Species-area relationship

Definition

The species-area relationship describes the correlation between the area of a habitat and the number of species it can support. Generally, larger areas tend to harbor more species due to greater habitat diversity and resources.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The species-area relationship is often represented by a mathematical formula S = cA^z, where S is the number of species, A is the area, and c and z are constants.
2. This relationship helps in predicting biodiversity loss when habitats are fragmented or reduced in size.
3. A key principle in island biogeography, it explains why larger islands have more species than smaller islands.
4. Conservation strategies often use the species-area relationship to prioritize areas for protection based on their potential to conserve more species.
5. The slope (z-value) of the species-area curve can vary depending on the type of ecosystem and region being studied.

Review Questions

• What does the mathematical formula S = cA^z represent in the context of biodiversity?
• How does habitat fragmentation impact biodiversity according to the species-area relationship?
• Why do conservationists use the species-area relationship when planning protected areas?

Related terms

Habitat Fragmentation: The process by which large continuous habitats are divided into smaller, isolated sections.

Island Biogeography: A field that studies how isolation and area affect species richness on islands.

Biodiversity Hotspot: A region with a high level of endemic species that is under threat from humans.