Estimating population size and distribution using transects: practical
I can investigate the effect of a factor on the distribution of species using a transect.
Estimating population size and distribution using transects: practical
I can investigate the effect of a factor on the distribution of species using a transect.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Abiotic factors such as light levels, temperature, soil moisture and pH can be measured.
- Transects can be used to investigate the effects of a changing factor on the distribution and abundance of organisms.
- A transect can be placed along a gradient of a factor (e.g. from shade to full sunlight).
- A belt transect uses quadrats placed along the straight line to measure distribution and abundance.
Keywords
Abiotic factor - Abiotic factors are the non-living components of an ecosystem.
Transect - A transect is a straight line across a habitat that is used to make measurements and observations.
Distribution - The distribution of a species is the geographical area in which a species can be found.
Abundance - Abundance is the number of organisms of a species found within a habitat.
Quadrat - A quadrat is a square frame which is used to sample populations of plants or slow-moving animals.
Common misconception
Quadrats must always be randomly placed to survey organisms.
Quadrats can be systematically placed as part of sampling activities. This is not random sampling but regular sampling.
To help you plan your year 10 biology lesson on: Estimating population size and distribution using transects: practical, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 10 biology lesson on: Estimating population size and distribution using transects: practical, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
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The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
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Explore more key stage 4 biology lessons from the Living organisms and their environments unit, dive into the full secondary biology curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Equipment
Quadrat, 30 m tape measure, clipboard, paper, pencil, light meter (or app on phone).
Content guidance
- Risk assessment required - equipment
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
The number of a species that is found within a habitat.
The range of different species found within a habitat.
The geographical area in which a species can be found.