What is the total species diversity across all communities within a geographic area called?

The correct answer is Gamma diversity.

Key Points

• Gamma diversity refers to the total species diversity across all communities within a geographic area.
• It is a measure of overall biodiversity, encompassing multiple ecosystems and habitats.
• Gamma diversity combines both alpha diversity (diversity within a single community) and beta diversity (variation in species between communities).
• It is essential for understanding the biodiversity of a larger scale or region.

Additional Information

• Alpha diversity: Alpha diversity refers to the species diversity within a single community or ecosystem. It measures the number of species in a particular area and is often used to assess local biodiversity.
• Beta diversity: Beta diversity represents the variation in species composition between different communities or ecosystems. It helps to understand how biodiversity changes across habitats and is a measure of species turnover.
• Delta diversity: Delta diversity is not a commonly used term in biodiversity studies but may occasionally refer to differences in diversity between regions or large-scale areas. It is less frequently applied compared to alpha, beta, and gamma diversity.