A group of students is studying the distribution of plants on a coastal sand dune.
a.[1]
Suggest one reason why sand dunes are difficult habitats for most plant species to grow in successfully.
b.[1]
The students use a square metal frame to sample the vegetation by placing it randomly at various locations. What is the name of this type of sampling equipment?
c.[3]
The diagram below shows the positions of the 16 samples taken by one student across the study area of the sand dune.
The total area of the sand dune study site is 1600 m2. Each of the 16 square sampling frames has a side length of 0.5 m.
Calculate the percentage of the total area of the sand dune site that was sampled by this student.
Show your working.