You are sampling a stream with a net, collecting 100 macroinvertebrates. Your collection is as follows (assume the different macroinvertebrate types noted are all the same species (e.g., 17 mayflies are all of the same species): 5 caddisflies, 17 mayflies, 48 stoneflies, 6 dragonflies, 10 damselflies, 4 alderflies, 2 dobsonflies, 2 midges, 3 crayfish, 1 aquatic sowbug, 1 water penny, 1 cranefly
If you were to take this data and construct a rank abundance curve, what would it look like?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A rank abundance curve shows the ranking of species abundance from highest to lowest. In this case, there are a few dominant species (stoneflies and mayflies), with many rare species (e.g. cranefly with only 1 individual). This will result in a steeply downward curve (due to the many rare species) on the left side and leveling off on the right side (due to the dominant species).

You Are Sampling a Stream with a Net, Collecting 100