What sampling technique considers multiple habitat types proportionally?

The sampling technique that considers multiple habitat types proportionally is stratified sampling. This method involves dividing the study area into distinct subgroups or strata that represent different habitat types or other relevant characteristics. Each stratum is then sampled independently, often ensuring that the sample sizes from each stratum are proportional to their presence in the overall area. This approach allows researchers to obtain a more representative and accurate estimate of the diversity and distribution of species or other variables of interest across the entire study area.

By ensuring that each habitat type is adequately represented based on its size or importance, stratified sampling helps to reduce bias that might arise from other sampling methods, such as random or systematic sampling, which do not inherently consider the different proportions of habitats. Cluster sampling, on the other hand, involves dividing the population into clusters and taking samples from these clusters without specific emphasis on the proportion of habitat types. Understanding the utility of stratified sampling is essential in ecological studies to ensure that all relevant habitats are accounted for, especially when habitat diversity may significantly influence the results.