Question

an ecologist investigates two communities. she measures the number of individuals of every species she finds (data presented in the table below). which of the following statements regarding the two communities are accurate?
species # individuals in community 1 # individuals in community 2
wolves 5 0
pine trees 100 100
rabbits 65 150
doves 30 250
earthworms 800 500
total 1,000 1,000
correct answer(s)
community 1 has higher relative species abundance of earthworms. community 2 has higher relative species abundance of earthworms.
community 2 has higher species richness. community 1 has higher species richness.

Explanation:

Step1: Calculate relative species abundance of earthworms

Relative species abundance = (Number of earthworms / Total number of individuals)
For community 1: $\frac{800}{1000}=0.8$
For community 2: $\frac{500}{1000}=0.5$

Step2: Determine species richness

Species richness is the number of different species. Both communities have 5 species (wolves, pine trees, rabbits, doves, earthworms)

Answer:

Community 1 has higher relative species abundance of earthworms.