Species diversity is crucial for ecosystem health, encompassing species richness and evenness. This text delves into the measurement of diversity using indices like Shannon and Simpson's, the challenges faced in accurate assessments, and the variation of diversity across ecosystems globally. It highlights the role of species diversity in ecosystem stability and human reliance on the vast resources provided by diverse species. The threats to species diversity and the need for conservation are also discussed.
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Species richness refers to the total number of distinct species in a specific habitat or ecosystem
Species evenness describes the distribution of individuals across different species in a specific habitat or ecosystem
Ecologists use indices such as the Shannon diversity index and Simpson's diversity index to measure species diversity by considering both species richness and evenness
Rare species, ambiguous morphological characteristics, and less detectable or mobile organisms can make it difficult to accurately assess species diversity
The latitudinal diversity gradient suggests that the abundance of diverse habitats and higher energy availability at the equator support increased species richness
Coral reefs, grasslands, wetlands, and temperate forests are examples of ecosystems known for their rich species diversity
Species diversity is crucial for stabilizing ecosystem functions and increasing resilience to environmental shifts
Ecosystems provide resources and cultural enrichment through diverse species, such as antibiotics sourced from fungi and bacteria and medicinal plants
Habitat destruction and overexploitation are threatening species diversity, highlighting the need for sustainable management and conservation strategies
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The concept of ______ diversity includes the variety and abundance of species in a given ______ or ecosystem.
species
habitat
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Shannon diversity index purpose
Measures species diversity by accounting for species proportion in a community.
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Interpretation of Shannon index values
Higher Shannon index values indicate greater species diversity.
