Lesson 1.
6
Populations Field Studies Simulations Lab – Quadrat and Mark-Recapture Sampling
After watching video answer following questions:
1. Why must scientists use sample counts for elephants instead of counting them directly?
Because their are so many elephants counting all of elephants is not practical. Therefore, the great
elephant census teams have instead opted to take careful and consistent sample counts. Using this
method, only animals found in sections of a survey area are counted and the based on how many are in
that certain area, the amount of elephantsbe estimated.
2. What is the purpose of defining a specific quadrat transect for counting the elephants?
The aircraft flies along the transect lines from 300 feet above the ground. Two researchers, each
looking out the left or right side count the amount of elephants in that radius. The purpose for defining
these lines is because they will be multiplied based on the density and area size and they should be
accurate and precise to get a estimation of the amount of elephants in the area. The main purpose of
this is to get an accurate estimate of the animal population which can be used by the managers and
politicians to take action.
3. Why is it important to get an accurate count of the elephant population?
It's extremely important for the crew to get these numbers right because they go straight into
management, and they let the managers and the politicians decide how to actually intervene with
what's going on in a protected area. It will form the basis for planning ongoing conservation efforts
and studies of elephant ecology.
Read “The Quadrat Sampling Method and Density” article on page 27 of your student resources,
then answer the following:
1. What is the ratio of sand dollars to sea stars for just first quadrat on the left?
(Sand Dollars) 1:2 (Sea Stars)
2. What is the density of each echinoderm for the same quadrat?
1/4m^2 for the Sand Dollars 1/2m^2 for Sea Stars
3. What would be population of sand dollars if they sampled 8m² of the reef? What would be
population of sea stars if they sampled 12m² of the reef?
4 Sand Dollars; 6 Sea Stars
Read “The Quadrat Sampling Method and Density” article on page 27 of your student resources,
then answer the following:
1. How do we find average density of echinoderms populations?
Average Density = Number of organisms/Area
2. What is the predicted sand dollar population in a 30m² area of the reef?
15 sand dollars
3. What is the predicted sea star population in a 90m² area of the reef?
45 Sea Stars
4. What are the predicted sea star and sand dollar populations in the entire reef (3600m²)?
1800 for each
Solve the following problem:
There are 27 students and 9 teachers eating in a cafeteria that measures 9m X 9m. According to the
given:
a) What is the density of people eating in the cafeteria?
4/9m^2
b) What is the ratio of students to teachers?
27 students: 9 teachers
Answer 3 questions on pages 29 and 30.
1.
2.
3.
