Question

Fill in the blanks with the most appropriate option.
The values of z lies in the range of _______ regardless of the taxonomic group or the region.

• A. 0.1 to 0.2
• B. 0.3 to 0.8
• C. 0.1 to 1.0
• D. 0.6 to 1.8

Answer 1

Answer: (A)

Alexander Von Humboldt observed that within a region richness increased with increased explored area, but only upto a limit. If a graph is plotted between species richness and area then we get a rectangular hyperbola. ON a log scale, the relationship becomes linear (straight line) and is described by the equation,

log S = log C + Z log A

where, S = species richness, Z = slope of the line (regression coefficient)

A = are and C = y-intercept

The value of Z ranges between 0.1 and 0.2 irrespective of the taxonomic group for a small area. But, if a larger area is taken into account then the slope is steeper and the vale of Z ranges between 0.6 and 1.2.

So the correct option is '0.1 to 0.2'.