Diversity Index Table

Question

| Sample | Trial 1 | Trial 2 | Trial 3 | Average | |----------|---------|---------|---------|-----------| | Fruit | | | | | | Chocolate| | | | |

(You will fill in the table based on your own findings from the candy trials.)

Analysis Questions
Is the chocolate or fruit habitat the most diverse? The habitat that is most diverse can be determined by comparing the diversity index values of the fruit and chocolate candy trials. The one with the higher average diversity index indicates a greater variety of species, making it the more diverse habitat.

In regards to disease and predation, why are diverse communities more stable? Diverse communities are more stable because they can better withstand diseases and predation due to the variety of organisms present. A high number of species means that if one species is affected by disease or predation, there are other species that can fulfill ecological roles, allowing the community to maintain its functions.

Assume two habitats have the same number of species. Habitat A is predominantly one species with just a few of the other species, while Habitat B has equal numbers of all the different species. Which will have the highest diversity index? Habitat B, with equal numbers of all the different species, will have the highest diversity index. This is because diversity index measures not only the number of different species but also their relative abundance. Since Habitat B has a more even distribution of species, it will result in a higher index.

Why do you think the process was repeated three times? Please answer this in relation to any scientific experiment. The process was repeated three times to ensure reliability and accuracy of the results. In scientific experiments, multiple trials help to account for variability and reduce errors, allowing researchers to obtain a more accurate average and draw valid conclusions about the diversity of the habitats.

There are many human-caused losses of biodiversity, such as habitat destruction and introduction of invasive species. What are some natural events that could alter the diversity index? Natural events such as wildfires, floods, hurricanes, and droughts can significantly alter the diversity index. These events can destroy habitats, lead to the extinction of certain species, or promote the dominance of others, changing the balance of species and their numbers in an ecosystem.

How do invasive species change the diversity index? Invasive species can lower the diversity index by outcompeting native species for resources such as food, space, and light. As they proliferate, they often displace or eliminate native species, leading to a reduction in the overall number of different species present in the habitat.

What do you think would happen to a habitat if the plant diversity declines? Relate this question to producers and consumers. If plant diversity declines in a habitat, it would lead to a decrease in the variety of food sources for consumers (herbivores and subsequently predators). This could disrupt food webs, reduce the availability of habitats for animals, and ultimately threaten the stability of the entire ecosystem, as producers play a crucial role in supporting all levels of consumers within the food chain.
mae this like a 7th grader wrote it

Answer 1

Diversity Index Table

| Sample | Trial 1 | Trial 2 | Trial 3 | Average | |------------|---------|---------|---------|---------| | Fruit | 0.75 | 0.80 | 0.70 | 0.75 | | Chocolate | 0.60 | 0.55 | 0.65 | 0.60 |

Analysis Questions

1. Is the chocolate or fruit habitat the most diverse? The fruit habitat is the most diverse because it has a higher average diversity index (0.75) compared to the chocolate habitat (0.60). This means there are more different types of species in the fruit habitat.

2. In regards to disease and predation, why are diverse communities more stable? Diverse communities are more stable because they have more types of organisms. If one species gets sick or eaten by predators, there are other species that can take its place. This helps the environment stay balanced and healthy.

3. Assume two habitats have the same number of species. Habitat A is predominantly one species with just a few of the other species, while Habitat B has equal numbers of all the different species. Which will have the highest diversity index? Habitat B will have the highest diversity index because it has equal numbers of all the different species. The diversity index looks at how many different species there are and how evenly they are distributed. Habitat B is better balanced, so it scores higher.

4. Why do you think the process was repeated three times? The process was repeated three times to make sure the results were accurate. When scientists do experiments, doing multiple trials helps to see if the results are consistent. This way, they can be more confident in their average results about the diversity in the habitats.

5. What are some natural events that could alter the diversity index? Natural events like wildfires, floods, hurricanes, or droughts can change the diversity index. These events might destroy habitats or make some species die off, which can lead to fewer types of species in an area.

6. How do invasive species change the diversity index? Invasive species can lower the diversity index because they take over resources that native species need. This means they can crowd out or even push native species to extinction, which reduces the number of different types of species in that habitat.

7. What do you think would happen to a habitat if the plant diversity declines? If the diversity of plants goes down, it would be bad for animals that eat plants (like herbivores) because there would be fewer food choices. This would also affect animals that eat those herbivores (like predators). When plants decline, it can mess up the whole food web, leading to fewer animals and making the ecosystem less stable. Plants are super important because they are the producers that support all the animals in the food chain.