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.
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
