Question

Draw a graph showing species-area relationship. Name the naturalist who studied such relationship. Write the observation made by him.

Hint:

Tropical regions support a higher level of biodiversity due to stable environmental conditions and abundant resources, making them hotspots for various species. Ex situ conservation plays a critical role in preserving species that cannot be saved in the wild.

Answer 1

Species-Area Relationship

Mathematical Form:

\[ S = cA^z \] Where:

• \( S \): Number of species
• \( A \): Area
• \( c \): Constant (depends on region & taxa)
• \( z \): Slope, typically 0.1–0.4

 

Graph:

Naturalist:

Alexander von Humboldt

Observations:

• Species richness increases with area.
• The increase follows a predictable logarithmic pattern.
• This pattern is particularly strong in tropical forests and island ecosystems.

Ecological Importance:

Understanding this relationship helps in habitat conservation and estimating biodiversity loss when habitats shrink.