tran·sect / tranˈsekt/ technical • v. [tr.] cut across or make a transverse section in.• n. a straight line or narrow section through an object or natural feature or across the earth's surface, along which observations are made or measurements taken.DERIVATIVES: tran·sec·tion / -ˈsekshən/ n.

transect(isonome) A line used in ecological surveys to provide a means of measuring and representing graphically the distribution of organisms, especially when they are arranged in a linear sequence (e.g. up a seashore, or across a woodland margin) or to investigate an environmental gradient (e.g. of salinity across a salt marsh). Recordings are made at intervals along the line. A transect is particularly useful for detecting transitions or distribution patterns. See belt transect and line transect.

transect A line marked within an area that is undergoing an ecological survey to provide a means of measuring and representing graphically the distribution of organisms, especially when they are arranged in a linear sequence (e.g. up a seashore, or across a woodland margin). A transect is particularly useful for detecting transitions or distribution patterns. See BELT TRANSECT; LINE TRANSECT.

transect (isonome) A linear vegetation sampling method most commonly used to investigate an environmental gradient, e.g. of salinity in a salt marsh. Generally a line is drawn across the vegetation zoning and recordings are made at intervals along its length.

transect A straight line across an expanse of ground along which ecological measurements are taken, continuously or at regular intervals. Thus an ecologist wishing to study the numbers and types of organisms at different distances above the low-tide line might sample at five-metre intervals along a number of transects perpendicular to the shore.