Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
R.H. Whittaker proposed three levels of species diversity to measure biodiversity across spatial scales: Alpha, Beta, and Gamma diversity.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
- Alpha diversity refers to local diversity within a single uniform habitat or community.
- Beta diversity measures the rate of change or turnover of species composition as one moves from one habitat/ecosystem to another across a landscape.
- Gamma diversity is the total species richness across all habitats within an entire geographic region.
The question refers specifically to the turnover and exchange of species among habitats, which is the definition of Beta diversity.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The turnover of species among habitats is Beta diversity, which corresponds to option (B).