In this module, we learned that scientists are not able to determine the exact number of species on Earth. Most estimates agree on approximately 10 million species, of which we have identified approximately 2 million. We saw that biodiversity can be quantified in terms of species richness and evenness. Species can be arranged on a phylogenetic tree that illustrates the evolutionary steps that gave rise to current species. In the next module, we will examine how evolution has produced such a large diversity of species.
Module 14 AP® Review Questions
1. How many species are estimated to exist on Earth?
2 million
8 million
10 million
30 million
100 million
2. Two savanna communities both contain 15 plant species. In community A, each of the 15 species is represented by 20 individuals. In community B, 10 of the species are each represented by 12 individuals; the remaining 5 species are each represented by 3 individuals. Which statement best describes the two communities?
Community A has the same biodiversity as community B.
Both communities have the same species evenness.
Community B has a higher species richness.
Community A has a higher species evenness.
Community B has a lower species richness.
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3. Phylogeny is
the number of evolutionarily related species in an ecosystem.
the study of morphological traits.
the branching pattern of evolutionary relationships.
the process of evolution that creates new species.
the genetic biodiversity of a species.
4. Which of the following is used to calculate Shannon’s index of diversity?
The proportion of individuals in each species
The total number of species
The number of individuals in each species
I only
I and II only
II only
II and III only
I, II, and III