Species richness

Definition

Species richness is the number of different species represented in an ecological community, landscape, or region. It provides a simple measure of biodiversity and helps in understanding the health and stability of ecosystems.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Species richness is influenced by factors such as habitat diversity, climate, and disturbances.
2. It is often used alongside species evenness to provide a more complete picture of biodiversity.
3. High species richness typically indicates a resilient and stable ecosystem.
4. Methods to measure species richness include direct counting, sampling techniques, and mathematical models.
5. Species richness can be affected by human activities like deforestation, pollution, and urbanization.

Review Questions

• What factors influence species richness in an ecosystem?
• Why is species richness important for assessing ecosystem health?
• How can human activities impact species richness?

Related terms

Species Evenness: Measures how equal the abundances of different species are in an ecosystem.

Biodiversity: The variety of life in the world or in a particular habitat or ecosystem.

Ecological Community: A group of interacting species living in the same area.