A transect is usually used to investigate a gradual change in a habitat rather than to simply estimate the number of organisms within it.

What are the benefits of a transect?

The major advantage of the belt transect is the percentage cover data, which gives a good indication of how abundant certain plants are. On balance, even though it takes more time, the belt transect is the most suitable method for this investigation.

What is the purpose of a line transect?

line transect A tape or string laid along the ground in a straight line between two poles as a guide to a sampling method used to measure the distribution of organisms. Sampling is rigorously confined to organisms that are actually touching the line.