An ecological researcher wants to investigate how the abundance and distribution of a slow-moving, herbivorous gastropod (the common limpet, Patella vulgata) changes with vertical height on a wave-exposed rocky shore.
Which of the following describes the most appropriate field equipment, sampling layout, and positioning strategy to collect representative, quantitative data along this environmental gradient?
Frame quadrats placed randomly throughout the splash zone, and a sweep net to collect individuals.
A line transect running parallel to the shoreline, and point-intercept quadrats placed at random intervals.
An interrupted belt transect running perpendicular to the shoreline, and frame quadrats placed at systematic intervals.
Kick sampling within rockpools at different tide levels, and pitfall traps placed near the high-water mark.