transektointimenetelmä

The transect method is a systematic ecological sampling technique used to study species distribution and abundance along a defined path or line. This method involves establishing a straight line, known as a transect, across a habitat or area of interest. Researchers then survey organisms within a specified width along this line. The width of the transect can vary depending on the study's objectives and the organisms being investigated.

Data collected using the transect method can include the presence or absence of species, the number of individuals, or measurements of their size or biomass. The transect can be of a fixed length or extend across the entire area. This approach is particularly useful for studying changes in vegetation or animal communities across environmental gradients, such as elevation, moisture levels, or soil type. By analyzing the distribution of species along the transect, scientists can infer patterns of habitat use, identify factors influencing species diversity, and monitor changes over time. The transect method is a relatively simple yet powerful tool in ecological research.