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What is the difference between species diversity and species richness? | Socratic

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Species diversity is a measurement of species richness and species evenness. Species richness is the number of species. Species richness is the number of species found in a community or ecosystem. Species diversity is a measurement of species richness combined with evenness, meaning it takes into account not only how many species are present but also how evenly distributed the numbers of each species are.

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A habitat is a home environment which provides the natural conditions / environment for a plant or animal to live. The loss or damage to habitats has resulted in the loss of biodiversity in Ireland including (according to The Heritage Council) over 29 different bird species and 120 flowering plants, which are in serious decline.

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Biodiversity is a measure that combines richness and evenness across species. It is often measured because high biodiversity is perceived a synonymous with ecosystem health. In general diverse communities are believed to have increased stability, increased productivity, and resistance to invasion and other disturbances.

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Just as there are many different ways to define biodiversity, there are many different measures of biodiversity. Most measures quantify the number of traits, individuals, or species in a given area while taking into account their degree of dissimilarity. Some measure biodiversity on a genetic level while others measure diversity within a single habitat or between ecosystems.

Measuring biodiversity on the genetic level requires that researchers map the genes and chromosomes of an individual organism and then compare them to the genetic make-up of the larger population. It is genetic diversity which causes tulips to be different colors and different heights. Typically, researchers measure genetic diversity by counting how often certain genetic patterns occur. Another method of measuring genetic diversity works in the reverse: researchers evaluate the differences in physical appearance between individuals then attribute these traits to the most likely genetic roots. Mapping diversity at the genetic level is currently the most accurate measure of biodiversity, although it can be costly and time consuming and, thus, impractical for evaluating large ecosystems. It is most often used to examine managed populations or agricultural crops which can allow for selective breeding of the most desirable traits.

Measuring the diversity of a species generally incorporates estimates of "richness." Also referred to as alpha-diversity, species richness is a common way of measuring biodiversity and involves counting the number of individuals - or even families - in a given area. Researchers have created several indices which measure species biodiversity, the most popular are the Simpson Index and the Shannon Index. These indices focus on the relative species richness and abundance and/or the pattern of species distribution. The Simpson Index takes into account the number of species present and their relative abundance in proportion to the total population. The Shannon Index, originally developed for use in information science, accounts for the order or abundance of a species within a sample plot. The Shannon Index is often used for identifying areas of high natural or human disturbance.

There are also many challenges when measuring species diversity. The greatest of which is a lack of available data. Conducting a full count of the number of species in an ecosystem is nearly impossible, so researchers must use sample plots at a variety of sites but must avoid repetitive counting. Oftentimes, information is not compiled in one specific place, a problem that can lead to an overlap in the naming of species. Another limitation is an inconsistency in treating the definition of species: what one scientist may classify as a new species another may not [for more, see Classifying Species].

At the ecosystem-level, measures of biodiversity are often used to compare two ecosystems or to determine changes over time in a given region. Describing changes in biodiversity within or between ecosystems is called beta-diversity. Measures of beta-diversity indicate the difference in species richness between two different habitats or within a single community at different points in time. The resulting number indicates to researchers whether there is any overlap in the species found in each group. Gamma-diversity, on the other hand, estimates the total biodiversity within an entire region. To arrive at a total estimate, researchers may set up sample plots around the region and count all species within the plots. The sizes of the plots can vary depending on the physical characteristics of the locale. For example, plots in northern forests may be as large as a hectacre whereas in dense rainforest a plot might only be a few meters. Another indicator of biodiversity which researchers often track and measure are keystone species, which are integral to ecosystem processes.

Measuring biodiversity on an ecosystem level is thought to be a better way of looking at the health of the entire system, rather than the health of a particular species. However, it faces many of the same challenges measuring species and genetic diversity do - primarily in cost and the lack of standardization. Researchers have only begun taking measurements; this further limits their ability to identify trends since ecosystems tend to change slowly over time. This absence of long-term scientific data remains a particular challenge.

