Sampling Required Practical (B7)

Sampling Methods: 

• Pooters - For small insects 
• Nets - For flying things and bugs
• Pitfall traps - for large bugs and animals
• Quadrats - for flowers and counting things

{Random Quadrat Sampling: 

1. Randomly generate 10 sets of coordinates by picking from a bag or using a number generator 
2. Use the numbers and the take measures to lactate the first position of the quadrat
3. Lay the quadrat on the ground and record the number of the chosen organism on inside the quadrat 
4. Repeat until you have recorded the amount of the chosen organism in 10 quadrats 

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{Mathematical Method: 

1. Calculate the mean number of organism of the 10 quadrats
2. Calculate the area of the quadrat
3. Calculate the number of quadrats that fits into you quadrat area
4. Multiply step 2 by the mean number of organism

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  Transect Sampling:

1. Put the 30 m tape measure in a line from the base of a tree to an open area of the ground. 
2. Put the quadrant against the transect line. One corner of the quadrant should be touching the 0m mark on the tape measure. 
3. Count the number of organisms inside the quadrant. 
4. Used the light metre to measure the light intensity at this position. 
5. Record your results on a table. 
6. Move the quadrant 2m up the transect line and count the number of organisms again. Measure the light intensity at this position. Record your results in your table. 
7. Continue to place the quadrat at 2m intervals up the transect line. Count the number of organisms and measure the light intensity in each quadrant. 

Biotic Factors - Living factors that affect living organisms and therefore communities 

• Food availability
• Predators 
• Human impact 
• Pathogens 

Abiotic Factors - Nonliving factors that affect living organisms and therefore communities 

• Excess light/rain 
• Minerals lack/excess