(a) (i) What is meant in ecology by a quantitative survey? A quantitative survey in ecology refers to a method of assessing biological populations by counting the number of individuals, species, or communities present within a designated area - Leaving Cert Biology - Question 8 - 2006

A quadrat frame is a square or rectangular frame used in ecological surveys to define a specific area for sampling. It helps researchers systematically sample the vegetation or organisms within that area, allowing for accurate counting and estimation of species abundance and diversity.

To carry out a quantitative survey for a specific plant, such as the Red Clover (Trifolium pratense), I would first select a suitable habitat where this plant is known to grow. I would then randomly position the quadrat frame within that area, ensuring that the placement is random to minimize bias. Next, I would count the number of Red Clover plants within the quadrat and also assess their coverage. This process would be repeated multiple times, say ten times, to gather a representative sample. Finally, I would calculate the average number of plants per quadrat or their percentage cover in the area surveyed.

The results of the survey would be recorded systematically, either by creating a table to organize the counts from each quadrat or using a field notebook. Each entry would indicate the quadrat number, the count of Red Clover plants in that quadrat, and any additional observations regarding their health or surrounding conditions. This structured format ensures ease of analysis later.

A possible source of error in my study could be a lack of randomness in the quadrat placement. If the quadrats are placed in areas that do not represent the overall habitat, it may lead to biased results, resulting in an overestimation or underestimation of the plant’s true abundance in that ecosystem.