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intro to quadrats

The document discusses methods for measuring population density, focusing on key concepts such as demography, density, and dispersion. It explains the use of quadrats and transects for sampling populations, detailing how to set up quadrats and calculate population density. The document emphasizes the importance of random placement and adequate sampling to ensure representative data.

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dengr3186
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2 views

intro to quadrats

The document discusses methods for measuring population density, focusing on key concepts such as demography, density, and dispersion. It explains the use of quadrats and transects for sampling populations, detailing how to set up quadrats and calculate population density. The document emphasizes the importance of random placement and adequate sampling to ensure representative data.

Uploaded by

dengr3186
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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quadrats on the

quad
Populations – Day 3
Key Terms
• Demography - The study of populations – particularly the characteristics of
populations that can be quantified, such as size, density, and growth rate.

• The vital statistics of a population.

• Density – is the number of individuals per unit of volume or area

• Dispersion – relates how the individuals in a population are spread out


within its geographical boundaries.
Measuring Population Density
•Census vs. Samples
•Transect – a very long rectangle. The starting point and
the direction must be random. The number of individuals in a
certain distance is recorded. Useful when species numbers are
low, or when organisms are very large (like trees!)
Measuring Population Density
•Quadrats – several locations are selected in a specific location of interest. All
quadrat sizes are kept the same (1m2). The number of individual species within the
quadrat is counted. The density of the population can then be determined. Can also
be used in aquatic environments.
Lets review Quadrat set-up
• A quadrat is a shape (rectangular or circular frame) of known area.
They are placed randomly in each area (like we did in the Quad). Within the
quadrat you count the number of individuals of the species in that area. Small
quadrats placed many times / large quadrats fewer times but you need enough
samples must be taken to make it representative.

HOW BIG SHOULD YOUR QUADRAT BE???

The size of quadrat is determined by size of species / area used / the number / size of
quadrats can be determined by tables. From the quadrat sample the population
density is number of organisms divided by area used. The measurement of total area
requires a proportion calculation.
• total (density) = mean number per quadrat * total area
area of quadrats
Let’s review our data
• How many dandelions?
• Purple flower? Daisies?
• Plantains?
• Bumble bees?
• Grasshoppers?

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