Species richness — Science definition
Defined in 3 courses:
- The number of different species recorded under a stated method. (Science 6: Matter, Energy & Earth Systems)
- How many different species are present, regardless of how many individuals each has. (Life Science & Scientific Inquiry)
- The number of species recorded in a defined sample. (Life Science: Biology)
Where it is taught
- Ecosystems, Habitats & Biomes — Ecosystems, Watersheds & Conservation, Science 6: Matter, Energy & Earth Systems, Grade 6
- Biodiversity, Variation & Ecosystem Resilience — Ecological Evidence & Environmental Design, Life Science & Scientific Inquiry, Grade 7
- Biodiversity Evidence & Conservation Design — Ecosystems & Conservation Decisions, Life Science: Biology, Grade 10
In use
Species richness is simply how many different species are present — three in both woods above.
Biodiversity, Variation & Ecosystem Resilience
Species richness counts species observed; evenness describes how individuals are distributed among them.
Biodiversity Evidence & Conservation Design
Questions using species richness
Problem 1
Which statement correctly uses species richness in Ecosystems, Habitats & Biomes?
- One illustrative result establishes every real condition and needs no further evidence.
- More individuals always means more species.
- A biome label establishes identical conditions at every site.
- species richness: The number of different species recorded under a stated method.
Answer and explanation
species richness: The number of different species recorded under a stated method.
The number of different species recorded under a stated method. The shaded patch has greater recorded species richness, while the sunny patch has more recorded individuals. Neither measure alone proves a universally better habitat. Species identity, seasonal changes, detection, and the needs of a particular organism matter. These are illustrative patch records, not a survey of every forest.