Final answer:
Species richness is measured by counting distinct species within a defined area and adjusting for abundance. Simpson's Diversity Index is one method used to calculate species richness, considering factors like latitude and relative species abundance.Scientists calculate the species richness of an ecosystem by counting the number of different species in a defined area.
Step-by-step explanation:
Scientists can calculate the species richness of an ecosystem by counting the number of different species in a defined area. Species richness is a measure of the total number of species present in a habitat or ecosystem. It does not take into account the abundance or distribution of each species, but simply focuses on the number of different species present. For example, if a scientist finds 10 different types of birds in a forest, then the species richness of that forest would be 10.