A Level Biology Practice Exam

What is the definition of a transect in ecological studies?

1. A measure of temperature

2. A line across a habitat

3. A plot for planting

4. A type of data analysis

The correct answer is: A line across a habitat

The correct answer is a line across a habitat. In ecological studies, a transect is utilized as a method to sample and analyze different ecological zones or communities. By laying a line across a particular area, researchers can systematically collect data about the types and distributions of organisms or environmental variables within that habitat. This technique helps to understand biodiversity, population distribution, and the relationship between different species and their environment. The other options provided do not accurately capture the essence of what a transect entails in ecological research. For example, while temperature can be measured along a transect, it is not itself a definition of a transect. Similarly, a plot for planting relates more to agricultural practices rather than ecological sampling methods, and data analysis refers to the methods used to interpret the data collected but does not describe the methodology used to gather that data in the first place.