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Parameter

Values that summarize properties of the population are known as parameters. Commonly expressed parameters are the population mean () and the population variance (²).

Rangeland Inventory, Monitoring, and Evaluation:
Chapter Outline

This is not an index to every page in this section, but most of the higher-level ones. It is designed to give an overview of the subject matter the chapter covers and access to most parts.

Normal Distribution

Normal distributions are sampling distributions generated when an attribute possessing a continuous, and typically unbounded, range of outcomes is recorded from a series of sample units. Sample units should be independent and selected by random sampling. Normal distributions follow a symmetrical form, characterized as a bell-shaped curve.

Nested Quadrats

Nested quadrats are a special sample unit that includes a series of different sized quadrats all placed at the same location. They are usually positioned so that all have a common corner point, causing the area sampled by smaller quadrats to be included in the progressively larger ones.

Mean Area

Mean area, or the average space available to each plant, is another way to consider density. Mean area is the mathematical reciprocal of density, and is the basis of the various distance methods developed to estimate plant density.

References and Further Reading

Bonham, C.D. 1989. Measurements for terrestrial vegetation. John Wiley Sons, New York, NY. pp 148.

Rangeland Inventory, Monitoring, and Evaluation:
Management Applications

Introduction | General Principles | Sampling Concepts | Vegetation Attributes
Rangeland Evaluation | Management Applications | Chapter Outline