Counting animals and plants, mapping genes, and systematically comparing ecosystems may seem like a lot of trouble for a number that is - ultimately - an estimate. However, the numbers matter. In the field of conservation, biodiversity is often a consideration within an area; being able to quantify what is being conserved is imperative to good planning and management. Labeling a species or ecosystem "diverse" becomes relative; an estimate of biodiversity will have recognizable limitations, like those of imperfect sampling, but will give a comparison or point of reference. The creation of indices gives scientists a standardized tool with which to compare both ecosystem and species health. Therefore, although exact diversity numbers are difficult to yield, knowing how biological resources are distributed within a community can be extremely beneficial in determining both short- and long-term trends.
Updated by Skyler Treat & Nicole Barone Callahan
Recommended Resources

Biodiversity Measures
The Raytheon Employees Wildlife Habitat Committee defines species richness, the Simpson Index, and the Shannon Index. They also provide information on the assumptions which underlie a good biodiversity estimate.

Simpson's Diversity Index
Offwell Woodland and Wildlife Trust, a British wildlife conservation organization, provides a clear explanation of the mathematics and scientific concepts behind the Simpson's Diversity Index.

Just How Many Species Are There, Anyway?
In 2003, Science Daily examined the difficulties associated with measuring the number of species in a large region and how American researcher Michael Rosenzweig and his colleagues dealt with the problem by comparing the accuracy of several different methods.

New Method for Measuring Biodiversity Make It Easier to Identify Key Species
This February 2008 Science Daily article discusses a method developed by Indian and German researchers that weighs the relative importance of species in their ecosystem.

Quantifying Biodiversity: Procedures and Pitfalls in the Measurement and Comparison of Species Richness
This 2001 academic article from Ecology Letters discussed ways to better quantify the abundance or distributive aspect of species diversity, including detailing the problems of measurement.

Data & Maps

Species Extinction Threat Underestimated Due to Math Glitch
Researchers at University of Colorado Boulder published a study in the July 3, 2008 edition of the journal Nature criticizing current mathematical models used in determining extinction rate. They estimate that extinction rates may actually be 100-fold more than previously thought. Download the related Podcast.

Mapping and Measuring Biodiversity
The Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research is using different methods to map and measure biodiversity in various regions throughout Australia. Visit their website to see how these different measures are being put to practical use.

Laws & Treaties

The 2010 Indicators
The Biodiversity Indicators Partnership is a means by which countries that are a party to the Convention on Biological Diversity can measure and communicate progress toward set goals. The suggested set of indicators, meant to offer scientists and policymakers standardized measures of biodiversity, include trends in selected ecosystems and genetic diversity, as well as 15 others.

Viewpoints

Conserving Biodiversity Needs More Than Just Biology
This January 2005 Science opinion piece claims too little science was taken into account when setting the targets for the Convention on Biological Diversity. The authors argue that broadening the spectrum of science involved will lead to better measures of biodiversity.

Finding the Measure of Biodiversity Loss
Continuing the dialogue on appropriate measure of biodiversity, the authors of this May 2005 Science opinion piece argue that a call for a simple measure of biodiversity, such as a biodiversity index, would not accurately reflect the current situation and should be reexamined.

For the Classroom

Rocky Intertidal Transect Survey
Developed by the Environmental Literacy Council in concert with the College Board, this inquiry-based activity places students in the field to learn about the transect method and statistical analysis used in sampling population abundance and diversity. [Grades 10-Undergraduate]

Arthropod Diversity
Developed by the Environmental Literacy Council in concert with the College Board, this inquiry-based activity is designed to study the biodiversity of arthropods located on a school campus in helping students recognize the relationship between organism type and number to specific habitat. Students will build skills in proper field collection techniques, sampling methods, calculation of biodiversity, quantitative techniques, and field guide use. [Grades 10-Undergraduate]

Biodiversity Counts
This curriculum from the American Museum of Natural History focuses on plant identification activities allowing student to measure biodiversity within their own ecosystems. Students also learn how to use a dichotomous key to identify species. [Grades 6-12]

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Measuring Biodiversity - The Environmental Literacy Council

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Just as there are many different ways to define biodiversity, there are many different measures of biodiversity. Most measures quantify the number of traits, individuals, or species in a given area while taking into account their degree of dissimilarity. Some ... Continued