Species Diversity
Definition
Species diversity refers to the variety of different species present in a particular ecosystem or on Earth. It includes both the number of species present and their relative abundance.
Analogy
Imagine going to a buffet with a wide variety of dishes. The more different types of dishes there are, and the more evenly distributed they are, the higher the species diversity. Just like how a diverse buffet offers many options for everyone's taste buds, high species diversity ensures a balanced ecosystem with various organisms thriving together.
Related terms
Biodiversity: A broader term encompassing all levels of biological variation, including genetic diversity within species and ecosystem diversity.
Endangered Species: Species at risk of extinction due to factors such as habitat loss or overhunting.
Keystone Species: A species whose presence is crucial for maintaining an ecosystem's structure and function.
"Species Diversity" appears in:
Subjects (1)
Study guides (1)
Practice Questions (3)
Are ecosystems with higher levels of productivity often associated with higher levels of species diversity?
How does species diversity help maintain the health of ecosystems?
What type of disturbance allows both early and late succession species to survive simultaneously, leading to maximum species diversity?
Are you a college student?
Study guides for the entire semester
200k practice questions
Glossary of 50k key terms - memorize important vocab
Resources
© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.
AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.