1. Measuring biotic components of a system
Ecological Sampling
Measuring biotic components of a system

2. Is the amount of different species found in different areas
Is the amount of different species found in different areas. The more biodiversity, the more differences in species found.
The most biodiverse area of the world are ecosystems on and near the equator.
Biodiversity is key to having life continue under many different circumstances.

4. Ecological Sampling What is a sample?
“A portion, piece, or segment that is representative of a whole”
Why do we sample?
it is usually impossible to measure the whole
(4 min)

5. One big assumption… That the sample is representative of the whole
It is necessary to take enough samples so that an accurate representation is obtained
It is important to avoid bias when sampling

6. Sampling Methods Transects and Quadrants Lincoln Index
Plants and Non-motile animals
Lincoln Index
Capture –Mark- Recapture
Small animals
Aerial observations
Large trees and animals

7. Measuring ecosystems
Scientists use many methods to study these interactions/ecosystems.
Observation is a vital tool.
Direct surveys = watch animals with their own eyes and see how they interact
Indirect surveys = check for signs of animals and try to guess interactions
For plants we use quadrat sampling.
Check a small sample area and calculate larger number

8. Ecological Techniques A variety of universal practical approaches
exist for investigating the biotic and abiotic components of ecosystems
Field ecologists investigate communities by using random sampling techniques that aim to:
eliminate bias
reduce the effects of chance
minimise errors in obtaining measurements/samples
Quadrat and transect sampling are commonly used methods for investigating distribution within plant communities and the more sedentary populations of animals such as those found inhabiting seashores

9. Frame quadrats are wooden or metal
frames of known area (e.g m2, 0.5 m2, 1.0 m2) and are generally square-shaped
Various approaches are used to determine the representation of species within an area:
Species population density (number of individuals per square metre) is determined by counting all individuals within a series of randomly placed quadrat frames and calculating the mean
Percentage cover is determined subjectively by assessing the extent to which different species occupy subdivided quadrat frames or by the use of point quadrat frames
Frequency of occurrence of a species is determined using subdivided quadrats and point quadrat frames

10. Quadrat sampling is a classic tool for the study of ecology, especially biodiversity.
In general, a series of squares (quadrats) of a set size are placed in a habitat of interest and the species within those quadrats are identified and recorded.

11. Simply throw the grid out and find an average number of organisms with some basic math.

12. Quadrat sampling involves counting all individuals within a known area (or volume).
Since density (D) and population size (N) are related, as N = D x area, we can estimate the density for the sample and from this compute the total population. ...
Instead, we can calculate the average of these samples.

13. Quadrats and Population Size
Friday Field Lab
Page 401 of textbook—
Quadrats and Population Size
T= N/A T=total population estimate
N=#of individuals counted
# of quadrats
A= total area
area of quadrat

14. Dress in Layers
Estimated temperature at time of class in mid 40s-50s degrees

15. Bio Blitz Dance

16. Download the iNaturalist App
Available FREE from your app store