In: Biology
Consider α-diversity, β-diversity, and γ-diversity. (That is, alpha-diversity, beta-diversity, and gamma-diversity.) Over time, is habitat fragmentation likely to increase or decrease each of these types of diversity within a landscape? Briefly explain your reasoning.
α-diversity is the local site richness.
γ-diversity is the overall richness of the region.
β-diversity is the difference in diversity between sites in the region.
Consider a landscape with 4 species a,b,c and d. After the fragmentation a and b were trapped in one side and c trapped in opposite and d lost its life.
α-diversity is the local site richness. So before the fragmentation the richness was 4 but after fragmentation site 1 consists 2 species and site 2, it is 1, α-diversity reduced. Due to fragmentation α-diversity decreases.
γ-diversity is the overall richness of the region. Before the fragmentation γ-diversity was 4 and after fragmentation it is changed to 3. Fragmentation leads to the complete destruction of some species. Most of the species living in deep forest fails to survive in fragmented region due to edge effect. So γ-diversity also decreases after fragmentation.
Before fragmentation
β-diversity = 4/4 =1
After fragmentation
β-diversity = 3/2 = 1.5
So β-diversity increases after fragmentation.