Have you ever had to estimate something for which there wasn't an exact answer? What was it? What tools did you use to make your estimation? Discuss.

Yes, estimation of a population of plant species in a given area. The tool I used was a QUADRAT.

Explanation:

Plants in a small area are easy to count and their distribution is recorded on a map or scale diagram for the area. For larger areas, quadrats are used to obtain a fairly accurate estimate of the number and types of plants in those large areas.

The ESTIMATION of the population of plants can be done using a method called the quadrat sampling method. Here, a QUADRAT which is a rectangular or square frame(tool) made from thick wire, is thrown at random several times. On each landing, the area covered by if is observed. The type of species and their number within the quadrat are recorded. The average number of times each species appears is calculated and the most frequent or dominant species is then determined.

Some quadrats are specially made to mark off an area for the study of seasonal variations of plants. They are sturdier, larger and permanent and can thus serve their purpose through the seasons. These quadrats often have a mapping grid attached so that the flora within it can be mapped at regular intervals.

in 1859, charles darwin set out his theory of evolution by natural selection as an explanation for adaptation and speciation. he defined natural selection as the "principle by which each slight variation [of a trait], if useful, is preserved".