Table of contents

1. Introduction to Biology2h 42m
2. Chemistry3h 37m
3. Water1h 26m
4. Biomolecules2h 23m
5. Cell Components2h 26m
6. The Membrane2h 31m
7. Energy and Metabolism2h 0m
8. Respiration2h 40m
9. Photosynthesis2h 49m
10. Cell Signaling59m
11. Cell Division2h 47m
12. Meiosis2h 0m
13. Mendelian Genetics4h 44m
14. DNA Synthesis2h 27m
15. Gene Expression3h 6m
16. Regulation of Expression3h 31m
17. Viruses37m
- Viruses
  37m
18. Biotechnology2h 58m
19. Genomics17m
- Genomes
  17m
20. Development1h 5m
21. Evolution3h 1m
22. Evolution of Populations3h 53m
23. Speciation1h 37m
24. History of Life on Earth2h 6m
25. Phylogeny2h 31m
26. Prokaryotes4h 59m
27. Protists1h 12m
28. Plants1h 22m
29. Fungi36m
- Fungi
  19m
- Fungi Reproduction
  17m
30. Overview of Animals34m
- Overview of Animals
  34m
31. Invertebrates1h 2m
32. Vertebrates50m
33. Plant Anatomy1h 3m
34. Vascular Plant Transport1h 2m
- Water Potential
  1h 2m
35. Soil37m
- Soil and Nutrients
  20m
- Nitrogen Fixation
  16m
36. Plant Reproduction47m
- Flowers
  33m
- Seeds
  14m
37. Plant Sensation and Response1h 9m
38. Animal Form and Function1h 19m
39. Digestive System1h 10m
- Digestion
  1h 3m
- Blood Sugar Homeostasis
  7m
40. Circulatory System1h 49m
41. Immune System1h 12m
42. Osmoregulation and Excretion50m
- Osmoregulation and Excretion
  50m
43. Endocrine System1h 4m
- Endocrine System
  1h 4m
44. Animal Reproduction1h 2m
- Animal Reproduction
  1h 2m
45. Nervous System1h 55m
- Neurons and Action Potentials
  1h 8m
- Central and Peripheral Nervous System
  46m
46. Sensory Systems46m
- Sensory System
  46m
47. Muscle Systems23m
- Musculoskeletal System
  23m
48. Ecology3h 11m
49. Animal Behavior28m
- Animal Behavior
  28m
50. Population Ecology3h 41m
51. Community Ecology2h 46m
52. Ecosystems2h 36m
53. Conservation Biology24m
- Conservation Biology
  24m

51. Community Ecology

Community Structure

General Biology

51. Community Ecology

Community Structure

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2:55 minutes

Problem 5

Textbook Question

According to the generalized species-area curve, when habitat is reduced to 50% of its original size, approximately
a. 10%
b. 25%
c. 50%
d. 90%

Verified step by step guidance

Understand the species-area relationship: The species-area curve is a mathematical model that describes how the number of species (biodiversity) changes with the size of a habitat. It is often expressed as S = cA^z, where S is the number of species, A is the area, c is a constant, and z is the exponent that determines the curve's shape.

Recognize the key principle: When habitat area is reduced, the number of species typically decreases, but the relationship is not linear. The exponent z (usually between 0.2 and 0.4 for most ecosystems) determines how sensitive species richness is to changes in area.

Apply the concept to the problem: If the habitat is reduced to 50% of its original size, the species-area curve can be used to estimate the percentage of species lost. The formula S = cA^z implies that the new species richness (S') is proportional to the reduced area (A') raised to the power of z.

Set up the calculation: To estimate the percentage of species lost, calculate the ratio of the new species richness (S') to the original species richness (S). This ratio is given by (A'/A)^z, where A' is 50% of the original area (A). The percentage of species lost is then 100% - [(A'/A)^z * 100%].

Interpret the options: Based on typical values of z (e.g., 0.2–0.4), a 50% reduction in habitat area generally results in a species loss of approximately 10–25%. This aligns with one of the provided answer choices.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Species-Area Relationship

The species-area relationship is a fundamental ecological principle that describes how the number of species increases with the area of habitat available. This relationship is often represented graphically, showing that larger areas tend to support more species due to greater habitat diversity and resources. Understanding this concept is crucial for predicting biodiversity loss when habitats are fragmented or reduced.

Habitat Fragmentation

Habitat fragmentation refers to the process where large, continuous habitats are divided into smaller, isolated patches, often due to human activities like urban development or agriculture. This fragmentation can lead to a decline in species populations and biodiversity, as smaller habitats may not support viable populations. Recognizing the impact of habitat size on species survival is essential for conservation efforts.

Generalized Species-Area Curve

The generalized species-area curve is a model that illustrates the expected relationship between habitat area and species richness. It typically shows that as habitat area decreases, the number of species declines, often following a predictable pattern. This curve helps ecologists estimate potential species loss in response to habitat reduction, providing insights into conservation strategies.