Final answer:
Species richness refers to the number of species in an area, and species diversity includes both richness and the evenness of species distribution. Species richness is highest near the equator due to favorable conditions. The species area effect highlights the importance of large habitats for preserving biodiversity, which is crucial in conservation efforts.
Step-by-step explanation:
Properties of Communities
Species Richness is defined as the number of different species living in a habitat or biome. It is one measure of biodiversity and can vary widely across different global regions. Species Diversity describes not only the species richness but also the relative abundance of different species within a community, encompassing species evenness as well.
Species Richness Variation: Species richness is influenced by several factors, including latitude. Generally, the closer a community is to the equator, the greater the species richness it will contain. This is due to warmer temperatures, high amounts of rainfall, and low seasonality favorable for a wider variety of species.
The tropics have more species than temperate zones because of such favorable environmental conditions and less historical geological disturbances like glaciations. The predictability and productivity of the climate also play important roles.
The Species Area Effect explains that larger areas tend to support more species, and it is significant when considering island biogeography. This concept is vital in conservation efforts because it emphasizes the need to preserve large habitat areas to maintain biodiversity.