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Index of diversity

Biology: AQA A Level, topic 4.6.2

Index of Diversity

Biodiversity can be measured using the index of diversity. The index of diversity uses the number of species (species richness) and the number of individuals in each species (species abundance).

The equation

The equation

  • The index of diversity (d) is calculated as:
  • d = N(N−1)Σ  n(n−1)\frac{N(N - 1)}{\Sigma \; n(n-1)}
    • N = total number of organisms of all species present.
    • n = total number of organisms of one given species present.
Benefit of using this index

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.

Test yourself on Index of diversity

  • What does 'N' represent in the equation for the index of diversity?

  • What is the equation for the index of diversity?

  • Which of the following statements are true about the index of diversity?

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