Suggest a reason why his estimation differs significantly from your estimation. Mathematically, it is impossible to get an average with fewer samples than total quadrats.
By intentionally choosing an area, his counts were inherently lower due to the lack of precise counting in a limited area.
The section the lazy ecologist counted was a poor representation of the entire field because the edge of the ecosystem experienced different conditions than other parts of the field.
Estimates are always significantly different from one another and cannot be compared.