CAIE A-Level Biology A2 18.2.6 Simpsons Index of Diversity D Questions

Practise choosing Simpson's index and interpreting its biological meaning. Higher values indicate greater diversity or evenness, while comparisons can reveal treatment or habitat effects. Numerical formula work is reconciled to the dedicated formula-reference node.

Exam points

Choose Simpson's index of diversity to estimate species diversity from the numbers and relative abundance of different species in a sample.
Interpret values nearer 1 as greater species diversity or evenness, compare habitats or treatments from their D values, and distinguish diversity from total abundance where required.

[Maximum number: 1]

Bears are several species of mammal in the family Ursidae.
Climate change and loss of habitats due to human activity have reduced the size of some bear populations in recent years.

The scientists calculated a D value of 0.833 for the undisturbed population.

Explain what is shown by the difference in the D values between the two populations of bear.

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CAIE A-Level Biology A2 18.2.6 Simpsons Index of Diversity D Questions question 1