
What are alpha, beta and gamma diversity?
Answer
441.9k+ views
Hint: Diversity is the variety among the species of living organisms which includes the terrestrial and Marine ecosystem with which the diversity within species belong from the ecological complexes.
Complete answer:
Diversity is of three types which include alpha-beta and gamma diversity. The counting of the number of taxa which is present in a particular area, community or ecosystem falls under the Alpha diversity. The species between two adjacent ecosystems which is obtained by the comparison of the number of species of the ecosystem which is unique to each other falls under the beta diversity. Gamma diversity is defined as the habitats over the total landscape for the geographical area. The preservation of biodiversity is extremely important for human land use, increasing fragmentation and climatic changes. The loss of biodiversity is due to habitat fragmentation and the smaller patches which are created by human needs.
An example of Alpha, Beta and Gamma diversity is explained through a mountain landscape. Under a mountain landscape, there are many patches of forests and grasslands and the species under each grassland or forest patch under the slope will denote the Alpha diversity. The beta diversity is represented between the two patches and their communities consisting of the species. The diversity of species along the mountain slope of the entire range will denote the gamma diversity of the mountain slope.
Note:
The huge amount of diversity present on the earth is of coral reefs and the area near the equator is more diverse due to its present climate on land. The massive extinction of the animals is the current reason for the decline of biodiversity which is over 65 million.
Complete answer:
Diversity is of three types which include alpha-beta and gamma diversity. The counting of the number of taxa which is present in a particular area, community or ecosystem falls under the Alpha diversity. The species between two adjacent ecosystems which is obtained by the comparison of the number of species of the ecosystem which is unique to each other falls under the beta diversity. Gamma diversity is defined as the habitats over the total landscape for the geographical area. The preservation of biodiversity is extremely important for human land use, increasing fragmentation and climatic changes. The loss of biodiversity is due to habitat fragmentation and the smaller patches which are created by human needs.
An example of Alpha, Beta and Gamma diversity is explained through a mountain landscape. Under a mountain landscape, there are many patches of forests and grasslands and the species under each grassland or forest patch under the slope will denote the Alpha diversity. The beta diversity is represented between the two patches and their communities consisting of the species. The diversity of species along the mountain slope of the entire range will denote the gamma diversity of the mountain slope.
Note:
The huge amount of diversity present on the earth is of coral reefs and the area near the equator is more diverse due to its present climate on land. The massive extinction of the animals is the current reason for the decline of biodiversity which is over 65 million.
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