Accurate analysis of an ecosystem's biodiversity requires a detailed classification of organisms.
The green sea turtle is given the binomial name Chelonia mydas.
Which of the following species is most closely related to Chelonia mydas?
Explain why Chelonia mydas and the dandelion, Taraxacum officinale, are classified in the same domain but in different kingdoms.
A marine biologist sampled the species present in two different coastal lagoons containing Chelonia mydas. The results of the sampling are shown in the table below:
| Species | Number of individuals in Lagoon X | Number of individuals in Lagoon Y |
|---|---|---|
| C. mydas (Green sea turtle) | 25 | 15 |
| Z. marina (Eelgrass) | 35 | 45 |
| C. maenas (Green crab) | 15 | 10 |
| A. marina (Lugworm) | 10 | 5 |
| M. edulis (Blue mussel) | 15 | 25 |
Using Simpson's Index of Diversity, the biologist calculated the biodiversity (DDD) of Lagoon X as 0.76.
Use the formula below to calculate the biodiversity of Lagoon Y. Show your working.
D=1−∑(nN)2 D = 1 - \sum \left( \frac{n}{N} \right)^2 D=1−∑(Nn)2State which lagoon, X or Y, has the greater biodiversity.
Lagoon Y was situated beside a newly formed volcanic island with a coastal bay and showed evidence of ecological succession.
State the collective name of the animal and plant populations that are present at the end of primary succession.
Suggest how the biologist could achieve the following during their investigation:
The biologist also measured primary production in both the salt marsh (terrestrial) and lagoon (aquatic) habitats. Suggest the appropriate units the biologist should use to measure primary production in these two habitats: