Species Diversity: Summary Notes
Definition: Species diversity refers to the variety of different species within a particular habitat or ecosystem. It encompasses both the number of different species (species richness) and the relative abundance of each species (species evenness).
Components of Species Diversity:
- Species Richness: The count of different species in a specific area.
- Species Evenness: How evenly the individuals are distributed among the different species.
Importance of Species Diversity:
- Ecosystem Stability: Diverse ecosystems tend to be more resilient to disturbances (e.g., climate change, natural disasters).
- Ecosystem Services: High species diversity enhances ecosystem services, such as:
- Pollination
- Nutrient cycling
- Pest control
- Water purification
- Biodiversity and Human Well-being: Diverse ecosystems support food security, medicine, and economic benefits through tourism and sustainable practices.
- Genetic Diversity: Species diversity contributes to genetic diversity, which allows species to adapt to changing environments.
- Cultural and Aesthetic Values: Different species contribute to cultural identity and provide aesthetic enjoyment and inspiration.
Diagram of Species Diversity:
+---------------------+
| Ecosystem |
| +-----------------+ |
| | Species Richness| |
| | (Count of | |
| | Different | |
| | Species) | |
| +-----------------+ |
| |
| +-----------------+ |
| | Species Evenness| |
| | (Abundance of | |
| | Different Species)| |
| +-----------------+ |
+---------------------+
|
v
Importance of Species Diversity
[Stability, Ecosystem Services, Human Well-being, Genetic Diversity, Cultural Values]
This diagram illustrates that species diversity encompasses both species richness and evenness, which are critical for the overall health and function of ecosystems. Each aspect feeds into the importance of species diversity for ecosystems and human survival.