Question

The graph shows species-area relationship:

a. If b denotes the relationship on log scale

i. Describe a and b. 

ii. How is slope represented? Give the normal range of slope. 

iii. What kind of slope will be observed for frugivorous birds and mammals in a tropical forest?

b. Species diversity of plants (22%) is much less than that of animals (72%). Analyze the reasons for greater diversity of animals as compared to plants.

Answer 1

a. 

i. a is S = CA² b is log S = log C + Z log A

ii. Slope is Z (regression coefficient). Its normal value ranges from 0.6 to 1.2.

iii. In frugivorous birds and mammals, value of Z=1.15

b. Reasons for greater diversity of animals are:

i. Animal are mobile and can avoid predator or unfavourable event. 

ii. Well developed nervous system to receive stimuli against external factors and respond to them.