numerical: species richness

Question

In a survey of a forest patch, 240 individual plants were recorded belonging to 60 distinct species. What is the average number of individuals per species?

RankGuru · Accepted Answer

1. **Define Average**: In ecology, the average abundance is the total count of organisms divided by the total number of species observed.
2. **Calculation**: 
   - $Total \ Individuals = 240$.
   - $Number \ of \ Species = 60$.
   - $Average = \frac{240}{60} = \mathbf{4}$.
3. **Interpretation**: On average, each species in that patch is represented by 4 individuals.

Rank Guru

numerical: species richness

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