Question

Habitat A covers an area of 250 sq. km and hosts around 50 different species of organisms.

Habitat B also covers an equal stretch of area and is the home to 75 different species of organisms.

Which of the following statements regarding the species richness of these habitats is true?

• A. Species richness of habitat A is more than that of habitat B
• B. Species richness of habitat B is more than that of habitat A
• C. Both the habitats are equally rich in species diversity
• D. Species richness of the two habitats cannot be determined

Answer 1

The correct option is B Species richness of habitat B is more than that of habitat A

Species richness refers to the number of species present per unit area of a region/habitat.

Mathematically it can be expressed as,

Species richness = Total number of species in a habitat/area covered by the habitat

According to the question,

Area covered by habitat A = 250 sq km
Number of species existing in habitat A = 50
Therefore, species richness of habitat A= 50/250 = 0.2

Area covered by habitat B = 250 sq km
Number of species existing in habitat B = 75
Species richness of habitat B= 75/250 = 0.3

As both habitats cover equal areas, the one with a higher number of species will have greater species richness.

Thus, we can say that species richness of habitat B is more than that of habitat A.