Question

The table given below shows the Area, Y-intercept and regression coefficient of the continents namely, Africa and Europe. Study the table carefully and answer the questions that follow:

	Africa	Europe
Area (A)	62,000 km sq.	65,000 km sq.
Y-intercept	(C) 10	20
Regression coefficient (Z)	1	1

1. Calculate the species richness (S) of each continent.
2. Which of these continents shows a higher biodiversity?
3. State any two factors that cause an increase in biodiversity.

Answer 1

(i) The formula for species richness with Y-intercepts is

logS = logC + ZlogA

where S is species richness.

C is the Y-intercept.

Z is a regression coefficient.

A is area.

• Here, in Africa

Log S = log 10 + 1 · log 62000

log S = 1 + 4.79

Log S = 5.79

S = e^5.79

S = 327.01

species richness is 327.01

• Here, in Europe

Log S = log 20 + 1 · log 65000

log S = 1.3 + 4.81

Log S = 6.11

S = e^6.11

S = 450.33

species richness is 450.33

(ii) In Africa biodiversity is higher.

(iii) Several factors influence species diversity. There are two of them: habitat diversity and genetic diversity.