Question

Consider the idea that habitat heterogeneity or complexity is positively correlated with

biodiversity. If this hypothesis is true, how would you expect the α-diversity of fishes to

compare between two hypothetical sites in the ocean? The two sites share the same

depth, latitude, temperature, and total primary production, but Site A is a coral reef and

Site B has simple topography, with algae growing on the level sea floor

Answer 1

The statement is really true. The major concern on heterogeneity in nature provides a vast option for species diversification and improved biodiversity. In case of fishes growing in same ocean habitat but the thing here that helps them in diversification and growth is that they doesn't share the niche instead lies in different area with one type of fish growing in area with corals and others in area containing algae. Here the environmental gradient, resources type and utilisation etc are different thus the competition will not exist between them and will increase the diversity allowing each to co exist.