What method is used for systematic sampling along an environmental gradient?

Transect sampling is particularly effective for systematic sampling along an environmental gradient because it allows researchers to collect data at regular intervals across a specific line or belt in the study area. This method is useful for examining how biological communities change in relation to environmental factors, such as temperature, light, moisture, or soil type, by providing a structured approach to sampling.

In a transect sampling study, a line is laid out across the gradient, and samples are taken at predetermined distances along that line. This technique ensures that the samples represent the gradient, capturing the variation in species distribution and abundance as it relates to the changes in the environment. Such a systematic approach is critical in ecological studies where understanding the relationship between organisms and their habitats is essential.