What's a Line Transect?

Belt transects are used in biology, more specifically in biostatistics, to estimate the distribution of organisms in relation to a certain area, such as the seashore or a meadow.

What is a transect line?

A transect is a line following a route along which a survey or observations are made. The transect is an important geographic tool for studying changes in human and/or physical characteristics from one place to another.

When would you use a line transect?

Line transects are used when you wish to illustrate a particular gradient or linear pattern along which communities of plants and, or animals change. They provide a good way of being able to clearly visualise the changes taking place along the line.