sampling organisms

• What are abiotic factors?

  Non-living factors that affect living organisms
• Give three examples of abiotic factors.

  Light intensity, temperature, and levels of moisture
• What are the two methods of sampling mentioned?

  Random sampling and sampling along a transect
• How do abiotic factors affect organisms?

  They vary from place to place and affect the number of different organisms found in any location
• What technique do scientists use to determine the number of organisms in an area?

  Sampling
• What is a quadrat?

  A wooden or plastic square used for sampling organisms
• What hypothesis is being investigated regarding ferns?

  Fewer ferns are found in light conditions than in dark conditions
• How is a quadrat used in random sampling?

  It is placed on the ground to count the number of organisms inside
• Why is it important to place the quadrat a large number of times?

  To ensure valid results that accurately represent the whole area
• How do scientists compare the numbers of organisms in different areas?

  By using random sampling with quadrats
• How do scientists use a transect in sampling?

  They place a quadrat at intervals along the transect to count organisms
• What factors should be considered when comparing species abundance in different conditions?

  • Light conditions
  • Moisture levels
  • Temperature variations