B2 2.6 Measuring the distribution of organisms

Quantitative data can be used to describe how physical factors might be affecting the distribution of organisms in a particular habitat. Quantitative data can be obtained by:

• random quantitative sampling using a quadrat
• sampling along a transect.

A quadrat is a square frame made of metal or wood which may be subdivided into a grid. If several quadrats are placed randomly in a field the investigator can count the number of a particular type of plant or animal in each quadrat. This…