Estimating population size and distribution in a habitat An essential step in the study of a habitat may be the collection of accurate

information on the sizes of populations present. A total count of all the members of a population is called a census, but this is almost always impractical for example, because the size of the ecosystem is too large, or because of movements of animals, or because some species are only active at dusk or after dark. With plants, the numbers of individual plants typically involved is far too great. Instead, population sizes are investigated in representative, random sample areas. By means of random sampling, every individual of the population has an equal chance of being selected, and so a representative sample is assured. 1 Quadrats A quadrat is a frame that outlines a known area for the purpose of sampling (Figure 5.19). Quadrats are particularly appropriate where communities appear relatively uniform over a given area. 2 Transects Some communities show a trend of variation in a particular direction. Examples include a seashore, pond margin, salt marsh or even land with a simple change from dry to wet soil. Transects are a means of sampling biotic (and abiotic) data at right angles to the impact of unidirectional physical forces.

Random locating of quadrats.