1. Using the Shannon Wiener diversity index results, which habitat was more diverse? Suggest reasons for the differences in species diversity in the habitats you sampled.(5)
2. Why do we measure biodiversity in the first place? Example what are some advantages of knowing biodiversity indices? What can we use this information for?(4)
3. What does the Shannon Wiener diversity index actually tell us? Explain this in your own words.
4. What is the species richness in the two communities?(2)
5. Are there any differences and similarities in the species composition between the two communities? (Point out these differences or similarities and suggest reasons to explain the difference if any).
6. To do: calculate the species composition similarity index between the two communities using the jaccard’s index formula
species composition
species abundace
WOODY
Dipcadi glaucum
1
Acacia melfera
19
Cenchrus ciliaris
32
Talinum mcoffrium
8
Stripagrotis hitgluma
92
Albizia anthelmintica
1
Schmiditia pappophoroides
7
160
NONWOODY
Sorghum bicolon subsb arandinacem
59
Urochloa brachyuran
21
Eragrostis echinochloidea
14
Acacia nigrescens
5
Commicarpus pentandrus
26
Phyllanthus maderaspatensis
17
Cenchrus ciliars
70
Ocimum americanum
105
Hebenstretia integrifolia
9
A. anthelmintica
1
Calestephane divaricate
79
Platycarpha carlinoides
10
Pseudographalium undulatum
37
453?
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ChatGPT
Apr 25
Species diversity assessment is the process of quantifying the variety of different species present in a particular ecosystem or habitat. This assessment typically involves conducting field surveys to identify and document the different species present, as well as analyzing data to determine the richness and evenness of species distribution.
There are several methods that can be used to assess species diversity, including:
1. Species richness: This involves simply counting the number of different species present in a given area. A higher number of species indicates greater diversity.
2. Shannon-Wiener index: This index takes into account both species richness and evenness, providing a more comprehensive measure of diversity.
3. Simpson's diversity index: This index focuses more on the dominance of certain species within a community, providing a measure of how evenly distributed species are.
4. Rarefaction analysis: This method is used to estimate species richness based on the number of individuals sampled, allowing for comparisons between different sampling efforts.
By assessing species diversity, researchers can gain valuable insights into the health and functioning of ecosystems, as well as identify areas that may be at risk of biodiversity loss. This information can then be used to inform conservation efforts and management strategies to protect and preserve species diversity.
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Google Gemini AI
Apr 25
Species Diversity Assessment
Definition: The process of measuring and quantifying the variety of species within an ecological community or ecosystem.
Objectives:
- Identify and document species present - Determine their relative abundance and distribution - Estimate species richness, evenness, and diversity
Methods:
Sampling Methods:
- Random sampling: Selects individuals or sample units randomly from the population. - Stratified sampling: Divides the population into strata based on factors such as habitat type or vegetation cover and samples each stratum. - Systematic sampling: Samples individuals or units at regular intervals along transects or quadrats. - Transect sampling: Surveys a linear path and records species along its length. - Quadrat sampling: Places a frame over a defined area and counts species within it.
Data Collection:
- Species identification: Collects specimens or photographs and identifies them using taxonomic keys or expert opinion. - Species abundance: Records the number of individuals of each species observed or captured. - Species distribution: Maps the locations of species or records their presence/absence in different areas.
Diversity Indices:
- Species richness: The total number of species present in a community. - Evenness: The relative abundance of different species, indicating how evenly species are distributed within the community. - Diversity index: A statistical measure that combines species richness and evenness, such as: - Shannon-Wiener index - Simpson's diversity index - Berger-Parker dominance index
Interpretation:
- Species richness: High species richness indicates a healthy ecosystem with diverse habitats and resources. - Evenness: High evenness indicates a well-balanced community with no single species dominating. - Diversity index: A high diversity index reflects a stable and resilient ecosystem with a variety of species fulfilling different ecological roles.
Applications:
- Biodiversity conservation: Prioritizing areas for protection and management based on species diversity. - Environmental monitoring: Assessing the impact of human activities on ecosystem health and species composition. - Climate change research: Predicting the potential effects of climate change on species distributions and diversity. - Ecosystem restoration: Guiding restoration efforts to recreate or enhance species diversity. - Education and outreach: Raising awareness of the importance of species diversity and ecological interactions.