Two Communities Are Analyzed Using the Shannon Index of Species

question 33

Multiple Choice

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.

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Definitions:

Photosynthesis

The process by which green plants and some other organisms use sunlight to synthesize foods from carbon dioxide and water, producing oxygen as a byproduct.

Temperate Lakes

Lakes found in temperate climates, which have moderate temperatures and distinct seasonal changes.

Epilimnion

The upper layer of water in a stratified lake, characterized by warmer temperatures and high oxygen levels compared to deeper layers.

Hypolimnion

The colder, denser, bottom layer of water in a stratified lake, lying below the thermocline and not mixing with the warmer, upper layers.