BRAINCAKEBiodiversity of Different Habitats
The index of diversity lets biologists compare biodiversity between habitats in a fair, quantitative way. The habitat with the higher value of D has the greater biodiversity.
To make a valid comparison, the sampling method must be the same in each habitat: the same type and size of quadrat or trap, the same number of samples, random placement, the same time of year, and the same method of identifying organisms.
Worked example. A student samples ground beetles with pitfall traps in a woodland and in a field of wheat.
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Key terms in this lesson
- index of diversity
- A single number that measures the biodiversity of a habitat, taking into account both species richness and the abundance of each species.
- monoculture
- A large area of land planted with a single crop species, which reduces the range of habitats and niches available.
More in Biodiversity
- Species Richness
- Endemic Species
- Species Abundance
- Index of Diversity
- Changing Biodiversity
- Allele Frequency
- Measuring Genetic Biodiversity
- Hawaii
All 22 lessons in Biodiversity · All Edexcel AS-level Biology topics