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Ecological Sampling Methods Midterm - L-2 By: Eedj

This document discusses ecological sampling methods. It explains that sampling is necessary to understand what species are present in a habitat and monitor changes, as directly counting every individual is impossible. There are two main sampling methods: random sampling, which takes samples from random locations, and systematic sampling, which takes samples at regular intervals along transects. Specific techniques are line transects, where species touching the line are counted, and belt transects, where a wider area is sampled to obtain abundance data. Direct observation and capture-mark-recapture are also sampling methods to estimate total population sizes.

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Yongdangji Verano
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213 views

Ecological Sampling Methods Midterm - L-2 By: Eedj

This document discusses ecological sampling methods. It explains that sampling is necessary to understand what species are present in a habitat and monitor changes, as directly counting every individual is impossible. There are two main sampling methods: random sampling, which takes samples from random locations, and systematic sampling, which takes samples at regular intervals along transects. Specific techniques are line transects, where species touching the line are counted, and belt transects, where a wider area is sampled to obtain abundance data. Direct observation and capture-mark-recapture are also sampling methods to estimate total population sizes.

Uploaded by

Yongdangji Verano
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Ecological Sampling Methods

Midterm – L-2

by:
EEDJ
Importance of Sampling
• If we want to know what kind of plants and animals are
in a particular habitat
• To enable you to monitor changes and thus be made
aware of activities which may be causing possible
extinctions etc.
• How many there are of each species.
• usually impossible to go and count each and every one
present
• It would be like trying to count different sizes and
colours of grains of sand on the beach.
Importance of Sampling
• Problem is usually solved by taking a number of
samples from around the habita

• Making the necessary assumption that these samples


are representative of the habitat in general.

• In order to be reasonably sure that the results from


the samples do represent the habitat as closely as
possible, careful planning beforehand is essential.
Importance of Sampling
• Samples are usually taken using a standard sampling
unit of some kind.
• Ensures that all of the samples represent the same
area or volume (water) of the habitat each time.
• Sampling unit is a quadrat.
• Quadrats consist of a square frame, the most
frequently used size being 1m .
• The purpose of using a quadrat is to enable
comparable samples to be obtained from areas of
consistent size and shape.
2 Main Ways of Taking Samples
1. Random Sampling.

2. Systematic Sampling (includes line transect


and belt transect methods).
2 Main Ways of Taking Samples
When to use Random Sampling
• when the area under study is fairly uniform
• very large
• there is limited time available.
• large numbers of samples/records are taken from
different positions within the habitat.
A quadrat frame is most often used for this type of
sampling.
2 Main Ways of Taking Samples
• Samples are taken at fixed intervals, usually along a line.
• This normally involves doing transects
• a sampling line is set up across areas where there are clear
environmental gradients.
• example you might use a transect to show the changes of
plant species as you moved from grassland into woodland,
or to investigate the effect on species composition of a
pollutant radiating out from a particular source .
Types of Transects 

• Line Transect Method:

A transect line can be made using a nylon rope marked and numbered at 0.5m, or 1m intervals, all the way along its length

Species touching the transect are counted.


•

Types of Transects

Belt Transect Method:


Similar to the line transect method but gives information on abundance as well as presence, or absence of species.

• consider it a widening of the line transect to form a continuous belt, or series of quadrats.
Ways of Counting Samples
• Direct Observation
• Capture, Mark, Release
• N = MC/R
Where:
• N = Estimate of total population size
• M = Total number of animals captured and marked on the first
visit
• C = Total number of animals captured on the second visit • R =
Number of animals captured on the first visit that were then
recaptured on the second visit

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