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Any abiotic factor, such as temperature, light intensity, or salinity may have a positive or a
negative effect on a given plant or animal species. Thus, as the levels of a given factor increase,
the abundance of an animal or plant species may increase or decrease.
Zone A
Zone B
Zone C
Look at the photo above. This is a photo taken from Schinias two years ago. As you may see
there are three distinct zones, A, B and C. In zone A, there is no vegetation in zone B there is
sparse vegetation while in Zone C the different plant species start to recover and appear in
dense numbers. The major abiotic factor here is salinity. As we move closer to the sea salinity
increases while as we move away from the sea salinity decreases. We may then assume that in
Zone A, salinity is much higher than in Zone C. Thus, we may conclude that salinity has a
negative effect on plant growth since as salinity increases the abundance and diversity of plants
decrease.
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In order to study changes in abundance and diversity along an environmental gradient the
transect technique is employed. Transect are horizontal lines that run along the environmental
gradient and are sampled at regular intervals. Transects may be represented by just a line (belt
transects) or a well-defined belt between two line transects (belt transects).
Figure 2: Belt and line transects (red arrows) at Schinias beach (author’s photo)
To sample transects we use quadrats, rectangles of a given surface area which aid in counting
the number of individuals of animals or plant species.
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As you may see in Figure 3 the quadrat may be subdivided using a wire frame in order to:
(a) Facilitate counting of solitary individuals.
(b) Assess the percentage coverage of animal or plant species which are difficult to
measure as solitary individuals.
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Experimental Procedures
1. Area of study
Schinias national park at Marathonas, is one of the most important coastal ecosystems of Attica.
It is located approximately 40 km NE of Athens. It is known for its high habitat diversity
(coastal wetlands, freshwater springs, coastal sand dunes and Mediterranean maquis). Due to
its high habitat diversity and its cultural significance, due to the presence of archaeological
monuments, it has been established as a protected area under the Greek law while it is also
protected under the European legislation (member of the Natura network of protected sites)
For more information on the park please visit the Management board’s site:
http://www.npschiniasmarathon.gr/index.php/gr
2. Aims
Sampling in the field is a very enjoyable process since you are carrying out research and at
the same time enjoying the ecosystem services. However, there are certain risks that you
should consider:
1. Study the weather forecast on the night before. In any case, since weather forecasting
may lack local accuracy, bring a raincoat with you. It may start raining at any time.
2. Wear jeans, t-shirts socks and athletic shoes.
3. Have a second t-shirt and a second pair of socks in case you get wet.
4. Bring a hat and sun glasses.
5. If you are allergic to mosquitos or plants bring your anti-allergic cream or any other
supplement you want.
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Example:
9. For ONE quadrat in each stratum, remove vegetation, take photos of the species and
measure their weigh per species.
REFERENCES
Damon, Alan, Randy McGonegal, Patricia Tosto, and William Ward. Higher Level Biology (2nd
Edition). N.p.: Pearson Education Limited, 2014. Print.
Davis, Andrew, and Garrett Nagle. Environmental Systems and Societies. London: Pearson
Education, 2015. Print.
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Glossary
Sampling date: __________________, Sampling Area: ____________________, Stratum: ______________________, Quadrat number: _______
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Sampling date: __________________, Sampling Area: ____________________, Stratum: ______________________, Quadrat number: _______
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Sampling date: __________________, Sampling Area: ____________________, Stratum: ______________________, Quadrat number: _______
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Sampling date: __________________, Sampling Area: ____________________, Stratum: ______________________, Quadrat number: _______
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Sampling date: __________________, Sampling Area: ____________________, Stratum: ______________________, Quadrat number: _______
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Sampling date: __________________, Sampling Area: ____________________, Stratum: ______________________, Quadrat number: _______
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Sampling date: __________________, Sampling Area: ____________________, Stratum: ______________________, Quadrat number: _______
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Sampling date: __________________, Sampling Area: ____________________, Stratum: ______________________, Quadrat number: _______
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Sampling date: __________________, Sampling Area: ____________________, Stratum: ______________________, Quadrat number: _______
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Sampling date: __________________, Sampling Area: ____________________, Stratum: ______________________, Quadrat number: _______
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Sampling date: __________________, Sampling Area: ____________________, Stratum: ______________________, Quadrat number: _______
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Sampling date: __________________, Sampling Area: ____________________, Stratum: ______________________, Quadrat number: _______
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