species abundance

Species abundance refers to the number of individuals of a particular species in a given area compared to the total number of individuals from all species. It helps ecologists understand how common or rare a species is within an ecosystem. High species abundance indicates that a species is thriving, while low abundance can signal potential issues, such as habitat loss or environmental stress. By studying species abundance, scientists can assess biodiversity, ecosystem health, and the impact of changes in the environment, thus aiding in conservation efforts and understanding ecological dynamics.