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

Determine about the degenerative diseases, Determine about the degenerative...

Determine about the degenerative diseases Immune responses in brain can quickly spiral out of control and cause further harm. In degenerative diseases such as Parkinson's, Alz

Explain about the phosphorus - macro minerals, Explain about the Phosphorus...

Explain about the Phosphorus - Macro Minerals? Phosphorus is the second most abundant element in the human body, comprising 30% of the total mineral content. An adult human bod

Obelia, why obelia shows an intermediate grade of organisation

why obelia shows an intermediate grade of organisation

., what is nuclus

what is nuclus

What is trna structure , Transfer  RNA  (tRNA)  molecules  play  an  very s...

Transfer  RNA  (tRNA)  molecules  play  an  very significant  role  in  protein  synthesis. Each tRNA becomes covalently bonded to a particular amino acid  to  create  aminoacyl- t

Counselling technique of diabetic patient, Counselling a diabetic patient a...

Counselling a diabetic patient and their family members is very important as patient has to modify the life style and diet and needs family support. Therefore it is important for y

What is the destination of the notochord, Q. What is the destination of the...

Q. What is the destination of the notochord in protochordates and in vertebrates? In vertebrates the notochord disappears and gives birth to the spinal column known as vertebra

Testis of non-mammalian vertebrates, Normal 0 false false f...

Normal 0 false false false EN-IN X-NONE X-NONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4

Determine the mechanical properties of ti and ti alloy, Mechanical Properti...

Mechanical Properties of Ti and Ti Alloy as Compared to Bone  Titanium tends to seize when in sliding contact with itself or other metal. Titanium based alloys have a high co-e

Knocking and octane number, Mixture of gasoline and air is used as fuel in ...

Mixture of gasoline and air is used as fuel in internal combustion engine. It is highly compressed and then ignited. 1.      The process involves four strokes : 2.      The f

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