Ecological surveyors are estimating the population of sea campion (Silene uniflora) on a rectangular coastal dune study site. The site measures 40 m by 18 m.
The surveyors randomly place a 0.5 m×0.5 m0.5\text{ m} \times 0.5\text{ m}0.5 m×0.5 m quadrat at eight different locations within the site. Their results are shown in the table below:
| Sample Number | Number of Sea Campion Plants |
|---|---|
| 1 | 5 |
| 2 | 8 |
| 3 | 3 |
| 4 | 7 |
| 5 | 4 |
| 6 | 9 |
| 7 | 2 |
| 8 | 10 |
Calculate the total area of the coastal study site.
Calculate the mean number of sea campion plants per quadrat.
Estimate the total population of sea campion plants on this coastal study site.
State one way the ecological surveyors could improve the accuracy of their estimate.