known weight = T = f x d

v=mxg

Method: Ran a 10 meter line transect from the shoreline to the vegetation inland and measured
where the plants start as canopy start and where it ends at canopy end and gave each plant species
its own symbol. measure height of each plant along transect and record in table.

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