Random Sampling of Plants Using a Transect

<p>This data set includes information about 50 dandelion (<em>Taraxacum officinale)</em> plants found along a transect. The transect was placed in a grassland at York University, just west of Danby Woods on Monday, September 21st at 4PM.The weather on this day was sunny with a few clouds, and windy at times. This plant species was chosen for its abundance in this grassland, and its unique leaves. None of the plants had flowers, but the leafs were flat with ridges on the edge, dark green in colour, and a thick midrib. The transect was used for efficiency and to make it easier to collect many plants without needing to move to a different location. The transect was placed randomly north-to-south in the grassland, and plants were analysed starting at the northern most end. The plant was counted if it was within 50 cm (west or east) of the transect, and the distance was marked from the end of the transect. For each of the 50 specimens, the distance from the end of the transect, the height, the number of leaves, and the crowd rating were determined. Lab partners were Alex and Abera. This lab was completed for further understanding of how to use a transect and in which situations it is most useful. This lab also shows how random sampling techniques are used and how to avoid haphazard sampling.