Species richness
Definition
Species richness refers to the number of different species present in a particular area or ecosystem. It provides information about biodiversity and can indicate the health and stability of an ecosystem.
Analogy
Picture species richness as a buffet with many different types of food options. Just like a buffet offers a wide variety of food choices, species richness represents the diversity and abundance of different species in an ecosystem.
Related terms
Biodiversity hotspot: A region with exceptionally high species richness and a high level of endemism.
Species evenness: The relative abundance of different species within a community or ecosystem.
Ecological niche: The role and position of a species within its environment, including its interactions with other organisms.
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