The number of different abiotic factors can vary in different places, which affects the number of

different organisms that are found in a location.

How scientists determine the number of organisms in an area:

Scientists use sampling. Two methods:

1. Random sampling
2. Sampling along a transect

Random sampling

Used to compare the numbers of organisms in different areas

Use a quadrat – a wooden/plastic square

Place it in the ground and count the number of organisms in it.

Samples plants or slow-moving animals.

Placed at random locations.

Important to repeat many times to get valid results.

Only doing it once means that the sample will not accurately represent the area.

Random sampling can be used to estimate the total population of a species in an area.

Total population size = total area/area sampled x number of organisms of that species counted in
sample

Sampling along a transect

Used to investigate whether the number of species change as we move across the habitat.

Transect – tape measurer or rope.

Place transect across habitat

Use a quadrat to count number of organisms at intervals on the transect

Repeat process to get valid data