Which of the following instruments is used to estimate the number of plants in a habitat?
Answer Details
The instrument used to estimate the number of plants in a habitat is a quadrat. A quadrat is a square or rectangular frame made of metal or PVC, which is used to mark off a specific area in a habitat. This marked off area can be used to estimate the number of plants or other organisms within that habitat. To use a quadrat, the researcher places it randomly or systematically in the area of interest and then counts the number of plants or organisms within the quadrat. This count can then be extrapolated to estimate the total number of plants or organisms in the habitat. A pooter is used to collect and observe small insects, a pitfall trap is used to capture ground-dwelling insects, and a sweep net is used to capture insects flying close to the ground.