Final answer:
Stratified sampling in ecological surveying involves dividing the population into strata and using random sampling within each to ensure subgroups are represented. Specific characteristics of each stratum should be considered to choose appropriate survey techniques.
Step-by-step explanation:
The process of stratified sampling in terms of choice of ecological surveying technique involves dividing the population into groups called strata, then using simple random sampling to select a proportional number of individuals from each stratum. This ensures that subgroups of the population are represented adequately in the survey. For example, if an ecologist is studying the diversity of plant species in a forest, they could divide the forest into different areas (strata) based on elevation, moisture levels, or type of vegetation. Then, a random sample from each stratum would be collected to accurately represent the entire forest's biodiversity.
Option (c) Considering the specific characteristics of each stratum directly addresses the principle of stratified sampling. Different areas or groups within a population may require different surveying techniques due to their unique characteristics. Ignoring these characteristics (as per option d) could lead to inaccurate data or an unrepresentative sample. Therefore, options (a) and (b) are not ideal practices in this context as they do not consider the variability among strata.