Question

How many quadrats were needed to examine the percent coverage of the coral species across the 18 m² covered during the transect of the reef?

A) 2
B) 3
C) 4
D) 5

Answer 1

Without the specific size of the quadrat being used, it is not possible to determine the number of quadrats needed to cover 18 m² during the transect of the reef. Quadrats are a standard tool in ecological studies for measuring the coverage and distribution of species like corals.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question is asking about the method of sampling coral reefs within a given area (18 m²) by using quadrats during a transect. A quadrat is a square frame, often one square meter, used in ecology for isolating a standard unit of area for study of the distribution of an item over a large area. To answer the question of how many quadrats are needed to examine the percent coverage of the coral species across the 18 m² area during the transect, one would need to know the size of the quadrat being used. Without that information provided, the answer can't be determined based on the details given. Nonetheless, the proper use of quadrats is essential for accurately assessing the coral reefs' coverage and understanding the biodiversity within different areas.