Question

Gaston, k. J., species richness: measure and measurement. In biodiversity, a biology of numbers and difference (ed. Gaston, k. J.), blackwell

Answer 1

Biodiversity is a measure that combines richness and evenness across species. It is often measured because high biodiversity is perceived a synonymous with ecosystem health. Diverse communities are believed to have increased stability, increased productivity, and resistance to invasion and other disturbances.