Measuring population density with different distribution pattern

[hfj098]

I am taking an ecology course and we decide an experiment on the accuracy of using a quadrat to measure the population density in uniform, random and clumped distribution pattern. We found the accuracy is not that good when using quadrat to measure the population density of clumped and random distribution pattern. I can't figure out why the accuracy is lower in these 2 distributions and how to obtain a more accurate measurement in these 2 distributions.

[jeskill]

Are you looking at other methods of measuring population density besides quadrats? What size are your quadrats and what size are the clumps?