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Lab 10

The lab aims to determine the frequency and population density of three plant species using a 1m² quadrat in Kingston. The procedure involves selecting a plot, randomly placing the quadrat, and recording species counts over multiple trials. The document also outlines methods for calculating frequency and density, discusses ecological factors influencing plant distribution, and emphasizes the importance of accurate sampling in ecological studies.

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Danielle Bogle
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5 views3 pages

Lab 10

The lab aims to determine the frequency and population density of three plant species using a 1m² quadrat in Kingston. The procedure involves selecting a plot, randomly placing the quadrat, and recording species counts over multiple trials. The document also outlines methods for calculating frequency and density, discusses ecological factors influencing plant distribution, and emphasizes the importance of accurate sampling in ecological studies.

Uploaded by

Danielle Bogle
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Lab #:

Date:

Title: Ecology

Aim: To determine the frequency and population density of 3 species of plant at a garden in
Kingston using a 1m2 quadrat.

Apparatus/Material: Quadrat (1m2), pencil, paper

Procedure :

1.​ Identify a plot of land with various species of plant.


2.​ Select three different species of plant for study.
3.​ With eyes closed throw the 1m2 quadrat on your selected plot.
4.​ Count and record the number of each species within the quadrat.
5.​ Repeat steps 3-5 nine times.
6.​ Complete table- record sheet of count for estimating frequency and density of
plant species. (see table below observation)
7.​ Then calculate frequency and density for each species. Show all working.

Observation: Complete table below:

Observation:

**should include: (a) complete table**

Date:

Site:

Quadrat Size:

Species Quadrat No. Total Frequency Density

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

Title: Record Sheet for Estimating the Frequency and Density of Plant Species in a 1m²
Quadrat
See formula for calculating and frequency and density below.

Calculating frequency and percentage frequency of species

Frequency of any species is how often the species occurs at different sites in any particular
habitat.

Formula for calculating frequency of species:

(a) Number of quadrat(s) in which named species is found =

(b) Total number of throws =

Frequency = (a ÷ b)

Percentage frequency of species = (a ÷ b) × 100

Calculating density of a species

Density is the average number of individual species per unit area or quadrat area.

Formula for Calculating Density of a species

Step a. Total number of named species =

Step b. Number of throws =

Step c. Average number of named species per quadrat toss = step a ÷ step b

Step d. Area of quadrat =

Step e. Density of species = step c. ÷ step d

DISCUSSION: Use the following questions as a guide to help you write the discussion

General Ecology Questions:

1.​ What is ecology, and why is it important in understanding plant populations?


2.​ How do biotic and abiotic factors influence plant distribution in an ecosystem?

Frequency & Density Analysis:

3.​ What is the difference between frequency and density of plant species?
4.​ Based on your results, which species had the highest frequency and why?
5.​ Which species had the lowest density, and what factors might explain this?
6.​ How does species density help in determining plant competition in an area?

Impact of Environmental Factors:

7.​ How do light availability, soil nutrients, and water availability affect plant frequency and
density?
8.​ How might climate change or human activities (e.g., deforestation, agriculture) impact
plant population density?

Application & Interpretation:


9.​ Why is it important to conduct multiple quadrat samples instead of just one?
10.​How can knowledge of plant frequency and density be used in conservation efforts or
land management?

Source of Error/Precautions: (Choose only 3)

1.​ Wind, animals, or human activity may alter plant positions or numbers before counting.
2.​ If the quadrat is not exactly 1m², density calculations may be inaccurate.
3.​ If the quadrat is not laid flat on the ground, some plants might be counted incorrectly.
4.​ Difficulty in distinguishing similar-looking plant species
5.​ The experimenter may have miscounted the number of plants in each quadrat

Conclusion:

Guidelines for Writing the Conclusion (2 Sentences Maximum)

1.​ Summarize Key Findings


○​ State the overall trend observed in the data (e.g., which species had the highest
frequency and density).
○​ Mention any notable patterns in plant distribution and possible influencing
factors (e.g., abiotic conditions like soil and light).
2.​ Relate Findings to Ecology
○​ Explain the significance of the results in understanding plant populations and
ecological balance.
○​ Optionally, suggest a brief recommendation or next step (e.g., increasing sample
size for more accuracy).

Example Conclusion:

"The study showed that [Species A] had the highest frequency and density, likely due to its
adaptability to the habitat, while [Species C] had the lowest, possibly due to competition or
environmental factors. These findings highlight the impact of abiotic and biotic factors on plant
distribution and emphasize the importance of ecological sampling in understanding
biodiversity."

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