Which practice helps in quantifying biodiversity by examining various locations along a specified line?

Transect sampling is a method used to quantify biodiversity by systematically sampling various locations along a specified line or path. This technique involves selecting a straight line (transect) across an area and then collecting data at regular intervals along that line. By documenting the types and numbers of species found at each sampling point, scientists can assess the distribution and abundance of different organisms in the ecosystem.

This practice is particularly useful because it allows researchers to capture a representative snapshot of biodiversity in a particular habitat. It helps in understanding how biodiversity varies across different environmental conditions, such as changes in elevation, moisture, or light availability, which may be encountered along the transect. As a result, transect sampling is an effective way to monitor ecological changes over time and to study the relationships between species and their environments.