Identification of organisms
Organisms in an ecosystem can be identified using a variety of tools like dichotomous keys. A dichotomous key is organized in steps, where each step asks a question about a specific characteristic (e.g., leaf shape, body structure), leading the user to the next step or directly to the organism's identification.
Sampling strategy
Sampling strategies may be used to measure biotic and abiotic factors and their change in space, along an environmental gradient, over time, through succession, or before and after a human impact.
Quadrat sampling
Quadrant sampling is a method used to estimate the abundance and distribution of non-motile organisms (e.g., plants, and fungi) within a defined area. A quadrat is a square frame (usually 1m x 1m) placed randomly or systematically on the ground. It is simple, cost-effective, and non-invasive and provides quantitative data for ecological studies. But, this method is limited to non-motile or slow-moving organisms.
