Species diversity is a multidimensional ecological concept describing the variability of species within a community, typically quantified through measures that integrate both species richness (the number of species) and evenness (the relative abundances of those species). It underpins community structure, ecosystem functioning, and resilience by influencing processes such as resource use, trophic interactions, and stability against perturbations. Species diversity is often assessed using alpha diversity (within-community), beta diversity (turnover among communities), and gamma diversity (regional diversity), and is commonly measured with indices such as Shannon, Simpson, or Hill numbers, each emphasizing different aspects of richness and evenness.
Many young adults are familiar with common species such as dandelions or sparrows. In contrast, plants and birds typical of fields, meadows and other agricultural habitats are significantly less well known. This is shown ...
Ecology
Jun 19, 2026
0
350
There is a Chinese saying that east or west, Guilin scenery is the best. Guilin and Chongqing, located in western China, are famous for their many mountains and rivers. They also harbor unique flora and fauna, such as the ...
Plants & Animals
Jun 18, 2026
0
14
Researchers from the University of Helsinki, Natural Resources Institute Finland, Tamkang University and National Taiwan University investigated how the Green View Index (GVI) relates to the richness and diversity of bacteria ...
Environment
Jun 17, 2026
0
8
The body size, morphology and associated behavioral traits of flower-visiting insects strongly influence the quantity of pollen they transport. Thus, pollinators with similar appearances are often assumed to exert similar ...
Evolution
Jun 16, 2026
0
9
Plants, animals and microorganisms constantly communicate through chemical signals. A research team has now shown that these signals merge in the environment to form complex "chemical landscapes" that have effects far beyond ...
Ecology
Jun 16, 2026
0
6
Many insects will eat almost anything in their sight, such as certain beetles, grasshoppers and locusts, while others are remarkably picky eaters. For example, numerous insect herbivores will feed only on a single plant family ...
Disorder brings more life to the forest: Birds and bats react to this in different ways. This is shown by a new study from the University of Würzburg's Biocenter.
Plants & Animals
Jun 11, 2026
1
30
As conservationists seek to maintain biodiversity levels in tropical coffee landscapes, data indicate the presence and quality of surrounding forest habitat may play a larger role than previously thought. New research from ...
Ecology
Jun 10, 2026
0
13
A shift toward more precise, measurable conservation goals could hold the key to protecting vulnerable species, according to the findings of a new study looking at African elephants. Conservationists are often faced with ...
Plants & Animals
Jun 9, 2026
0
10
Environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding has emerged as a powerful tool for monitoring aquatic biodiversity, enabling researchers to identify fish species from traces of DNA found in water without using invasive techniques ...
Plants & Animals
Jun 9, 2026
0
9
