AICE Environmental Management - Sampling Techniques and Ecological Fieldwork

Vocabulary flashcards covering ecological sampling techniques, quadrat types, transects, and pitfall trapping for AICE Environmental Management.

Point sampling

A technique where a number of points within an area is selected and the percentage of points that hits a specific plant is calculated to estimate total plant cover.

Line sampling

A technique where data is collected along a straight line and every plant or organism touching the line is counted, often combined with point sampling or quadrats along transects.

Quadrat sampling

A sampling technique where data is collected within a four-sided apparatus of predetermined size to determine the presence or absence of sedentary or slow-moving species.

Open Frame quadrat

The simplest type of quadrat used to collect data for species lists, such as the count of individual plants or different species.

Percentage cover estimation

A visual estimation of species cover using an open frame quadrat, which can result in bias, miscalculation, and ultimately unreliable data.

Gridded quadrat

A quadrat where the number of grid squares containing a plant is counted to calculate percentage cover, providing more reliable data than visual estimation.

Point quadrat

A vertical frame used to carry out point sampling with pins, where larger plants are counted only once for abundance regardless of the number of pins touching them.

Standard quadrat size

The most common dimensions for a sampling quadrat, measuring $1\,\text{m} \times 1\,\text{m}$, or $1\,\text{m}^2$.

Quadrat counting rule

The standard protocol where plants at least half or more inside a quadrat or grid square are counted.

Transect

A line sampling setup measured and laid out across a field with points or quadrats placed continuously, randomly, or systematically to investigate patterns across an environmental gradient.

Environmental gradient

A continuous change in abiotic factors across a space, such as shifts in soil moisture, temperature, or pH, that influences the distribution of organisms.

Line transect

A method where the number of organisms coming into contact with a measuring tape is counted, producing less complete data but saving time over long distances.

Belt transect

A method where a quadrat is moved along a transect line to count organisms inside, providing more complete data but requiring regular intervals to save time over long distances.

Pitfall trap

A cup or container submerged in the soil with a roof covering for protection, used to catch crawling insects that fall in and cannot get out.

Antifreeze (in pitfall traps)

A liquid added to a pitfall trap to kill and preserve captured insects, preventing predators from injuring prey.

Drain hole (in pitfall traps)

A hole placed in the bottom of a pitfall trap to allow rainwater to drain, which should not be used when a liquid preservative is present.