BIODIVE R SIT Y
(CALCUL ATIN
G
BIODIVERSITY
OF A
[email protected]
LEARNINGS OUTCOMES
Learners should be able to demonstrate and apply their knowledge and
understanding of:
(D)The use and interpretation of Simpson’s Index of Diversity (D) to
calculate the biodiversity of a habitat. The formula will be provided
where needed in assessments and does not need to be recalled.
• And the interpretation of both high and low values of Simpson’s
Index of Diversity (D).
MEASURE BIODIVERSITY
• Species richness and evenness can be estimated by sampling a habitat.
• Simpson's Index of Diversity (D) is a measure of biodiversity which
takes into account both richness and evenness.
• As species richness and evenness increase, so diversity increases
CALCULATION OF SIMPSON
´S INDEX OF DIVERSITY (D)
• Calculation of D for a single quadrat sample of ground vegetation in a field
or woodland would not give a reliable estimate of the diversity of the
ground flora.
• Several random samples would have to be taken and the data pooled to
give a better estimate of overall diversity and representiveness
INTERPRETATION OF BOTH HIGH AND
LOW VALUES OF SIMPSON’S INDEX
LOW D VALUE:
A low value for diversity suggest a habitat dominated by a few species.
In this case, a small change to the envinment that affect one of those
species could damage or destroy the whole habitat.
Such a small change could be a disease or predator or even something that
human have done nearby.
HIGH D VALUE:
Indicates a diverse habitat, therefore a habitat provides a place for many different
species and many organism to live.
A small change to the environment may affect one species. If this species is only a
small part of the habitat, the total number of individual affect is a small part
proportionof the total number present. Therefore, the effect on the whole habitat is
small.
THIS HABITAT TENDS TO BE STABLE AND ABLE TO WITHSTAND CHANGE.
PAPER QUESTIONS
CALCULATION OF SIMPSON
´S INDEX OF DIVERSITY (D)
• Calculation of D for a single quadrat sample of ground vegetation in a field
or woodland would not give a reliable estimate of the diversity of the
ground flora.
• Several random samples would have to be taken and the data pooled to
give a better estimate of overall diversity and representiveness
CALCULATION OF D
Formula: D = 1 – [sum of (n / N) 2]
N = Total number of species in a habitat
n = number of individuals of a particular species
Species of n
E.g., 1 3 different species of flower
flower in a field
Red 3
- 3 red White 5
- 5 white
- 3 blue N (total) Blue 3
= 11 Total (N) 11
D=1– (3/11)2 +(5/11)2 + (3 / 11)2 = 1 – 0.36 = 0.64
The field has an index of diversity of 0.64, which is fairly high
Number
E.g., 2 Species (n/N)2
(n)
Woodrush 2 0.017
Holly (seedlings) 8 0.284 D = 1 – (0.349) = 0.65
Bramble 1 0.004 The sample has a high
biodiversity
Yorkshire Fog 1 0.004
Sedge 3 0.04
8
Total (N) 15 0.349
E.g., 3 A n investigation was carried out to investigate the diversity of insects in 3
habitats:
• a field of barley
• a field of wheat
• the vegetation under a hedge
The results are shown in the table below. The table also shows how the
data has
N = the total
been used to calculate Simpson’s number
index of insects
of Diversity (D) for each
habitat n = number of individuals of a particular
species
Calculated
value of D for
barley field
9
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HOMEWORK
• Pages 263-
266
QUESTIONS
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