C) Quadrat
This method chooses to record all the above-mentioned
parameters within a selected area (often a square or rectangle) in the
community to be studied. Several quadrats are to be selected in the community,
if the community is rather large. Frame size of the quadrats may vary
according to the communities to be studied and to the individual preferences
of the investigators, e.g., 0.01-0.2 sq m for moss layer, 1-2 sq m for
herb layer, 4 sq m for low shrubs, 16 sq m for tall shrubs, 100 sq m for
trees. The minimal sample area for the combined area of the quadrats depends
on the kind of community and varies within wide limits.
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