Question

By giving an example of a tree explain various types of species diversity.

Answer 1

Species diversity:

Species diversity is defined as the number of different species present in an ecosystem and the relative abundance of each of those species.

Types of species diversity:

A) Point diversity:

1. It refers to diversity on the smallest scale such as the diversity of microhabitats or from within a homogenous habitat.
2. For example - a leaf or a flower.
3. As many leaves and flowers will be present in the same tree (microhabitat)

B) Alpha diversity:

1. It refers to the variety of organisms occurring in a particular habitat.
2. Example - A single tree
3. As a single tree is present in a particular habitat.

C) Gamma diversity:

1. This refers to the diversity of a larger unit such as a landscape or island.
2. Example - A group of trees occurring together.

D) Epsilon diversity:

1. It applies to large biogeographic areas.
2. Example - The forest within which the different trees are located.