QUADRAT METHOD

5.1 TO STUDY POPULATION DENSITY OF PLANTS BY

line in a well defined gcographical

area orr
and share o
compete
compete for
similar
ropulation is constituted by the groups that about statues of differe
esources and potentially interbreed. The size of population gives us information

unit area.
habitats.
community per
of certain species in the
Density represents the numerical strength
a

Aim
To study the population density of plants by quadrat method.

Materials Requiredd
Thread
Field Metre scale
Nails . Paper
Hammer

Theory/Principle
Population
Population is defined as a group of individuals of the same species which inhibit a particular space at a particuar
time. The number of individuals in a population never remains constant. It may change (increase or decrease) due to

many factors like birth rate, death rate and migration.

Population Density
It represents the number of individuals of the species in any unit area at a specific time. The unit area may be small
or large, depending on the size and nature of the plant community under study.
Population density is calculated by counting all the individuals present at a given time in a given space, divided by
the number of units of area of space
It is calculated as follows:

D e n s i t y (D) = Totalnumberof individuals of the speciesinallthe sampling units (S)

Total number of sampling units studied (Q)
Quadrat Method
Counting all the individuals in a population is the most accurate method to determine its size. However, this approach
is not usually feasible, especialy for large populations or extensive habitats. Usually, plant population is calculated
by quadrat method. A quadrat is a square that encloses an area within a habitat. For herbaceous plants, a metre square
(1 mx 1 m) quadrat is normally used.

Procedure
.Select a field to study the population density ofthe plants.
Measure 1 metre x I metre area with the helpof the metre scale in the field to
make a quadrat.
.Fix four nails at the corners of the quadrat and tie each end of the
nails a using thread.
Similarly, make nine more quadrats randomly in the field of study.
To make the counting easy, divide the quadrat further to make smaller squares.
Count and mention the number of plants of a
particular species in a
square and similarly mention the number
of plants of another species if presen
Now, count and add the total number of a particular plant species of all the squares to get the total number of a
particular plant species of the quadrat.

Repeat the same experiment for the other quadrats also.

60 PRACTICAL SKILLS IN BIOLoCY-12

 Record the data in the observation table.
1m
Nail

-Thread

1m m

1 m

Species A Species B Species C Species D

A quadrat with sub-units

Observations

Name of
Number of plants per quadrat area Total number of Total Population
individuals in all the number of density (D)
the plant
especies II IV VI VII VIII IX X ten quadrats (S) quadrats (Q) D S/Q

Species A

Species B

Species C

Species D

Result
in given field can be calculated as:
The population density of a plant species a

Total number of plants in ten quadrats (l mxlm)

Population d e n s i t y =
10

APrecautions
Measure the quadrat accurately.
from one field only.
Mark the quadrats close to each other
while laying the quadrat.
The vegetation should not be damaged

Suggested Experiment
the effect of overcrowding
on plant species.
1. To study

61
PRACTICAL SKILLS IN BIoLOGY-12