How is species richness defined?

Species richness is defined as the number of different species present in a particular area. This concept is crucial in ecology and biodiversity studies, as it helps quantify the diversity of life in a specific habitat or ecosystem. Higher species richness typically indicates a healthier and more stable ecosystem, as a greater variety of species can provide multiple functions and resilience against environmental changes.

In practical terms, measuring species richness involves conducting surveys or assessments to tally the distinct species found in a designated area, regardless of the population size of each species. This contrasts with other measures of biodiversity, such as species evenness, which considers the relative abundance of each species, or total population size, which counts the individuals without regard to their species identity. Therefore, focusing on the number of different species is vital for understanding ecological relationships and conservation efforts.