Estimating population size using quadrats: practical
I can use quadrats to estimate the population size of a species.
Estimating population size using quadrats: practical
I can use quadrats to estimate the population size of a species.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Quadrats can be used to sample an area to estimate population size (abundance).
- Quadrats are used to sample plants and slow-moving, small animals.
- Quadrats can be placed at random to help avoid bias.
- Using quadrats to estimate population size (species abundance) in an area.
- Using quadrats to investigate the population size of a plant species using random sampling.
Keywords
Population - A group of organisms of the same type, in the same place, is called a population.
Sampling - Sampling is a survey of plants and/or animals which provides information about the populations of organisms.
Quadrat - A quadrat is a square frame which is used to sample populations of plants or slow-moving animals.
Abundance - Abundance is the number of organisms of a species found within a habitat.
Common misconception
Quadrats can be used to give an accurate picture of a habitat or ecosystem.
Sampling using a quadrat provides only a snapshot of a specific area at a specific time. To give an accurate picture, quadrat samples need to be taken over a long period of time to provide a more complete picture of a habitat or ecosystem.
To help you plan your year 10 biology lesson on: Estimating population size using quadrats: 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 using quadrats: 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, two 20 m tape measures, clipboard, pencils, bag of numbers for random coordinate generation.
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
