When studying Biodiversity, I wanted more than definitions of genetic, species, and ecosystem diversity. So I set up quadrats in our school garden to count plant species, then calculated Simpson’s diversity index:
[ D = 1 - \sum \frac{n_i (n_i - 1)}{N(N - 1)} ]
where (n_i) is the number of individuals of species (i) and (N) is the total number of organisms. I compared a mown lawn (low (D)) to a wildflower patch (high (D))—clear evidence that diverse habitats are more resilient.
I also documented ecosystem services—pollination by bees, soil stabilization by understory plants, carbon sequestration by trees—tying biodiversity directly to human well-being and environmental sustainability.
Sample SPM Question
“Define biodiversity and explain two reasons why high biodiversity is important for ecosystems.”
My answer outline:
• Biodiversity: variety of genes, species, and ecosystems in a region.
• Importance: enhances ecosystem stability; provides diverse resources (food, medicine).
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