Field sample training with animals: Sweep net dataset

Random insects were captured by sweep nets across random locations on the York University grasslands near Danby woodlot. The number of insects and the number of unique taxonomic units were recorded. The equipment used was a transect tape and a sweep net. Transects were laid out on the grassland 10 times for a total distance of 30 feet and 2 inches. For each trial sweep nets were swept along the transect tape in a figure 8 swing like motion. The total time for each trial was approximately one and half minutes to cover 30 feet and 2 inches of the area. A few insects accumulated when the finish line was almost reached. Therefore the amount of insects captured was dependent on the amount of distance walked and the time spent for each sweep motion. The dependent variable was number of insects and the independent variable was time. This was a mensurative experiment and no manipulations were done in order to perform this experiment. The total sample size was 10 transect net sweeps. The data was collected on October 1st, 2015 between 3:10-3:23 pm. It was a sunny day with temperature of 14 degrees Celsius and some clouds. Alexander, Stephanie, and I took turns sweeping the net. Vivian placed the transects at random locations for a total of 30 feet and 2 inches each time a new trial was begun. I counted the number of insects and different recognizable texonomic units. The purpose of collecting this data was to gain experience sampling animal populations. The dataset can also be used to estimate animal abundance and diversity in the given area. The chilly weather was also a variable that affected how many insects were around and affected their behavior resulting in few insects captured in the nets each time. This dataset was collected by Stephanie, Alexander, Vivian, and Amandeep.