IB ESS SL 2.1.16 Quadrat Sampling Question Bank
Use quadrats to estimate abundance, frequency and distribution of organisms.
- Syllabus
- First assessment 2026
- Course
- ESS SL
- Level
- SL
Exam points
- identify the population or ecosystem process in the evidence
- apply the correct interaction, growth or sampling model
- justify the conclusion using limiting factors, assumptions and uncertainty
2.1.16—Quadrat sampling question 1
[Maximum number: 3]
Describe a method used to collect the data on percent cover vegetation shown in Figure: Vegetation cover near a glacier.
Describe a method used to collect the data on percent cover vegetation shown in Figure: Vegetation cover near a glacier
a. Decide on the location of a transect using an air photo/map/ create a transect from the end of the glacier, moving away in a straight line;
b. Conduct systematic sampling to determine the change along the environmental gradient / sample at (regular) intervals with increasing distance away from the glacier;
c. use quadrat sampling;
d. (visually) estimate/calculate/determine percent cover (at each site/sampling location) / count how many squares have vegetation and add them up;
e. Random sampling at each location for quadrat measurements (to avoid bias in site selection);
f. Repeat measurements (to get average/standard deviation) at each site;
Note to examiners: Do not accept only 'systematic sampling/sampling at intervals'.
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