quadrat
1
8.5
A square frame that scientists place on the ground to count plants or small animals
- noun
- /ˈkwɒdrət/
- Specialized
:
cuadrante
- During the field study, we examined each quadrat to count the number of different plant species present.
- 0.25-m quadrat
Examples
-
Data were recorded from 60 quadrats.
Academic text (2007) -
The pattern is also obvious from monitoring small-scale (0.25 m) quadrats (Figure 6).
Academic text (2001) -
It is widespread at San Quintin Bay (greater than 70% frequency in 0.25-m quadrats).
Academic text (2001) -
Our May 1999 data from Baja San Quintín had a mean of 4.7 species per 0.25-m quadrat (n = 224).
Academic text (2001) -
The researcher placed the quadrat on the ground to study the distribution of flowers in the area.
-
To monitor wildlife, the ecologist set up multiple quadrats across the forest to observe animal activity.
Surface Forms
Etymology
Quadrat comes from the Latin quadratus 'square', the same root as quad and quadrant. Scientists use a quadrat as a square frame or plot to count plants or animals in a fixed area, and the name shows it is a square sample of the land.