What do you mean by alpha diversity, Biology

Assignment Help:

Q. What do you mean by Alpha diversity?

Alpha (a) richness refers to the number of species found in small, homogenous area. Alpha diversity refers to the diversity in a particular area or ecosystem and is usually expressed by the number of species (i.e. species richness) in that ecosystem.

Alpha diversity is characterised by several widespread patterns that are characteristic of most taxa and are strongly correlated with physical environmental gradients. For example,

· Marine and terrestrial environments in tropical regions have more species of higher taxonomic groups than those in higher latitude communities.

· Richness of species in terms of most taxa is positively correlated with habitat structural complexity.

· Structurally simple habitats like open oceans, grasslands, etc. generally support fewer species than structurally complex communities such as forests and coral reefs. In the open oceans maximum richness of most groups is found at depths between 2000-4000 m. In contrast coral species richness peaks at depths between 15-30 m because corals obtain their energy from photosynthetic organisms embedded in their tissues, and are thus confined to the photic zone.

· Island communities are poor in species than comparable mainland communities.


Related Discussions:- What do you mean by alpha diversity

Define reaction for nelson-somogyi method, Define Reaction for Nelson-Somog...

Define Reaction for Nelson-Somogyi Method? The reagent used for enolization contains alkaline solution of cupric sulfate and Rochelle salt. Rochelle salt in the reagent prevent

When to use the term 2'' carbon, When do you use the term 2' carbon and whe...

When do you use the term 2' carbon and when do you use 2 carbons on a molecular structure? I need examples please!

Actions of gastrointestinal hormones, Actions of Gastrointestinal hormones ...

Actions of Gastrointestinal hormones Secretin is released under acidic conditions (low pH); digested fat or bile initiates production of pancreatic juice low in enzymes but ri

What is the significance of the -r group, Q. What is the significance of th...

Q. What is the significance of the -R group (variable radical) in an amino acid molecule? The -R group, also known as lateral chain, is the variable part of the amino acid mole

Explain about non-surgical therapy, Non-Surgical Therapy The most conse...

Non-Surgical Therapy The most conservative approach to treatment involves non-surgical therapy. This treatment modality includes three subcategories: a) Pharmacological ther

Internet meanings for: URL HTTP COOKIES, Internet meanings for:...

Internet meanings for: URL HTTP COOKIES BAUD WWW COMP What Is The Internet? What do you need to connect to the Internet? Advantages and disadvantages of the Ne

Functions of kidney, FUNCTION S OF KIDNEY - 1.      Excretion of nitro...

FUNCTION S OF KIDNEY - 1.      Excretion of nitrogenous wastes. 2.      Maintenance of water balance or osmoregulation. 3.      Acid base balance or regulation of pH.

How different are oxyhemoglobin and hemoglobin, How different are oxyhemogl...

How different are oxyhemoglobin and hemoglobin? Where is it expected to find a higher concentration of oxyhemoglobin, in peripheral tissues or in the lungs? Oxygen-bound hemogl

What does radial symmetry means, Q. What does radial symmetry means? What i...

Q. What does radial symmetry means? What is the kind of symmetry found in chordates? Which are other phyla of the animal kingdom that present species with radial symmetry? Radi

Write Your Message!

Captcha
Free Assignment Quote

Assured A++ Grade

Get guaranteed satisfaction & time on delivery in every assignment order you paid with us! We ensure premium quality solution document along with free turntin report!

All rights reserved! Copyrights ©2019-2020 ExpertsMind IT Educational Pvt Ltd