Frequency Sampling for Microscopic Analysis of Botanical Compositions

Abstract

There is confusion in the literature as to the underlying basis for quantifying botanical mixtures microhistologically. The relationship between particle density and frequency of occurrence is useful for estimating numbers of individuals contained in a large number of sampling units. Applied studies do not adequately report the mathematical rationale behind estimation procedures. This paper explains why certain sampling and quantification procedures are useful when applied to microscope analysis of herbivore diet samples.