Question

The species-area relationship was explained by Alexander von Humboldt. Which of the following equations correctly represents this relationship?

• A. \( S = CA^{-Z} \)
• B. \( S = CZ^{A} \)
• C. \( S = CA^{Z} \)
• D. \( S = \dfrac{C}{A^{Z}} \)

Hint:

Remember: In ecology, species richness increases with area according to the power-law equation \( S = CA^Z \).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Concept: The species-area relationship describes how the number of species increases with the increase in the explored area. Larger areas generally contain greater habitat diversity and therefore support more species.

Step 1: Understanding the relationship.
Alexander von Humboldt observed that within a region, species richness increases with increasing explored area, though not linearly.

Step 2: Writing the mathematical expression.
The relationship is represented as: \[ S = CA^{Z} \] where:

• \( S \) = Species richness
• \( A \) = Area
• \( C \) = Constant
• \( Z \) = Regression coefficient

Step 3: Identifying the correct option.
The correct equation among the given options is: \[ S = CA^{Z} \]