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

What is secondary structure of a protein, Q. What is secondary structure of...

Q. What is secondary structure of a protein? The secondary protein structure is creating by the manner its amino acids interact through the intermolecular bond. These communica

Compute the amount of nacl need, A saline drip is to be prepared for a lab ...

A saline drip is to be prepared for a lab experiment that is looking at hydration in lab rats. Calculate the amount of NaCl need to make 4 liters of a 0.9% solution.

Define cancer - excessive fat intake, Define Cancer - excessive fat intake?...

Define Cancer - excessive fat intake? Role of fat in cancer is debatable. High fat intake is indicated as a risk factor to cancer of breast, colon etc. Saturated fat intake has

Define points to remember regarding to food processing, Define Points to Re...

Define Points to Remember regarding to Food Processing? 1. Conversion of raw materials and ingredients into acceptable consumer products is referred to food processing, which c

What is ciguatera fish poisoning, Question : (i) What is Ciguatera Fis...

Question : (i) What is Ciguatera Fish Poisoning provide some examples of fishes implicated in Ciguatera Fish Poisoning in Mauritius? (ii) Provide a general account of its d

What is gastritis, Q. What is Gastritis? Gastritis is an inflammatory l...

Q. What is Gastritis? Gastritis is an inflammatory lesion of the gastric mucosa, (the inner lining of the stomach). The problem is seen in two forms: a) Acute gastritis

What is osmotic diarrhoea, Q. What is Osmotic diarrhoea? This kind of d...

Q. What is Osmotic diarrhoea? This kind of diarrhoea is caused by the presence of osmotically active substances in the intestinal tract, which in turn, favour the drawing of la

Energy, Energy Contrary  to matter.  Energy neither occupies space, nor...

Energy Contrary  to matter.  Energy neither occupies space, nor possesses mass. Hence it is defined, not on   physical ,but on operational or functional basis as the force whic

Explain the aseptic technique - sub culturing, Explain the Aseptic Techniqu...

Explain the Aseptic Technique - Sub Culturing? Aseptic technique is a series of procedures used to prevent contamination of cultures and sterile culture media. It is one of the

Explain physical properties of an oil, Explain Physical properties of an oi...

Explain Physical properties of an oil Physical properties of an oil or fat are of critical importance in determining its functional characteristics or use in food products. One

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