BIOLOGY SENIOR 4 QUESTIONS
AND
ANSWERS.
, 1)This table shows some plants species in Amazon forest.
Species numbers
A 56
B 48
C 12
D 6
E 3
a) calculate the Simpson’s diversity index of the above forest.
Answers:
Numbers(n) n/N (n/N)
56 0.448 0.2007
48 0.384 0.147
12 0.096 0.0092
6 0.048 0.0023
3 0.024 0.0005
∑n=N(125) ∑(n/N)2=0.36
D=1-∑(n/N)2=1-0.36=0.64
b) Explain why a habitat with high diversity is thought to be more stable.
Answer: With a high diversity, there is a greater species richness. More species means that each species
relies on a number of others. If one species is affected by change, the others may be less affected.
c)Suggest why it is important to maintain biodiversity.
Answers: For ecological importance.
For example: -The recycling of nutrients.
-The formation and protection of soil.
-Maintenance of ecosystem.
-Production of food, fibers of clothing, medical and timber.
-Considerable potential for tourism.
-To know the total number of species that are present in an ecosystem.
2) Distinguish between:
AND
ANSWERS.
, 1)This table shows some plants species in Amazon forest.
Species numbers
A 56
B 48
C 12
D 6
E 3
a) calculate the Simpson’s diversity index of the above forest.
Answers:
Numbers(n) n/N (n/N)
56 0.448 0.2007
48 0.384 0.147
12 0.096 0.0092
6 0.048 0.0023
3 0.024 0.0005
∑n=N(125) ∑(n/N)2=0.36
D=1-∑(n/N)2=1-0.36=0.64
b) Explain why a habitat with high diversity is thought to be more stable.
Answer: With a high diversity, there is a greater species richness. More species means that each species
relies on a number of others. If one species is affected by change, the others may be less affected.
c)Suggest why it is important to maintain biodiversity.
Answers: For ecological importance.
For example: -The recycling of nutrients.
-The formation and protection of soil.
-Maintenance of ecosystem.
-Production of food, fibers of clothing, medical and timber.
-Considerable potential for tourism.
-To know the total number of species that are present in an ecosystem.
2) Distinguish between:
