Final answer:
Simpson's Diversity Index is a measure of biodiversity that takes into account both the number of different species present and their abundance. In this case, the meadow contains 1532 chestnut oaks, 342 black cherry trees, 12 white ash trees, and 1022 yellow birches. The Simpson's Diversity Index for this meadow is 0.4029.
Step-by-step explanation:
Simpson's Diversity Index is a measure of biodiversity that takes into account both the number of different species present and their abundance.
To calculate the index, you need to know the total number of individuals of each species. In this case, the meadow contains 1532 chestnut oaks, 342 black cherry trees, 12 white ash trees, and 1022 yellow birches.
First, calculate the proportions of the total for each species: chestnut oaks = 1532 / (1532 + 342 + 12 + 1022) = 0.5202, black cherry trees = 342 / (1532 + 342 + 12 + 1022) = 0.1159, white ash trees = 12 / (1532 + 342 + 12 + 1022) = 0.0041, yellow birches = 1022 / (1532 + 342 + 12 + 1022) = 0.3458.
Next, square each proportion: chestnut oaks = 0.5202^2 = 0.2700, black cherry trees = 0.1159^2 = 0.0134, white ash trees = 0.0041^2 = 0.0000, yellow birches = 0.3458^2 = 0.1195.
Finally, sum the squared proportions: Simpson's Diversity Index = 0.2700 + 0.0134 + 0.0000 + 0.1195 = 0.4029.