Sampling Organisms

• What are abiotic factors?

  Non-living environmental factors
• Name three examples of abiotic factors.

  Light intensity, temperature, moisture
• What technique do scientists use to determine the number of organisms in an area?

  Sampling
• How do abiotic factors affect organisms?

  They influence the number of different organisms
• What are the two methods of sampling mentioned?

  • Random sampling
  • Sampling along a transect
• What is a quadrat?

  A square frame for sampling organisms
• How is a quadrat used in random sampling?

  Place it on the ground and count organisms
• What hypothesis is investigated regarding ferns?

  Fewer ferns are found in light conditions
• How do scientists select random locations for quadrat placement?

  Using random numbers to choose locations
• Why is it important to place the quadrat multiple times?

  To ensure valid and representative results
• What is the equation for estimating total population size?

  Total population size = (total area / area sampled) * organisms counted
• What is the purpose of sampling along a transect?

  • To investigate species changes across a habitat
  • To measure abiotic factors along a line
• What is a transect?

  A line used for sampling organisms
• How do scientists use a transect in sampling?

  Count organisms at intervals along the line
• What is an example of a habitat where transect sampling might be used?

  A sand dune ecosystem
• How do species change on a sand dune?

  They change as you move inland from the sea
• What should be done to ensure valid results when sampling along a transect?

  Repeat the process multiple times
• What types of plants might be found on a sand dune?

  • Simple grasses
  • Small bushes
  • Small flowers
  • Trees