How do measure biodiversity

Species evenness:. There's also genetic diversity, which is the genetic variability within a species. This can be measured by looking at phenotypic traits or using molecular methods. To read related Socratic content, check out this link on the types of biodiversity.

To read a lot more on measuring diversity, see this link. How is biodiversity measured? Kate M. Jan 5, Explanation: There are multiple ways to measure biodiversity. So far, we have identified around 1. Biodiversity is essential for the processes that support all life on Earth, including humans. Without a wide range of animals, plants and microorganisms, we cannot have healthy ecosystems.

The list of known recent extinctions is still a small fraction of all species on the planet but it is far above prehuman levels and the evidence suggests it is rising fast. Biodiversity loss has been most pronounced on islands and in specific locations around the tropics.

Compared to the 1. The environmental changes being driven by climate change are disturbing natural habitats and species in ways that are still only becoming clear.

Forests contain some of the richest concentrations of biodiversity on the planet. But between and , around million hectares of mainly tropical forest has been lost. Loss of natural habitats has been taking place over thousands of years, but scientists are confident that we have ways to help biodiversity recover. While large scale changes in behaviour, policies and measures will be essential, individuals have a vital part to play. Biodiversity loss is a complex issue involving many overlapping processes.

While nature can recover when left to do so, it requires dramatic changes in our behaviour for this to happen. The value of the natural world can be interpreted in many ways, from their raw economic value to the inherent social, cultural and emotional benefits they provide. Skip to content You currently have JavaScript disabled in your web browser, please enable JavaScript to view our website as intended. How do we measure biodiversity? Reversing biodiversity loss. Introduction What is biodiversity?

Why is biodiversity important? However, there is very little information on Mindanao island. This was the first effort to find out how the molluscs and its community structure are in Padada, Davao del Sur, Philippines. The study covered only living bivalves and gastropods. To describe mollusc diversity in Padada, researchers set sampling areas, identified species and counted individuals. Then they analyzed many biodiversity indices such as species abundance and their spatial structure.

They found out that the intertidal mollusc community in the area is highly variable. It meant that the species are rich and diverse, and also abundant across all sampling areas.

Is it effective on reef fish diversity to implement no fishing zone over a period of time? And so, they collected monthly data for three years.

It included reef fish abundance and size structure, on six marine reserves and two open reef areas not protected. When they analyzed data on species, diversity and abundance, they found out that the no fishing zone affected the reef fish diversity by allowing the large-bodied species to be more dominant and, by improving the total biomass.

Results showed that indeed, diversity was influenced when the fishing pressure was removed within the specific zone. Measuring biodiversity in specific ecosystems is important in the stewardship of our natural resources. Surveys, inventories and monitoring become urgent, especially when man-made intervention begins to influence the natural habitats.

Learning to describe and measure biodiversity are very useful skills that can be practiced not only by researchers. It can be taught as well to local people who have direct access to such resources so they too can understand how the things we do affect nature. It must be taught so we can all be united in taking responsibility in keeping the balance between man and his environment. Featured Image — Why measure biodiversity?

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