B16.3 Distribution and abundance

Sampling plants

It would be impossible to count all the plants in a habitat, so a sample is taken. A tool called a quadrat is often used in sampling plants. It marks off an exact area so that the plants in that area can be identified and counted.

About quadrats:   

• Quadrats should be placed randomly so that a representative sample is taken
• You should look at the results from several quadrats in an area to reduce the effect of an unusual distribution
• The results are more reliable when you…