1.18k implies +/- 5, whereas 1180 implies exactly 1180. Maybe the count isn't precise, or is changing?
“1180” without the decimal implies only 3 significant digits.
For me ≈1180 would mean that it's not exactly 1180.
But a better title would be something like “Over a thousand plant root system drawings”.
1180 can be 4 significant digits if the count is precise
A kagi or Google search for 1.18k in quotes returns this very HN thread and mostly a bunch of resistors, very few organic uses (some youtube videos about subscriber counts is all I see).