A group conducted a survey of two different plots on campus. Both plots had 100 trees in them. Plot 1 had 85 maples, 5 birch, 5 oaks, and 5 pines. Plot 2 had 35 maples, 25 birch, 35 oaks, and 5 pines. Which of the following statements is supported by these data? a. Plot 2 contains a greater evenness of gymnosperms than plot 1 does.

b. Plot 1 most likely has higher primary productivity than plot 2.

c. The species richness of plot 2 is greater than that of plot 1.

d. The species diversity of plot 2 is greater than that of plot 1.

e. Plot 2 is most likely located further south (closer to the equator).

d. The species diversity of plot 2 is greater than that of plot 1.

Explanation:

Species diversity of an area depends on its species richness and species evenness. Species richness is the number of species present in that area. Species evenness measures how evenly these species are distributed.

Here, both plot 1 and plot 2 have same number of species. They both have four species of trees (maple, birch, oak and pine) hence their species richness is same. However plot 1 has 85% maple trees and the rest three species make the remaining 15%. Plot 2 has more even distribution as 35% of trees are maple trees and birch and oak also have similar frequency with 25% and 35% respectively. Hence, plot 2 has more evenness.

Species diversity depends on both richness and evenness. Since plot 1 and 2 have same richness but plot 2 has more evenness, plot 2 has more species diversity than plot 1.