The species-area relationship is a fundamental concept in ecology. Remember its standard form ($S = CA^Z$) and its logarithmic form ($\log S = \log C + Z \log A$), and be able to recognize both on a graph. The curve is the standard form; the straight line is the log-log form.
Line 'B' represents \( \log C = \log A + Z \log S \)
Line A represents \( S = CA^Z \)
Line B represents \( \log S = \log Z + C \log A \)
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The Correct Option isC
Solution and Explanation
The graph shows the species-area relationship, which describes how the number of species (S) found in an area (A) increases with the size of that area.
The relationship was described by the naturalist Alexander von Humboldt with the equation:
\[ S = CA^Z \]
where S = Species richness, A = Area, C = Y-intercept, and Z = slope of the line.
When plotted on normal axes, this equation gives a rectangular hyperbola, which is represented by Line A.
When plotted on a log-log scale, the equation becomes linear:
\[ \log S = \log C + Z \log A \]
This linear relationship is represented by Line B.
Option (C) correctly identifies the equation for the curve shown as Line A. The other options misrepresent the equations.
