Required practical : Field sampling techniques

• How do you measure the population size of a common species in a habitat?

  1. Use the gape measures to set up a grid over a area being sampled
  2. Pick numbers from a bag randomly selec a grid reference
  3. Lay the quadrant on the ground
  4. Count the number of individual plants
  5. Repeat steps 2-4 until you have recorded the number of chosen plant species in ten quadrants
  6. Calculate the mean number of daises per quadrant
  7. Use the equation for estimated population size
• How do you calculate the estimated population size?

  Total area/area samples x number of plants counter
• What is the method of using sampling techniques to investigate the effect of a factor on the distribution of this species?

  1. Put the 30m tape measure in a line from the base of a tree to an open area of ground (into increased light intensity)
  2. Put the quadrant against the transect line at 0cm
  3. Count and record the number of plants inside the quadrant
  4. Use the light meter to measure then record the light intensity at this position
  5. Move the quadrant 5m up the line
  6. Continue to place the quadrant at 5m intervals up the transect line recording number of pants and light intensity at each interval