Biodiversity is a multi-dimensional concept, capturing the variety of life at different scales. Ecologists use specific terms to describe diversity within a single area, between areas, and across broad landscapes. When we observe how species diversity changes as we move from one geographical region to its neighboring region, we are describing a phenomenon known as beta diversity.

What Is Beta Diversity?

Beta diversity measures the change or turnover in species composition between different habitats, ecosystems, or geographical regions. It quantifies how distinct one community is from another in terms of species present, making it a key metric for understanding spatial patterns in biodiversity123678.

• Alpha diversity refers to species diversity within a particular area or ecosystem.

• Gamma diversity is the total species diversity across a large region or landscape.

• Beta diversity bridges the two, reflecting the differences in species composition as you move from one area to another.

Why Is Beta Diversity Important?

• Species Turnover: Beta diversity captures the rate at which species are replaced or change along environmental gradients or between neighboring regions.

• Ecosystem Comparison: It allows ecologists to compare the uniqueness or similarity of different habitats, which is crucial for conservation planning and ecosystem management.

• Landscape-Level Insights: High beta diversity means neighboring regions have very different species, while low beta diversity indicates similar communities.

Example in Practice

If you walk from a forest into a grassland and notice that the species of plants and animals change significantly, you are witnessing high beta diversity. If the species remain largely the same, beta diversity is low.

The Correct Term for Changing Diversity Across Regions

Given the options:

1. α-Diversity

2. β-Diversity

3. γ-Diversity

4. δ-Diversity

The correct answer is:

(2) β-Diversity

Beta diversity specifically describes the change in species diversity as you move from one geographical region to the next neighboring region123678.

Conclusion

As we move from one geographical region to a neighboring region, the change in species diversity is termed beta diversity. This concept is essential for understanding how species are distributed across landscapes and for making informed decisions in conservation and land management.

Correct answer:
(2) β-Diversity