Environmental Sampling

Keywords

Environmental sampling, quadrat, sample square, random, specific, transect line, concordant results.

Introduction

Environmental sampling is where someone picks an area of habitat and samples what species and organisms are living in them.

So, why do it?

Put simply, we do environmental sampling on areas of the habitat to make a guessed estimate on what is living there. It is always guessed, as a lot of the time sampling is just that. From the areas sampled, we can deduce that there are X amount of a species living in the habitat, and X amount of another species living there.

For example, in the video it specifies the use of a rocky and sandy beach area that is sampled. This sample means that they have looked at all the species of all the organisms within this area and logged them in a database. From there, they can keep an eye on the area. If they are to do the same sampling areas in a years' time or two years' time, they might find an increase or decrease in population of species there, and therefore plan actions to make sure it is well maintained.

Interesting fact: even though we sample areas, and make actions to conserve areas that have seen decline, the bigger picture is that our habitats and environments are being depleted for several reasons, but that they contribute to climate change.

Can we Help?

Yes. And no, I'm not going to be saying, by recycling, or by planting a load of trees to become carbon neutral (although, planting of trees will definitely help). We can help, and there are companies that do this as a job, to help preserve and maintain habitats and the environment. In the UK, you could probably find several companies that preserve the wildlife and look after the wildlife.

Types of Sampling

Random sampling: like the video showed, you can randomly sample areas of the environment using a quadrat. A quadrat is a grid system that allows you to measure an area of the habitat.

Specific sampling: this can also use a quadrat, but it will be in a specific location. You will then be able to use the data you present as a means to monitor what that habitat is doing.

So, when you think about it, we can actually do a lot to help, as we can sample the local habitats and act upon them if they are not working properly. This can involve the reintroduction of species, removal of invasive species, or a tidy up of the area by removing rubbish and recycling.

Transects

When investigating ecosystems, you need to collect quantative data. This data is a type of data that can be measured. So, something like your age, or how tall you are can be measured.

A transect is part of this method of collecting data. It is a line across a habitat that is placed on the ground, and is used to trace species along this line. If, for example, you were to look at different types of insect along this transect, you would count all the ladybirds that are present within a pre-elected range. This can then be plotted onto a graph. The same is said for other insects like ants (although I imagine you would be counting for a long time), or butterflies.

Concordant Results

A concordant result is Latin for "they decided", so in that context, a concordant result is a result that was agreed beforehand. So, if you have to mark out an area of land that you are doing sampling in, then you can agree the area before you start. For example, you go into a field of long grass, and as you can't move very far, you decide with your other scientist friends that you will sample just a metre squared of the field to find organisms that live there. The results will then be condordant.