**Using Dataloggers in Field Studies**Usually, when we collect information about populations in the field, we also collect information about the physical environment. This provides important information about the local habitat and can be useful in assessing habitat preference. With the advent of dataloggers, collecting this information is straightforward.Dataloggers are electronic instruments that record measurements over time. They are equipped with a microprocessor, data storage facility, and sensor. Different sensors are used to measure a range of variables in water or air. The datalogger is connected to a computer, and software is used to set the limits of operation (e.g., the sampling interval) and initiate the logger. The logger is then disconnected and used remotely to record and store data. When reconnected to the computer, the data are downloaded, viewed, and plotted. Dataloggers make data collection quick and accurate, and they enable prompt data analysis.---1. **Explain why we sample populations:** *(space for response)*2. **Describe a sampling technique that would be appropriate for determining each of the following:** *(a) The percentage cover of a plant species in pasture:* *(space for response)* *(b) The density and age structure of a plankton population:* *(space for response)* *(c) Change in community composition from low to high altitude on a mountain:* *(space for response)*3. **Explain why it is common practice to also collect information about the physical environment when sampling populations:** *(space for response)*---**Diagram Explanation:**The diagram includes a bar graph titled "Percentage Cover" showing data across five quadrats. Each bar is divided into shaded segments representing different types of moss and lichens, such as Red stem moss, Fern moss, Snake moss, Star moss, Eyebrow moss, Broad-leaved star moss, Tree moss, and Lichens (various species).There is a table listing measurements for each quadrat:- **Quadrat 1 to 5:** - Height (m): 0.4, 0.8, 1.2, 1.6, 2.0 - Light (arbitrary units): 40, 56, 66, 72, 72 - Humidity (percent): 99, 88, 80, 76, 72 - Temperature (

1. The act of selecting a group of people to represent the total population is known as population sampling. The sample needs to be large enough to support statistical analysis. Typically, sampling is used because it is not practical to examine every member of the population individually. Additionally, it is done to expedite and accelerate the research process by saving time, money, and effort. 2.(a) A sampling technique that would be appropriate for determining the percentage cover of a plant species in pasture Quadrat sampling is the sampling technique that would be appropriate for determining the percentage cover of a plant species in pasture Quadrat sampling Through a technique known as quadrat sampling, species in a certain area or sample of the ecosystem are directly enumerated. Species population number, concentration, frequency, and allocation are all estimated using this method. It is essential to determine the precise population of each quadrat. Even if morphological identification of the species comes later, it is still necessary for them to be identifiable from one another. To get findings that are typical of the entire population, adequate quadrat samples should be obtained. The quadrat methodology is a quick way to count the number of various species and their percentage cover. At predetermined intervals, a PVC plastic quadrat sample frame is positioned immediately on top of the vegetation. Every three meters along a 30-meter linear transect, a 1 × 1 meter plot is utilized to monitor vegetation and the percent coverage of the plants. Woody plants are not considered. The observer makes an educated guess as to how much of the quadrat is covered with each plant type and how much is exposed topsoil. 2. (b) A sampling technique that would be appropriate for determining the density and age structure of a plankton population The Mark-recapture method and the quadrat method are the two most often used techniques for measuring absolute population density. The former is usually employed with tiny, sessile, or less mobile species, whereas the latter is more suited for bigger, more mobile creatures. Since planktons are very small in size, often microscopic and they drift and move along with the currents, the Quadrat method is preferred over the Mark-recapture method Quadrant sampling is one of the methods frequently employed to assess the number of plant communities or populations of not-so-mobile creatures. Estimates of population number, concentration, and dispersal trends may all be made using the plots. It entails counting and documenting the variety of species present in each quadrant. Population Density = Total number of individuals of the species in all sampling units ÷ Total number of sampling units studied 2. (c)A sampling technique that would be appropriate for determining the changes in community composition from low to high altitudes on a mountain Transects and Quadrats sampling methods can be performed to determine the changes in community composition from low to high altitudes on a mountain. People do transect surveys by laying a thread across a patch of land, setting stakes at either end, and counting the live organisms that are either beneath the string or within reach of it. People lay out a square area of land and survey the organisms that live there in quadrat surveys. After sampling statistical calculations are performed. Elevation, soil temperature and humidity, and biotic variables were fitted using linear and nonlinear correlations like species richness, Shannon diversity, biomass, height, functional groups and nutritive values. Both species richness and abundance were represented at each sampling site using the Shannon diversity metric. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) tests was used to determine the best association after significant relationships between variables were found using linear and nonlinear regression.3. When sampling a population, it is usual to gather data on the physical environment since this helps to understand the local ecosystem and can be helpful in determining habitat preferences. The samples taken must correctly reflect the environment as much as feasible. The findings of the analysis provide the basis for major choices. That is why it is a common practice to also collect about the physical environment when sampling the population.

Science

Earth Science

Using Dataloggers in Field Studies Usually, when we collect information about populations in the field, we also collect information about the physical environment. This provides important information about the local habitat and can be useful in assessing habitat preference. With the advent of dataloggers, collecting this information is straightforward. Dataloggers are electronic instruments that record measurements over time. They are equipped with a microprocessor, data storage facility, and sensor. Different sensors are used to measure a range of variables in water or air. The datalogger is connected to a computer, and software is used to set the limits of operation (e.g. the sampling interval) and initiate the logger. The logger is then disconnected and used remotely to record and store data. When reconnected to the computer, the data are downloaded, viewed, and plotted. Dataloggers make data collection quick and accurate, and they enable prompt data analysis. 1. Explain why we sample populations: Quadrat 5 2. Describe a sampling technique that would be appropriate for determining each of the following: (a) The percentage cover of a plant species in pasture: (b) The density and age structure of a plankton population: (c) Change in community composition from low to high altitude on a mountain:. 3. Explain why it is common practice to also collect information about the physical environment when sampling populations: Quadrat 4 Quadrat 3 Quadrat 2 Quadrat 1 QUADRAT Height/m Light / arbitrary units Humidity / percent Temperature / °C 1 2 0.4 40 99 0.8 odsmolni 56 88 12.1 12.2 Stream Dataloggers fitted with sensors are portable and easy to use in a wide range of aquatic (left) and terrestrial (right) environments. Different variables can be measured by changing the sensor attached to the logger. 50 Percentage cover 3 4 5 1.2 1.6 2.0 68 72 72 80 76 78 13 14.3 14.2 Lichen 100 SAN Red stem moss Fern moss Snake moss Star moss Eye brow moss Broad leaved star moss Tree moss Lichens (various species) Moss .