Two communities are analyzed using the Shannon index of species diversity.Community A has an H value of 1.5.Community B has an H value of 3.0.What is the strongest conclusion that can be drawn about the species diversity of these two communities?
A) The two communities have very similar species diversities.
B) Community A has a lower species diversity than community B.
C) Community A has a higher species diversity than community B.
D) Community A has both higher species richness and higher species evenness than community B.
E) Community A has higher species richness, and community B has higher species evenness.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The Shannon index of species diversity is a measure of both species richness (number of different species) and species evenness (relative abundance of each species). A higher H value indicates a greater diversity of species in a community. Therefore, community B has a higher species diversity than community A. Option B states "Community A has a lower species diversity than community B" and is the only option that correctly reflects this conclusion.

Two Communities Are Analyzed Using the Shannon Index of Species