Measuring distribution
The distribution of a species describes where it is found. Distribution is measured using transects. Transects are measured intervals in an ecosystem that allow us to accurately determine the dispensation of a species. A transect can be used when the area is too large to study as a whole. Transects are lines that cross the entire section of an environment and the distribution of species along this line is what is observed. At bicentennial park the use of transects was applied to observe the distribution of the grey mangroves, salt marsh and casuarina.
Homebush:
A transect line was set up measuring every 5 meters for a 50 meter distance. It is evident as depicted below that as the tide recedes, the grey mangrove becomes less dominant and the salt marsh is introduced followed by the casuarina. It is portrayed that the salt marsh blends in-between the grey mangroves and the casuarina, this makes the change of flora more gradual.
Materials:
- String line
- Measuring device
- Posts
Method:
1. Set up a transect line 50 meters long, situating a post every five meters with the distance measured on it.
2. Observe the changes in flora as the distance and record your findings.
Homebush:
A transect line was set up measuring every 5 meters for a 50 meter distance. It is evident as depicted below that as the tide recedes, the grey mangrove becomes less dominant and the salt marsh is introduced followed by the casuarina. It is portrayed that the salt marsh blends in-between the grey mangroves and the casuarina, this makes the change of flora more gradual.
Materials:
- String line
- Measuring device
- Posts
Method:
1. Set up a transect line 50 meters long, situating a post every five meters with the distance measured on it.
2. Observe the changes in flora as the distance and record your findings.