Question

Two different ecosystems are sampled, and the number of species and the abundance of each are counted. Simpson's biodiversity index is used to analyze the data from each. Ecosystem A has a diversity index of 0.25, and ecosystem B has a diversity index of 0.85. Which has greater biodiversity? (Simpson's biodiversity index)

Answer 1

Ecosystem B has greater biodiversity than ecosystem A, as indicated by its higher Simpson's biodiversity index of 0.85 compared to 0.25 for ecosystem A.

Step-by-step explanation:

When comparing ecosystems A and B using Simpson's biodiversity index, ecosystem B with a diversity index of 0.85 has greater biodiversity than ecosystem A with a diversity index of 0.25.

This is because Simpson's index accounts for both the number of species (species richness) and their relative abundance (species evenness), with higher values indicating greater diversity. An ecosystem with a higher Simpson's index is more biodiverse because it suggests a more even distribution of abundance among its species as well as a potentially higher species richness.