8.1.2

Communities & Measuring Diversity

Test yourself

Index of Diversity

Populations rarely, if ever, live in isolation from populations of other species forming communities. The diversity of communities can be assesed using Simpson's Diversity Index.

Illustrative background for CommunitiesIllustrative background for Communities ?? "content

Communities

  • In most cases, numerous species share a habitat.
  • The interactions between these populations play a major role in regulating population growth and abundance.
    • All populations occupying the same habitat form a community: populations inhabiting a specific area at the same time.
  • The number of species occupying the same habitat and their relative abundance is known as species diversity.
  • Ecology is studied at the community level to understand how species interact with each other.
Illustrative background for The equationIllustrative background for The equation ?? "content

The equation

  • The index of diversity (D) is calculated as:
    • D = 1 - ((n(n1)N(N1)))((\large\frac{\sum n(n-1)}{N(N-1)}))
      • N = total number of organisms of all species present.
      • n =total number of organisms of one given species present.
Illustrative background for Benefit of using this indexIllustrative background for Benefit of using this index ?? "content

Benefit of using this index

  • The benefit of using the index of diversity instead of just species richness is that it takes into account the population sizes of different species in one community.
    • The greater the value for the index of diversity, the more diverse the community.

Jump to other topics

1Unity & Diversity - Molecules

2Unity & Diversity - Cells

3Unity & Diversity - Organisms

4Unity & Diversity - Ecosystems

5Form & Function - Molecules

6Form & Function - Cells

7Form & Function - Organisms

8Form & Function - Ecosystems

9Interaction & Interdependence - Molecules

10Interaction & Interdependence - Cells

11Interaction & Interdependence - Organisms

12Interaction & Interdependence - Ecosystems

12.1Populations & Communities

12.2Transfers of Energy & Matter

13Continuity & Change - Molecules

14Continuity & Change - Cells

15Continuity & Change - Organisms

16Continuity & Change - Ecosystems

Unlock your full potential with Seneca Premium

  • Unlimited access to 10,000+ open-ended exam questions

  • Mini-mock exams based on your study history

  • Unlock 800+ premium courses & e-books

Get started with Seneca Premium